Writing Prompts: St. Patrick's Day Limericks

Strikes Don't Matter by Denise Patrick Reviewed by Coffeetime Romance
I am thoroughly impressed with Ms. Patrick’s writing style... Krista, Coffeetime Romance. Read this 4 Cup Review HERE.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Margaret Callaghan

An Irishman living in Spain
Went walking one day on the plain.
He came to a river
And crossed in a dither
And never was heard of again.


JoAnn Carter

St. Patrick went to Ireland in the 5th century to proclaim…

There is no greater joy my dear friend,
then to know Jesus whom God ever sends.
To live in our hearts,
He never will part.
Praise God, He’ll be with me to the end!


Robin Bayne

St Paddy’s is a day of great joy,
Did you know he was once a real boy?
He cared for us all,
The weak and the small,
Now his day we can all enjoy.


Cindy K. Green

There once was a lass name Kathleen
Who was fresh as a rose at eighteen
She met a nice lad; who was of the name of Chad
And they lived happily ever after in a house of sage green


Gina Hartoog

There once was an Irish gent
Who lived in a striking green tent
Then on St. Patrick’s Day
The wind came up and blew it away


Josh Lockwood

There was an old man from Claddagh
Had a tryst with the sheriff’s dear Ma.
He ran out of the town
With his trousers still down,
Just one hop ahead of the law.


Judy Huston

It’s snake-free in Ireland, they say
‘Cause when my forebears set sail one fine day,
St Pat gave ‘em a bin
Reptile-packed to the brim
And said, “Take the darlin’s Down Under to stay!”


Judy Jarvie

There once was a man called O’Malley
So in love with a woman called Sally
That he went half insane
When he just heard her name
And a glimpse of her sent him Doolally!


Grace Tyler

There was an old man from Nantucket
Who kept all his balls in a bucket.
On the fairway he’d play.
At the end of the day
Poor man was too tired to duck it.


Meg Allison

There once was a lovely Colleen,
Who thought all of life she had seen,
She traveled to Galway; O’Brien had his way,
Soon she found out what living did mean.


Sherry (Shara) Jones

From a leprechaun a country girl won a charm.
She looked around her place in alarm.
She gave the clover a kiss,
Made a magical wish,
And suddenly Handsome Dan appeared on her farm.


Laura Hamby

There once was a man in green
Upon his hat he wore a bean
For luck, so he said
This bean on his head
And his grin was wide and serene


Angie Martin

In Ireland there once was a guy with a stick
who had a very neat trick.
He banned all the snakes
from the land and the lakes,
that’s why they call him SAINT Patrick

Name That Author

We've had two months of "Name That Title" so it's a refreshing change of pace today that we have hints for "Name That Author"! Good luck.

1. I'm busy with a number of things, including homeschooling my daughter.
2. One of my titles is A Nice Cup of Tea.
3. I've appeared in each and every spooky anthology: 2005, 2006, 2007.
4. One of my heroines is named Veronica Lowe.
5. I opened Moonlit Romance in 2006.

Who am I?

Moonlit Romance in the Spotlight: *Taking the Leap* by Judy Jarvie

Practice nurse Anya Fraser’s adopted son is at the centre of her life.  But when her new senior partner, Dr Max Calder arrives at work, distracting her in too many ways, suddenly her anti-relationship mantra isn’t working. Max volunteers to help her succeed at the charity parachute jump she’s so terrified of and attraction simmers from the off. Taking a leap of faith has never proved so scary nor so attractive –- how will they cope with the challenge of working together and taking to the skies? And resisting a future their pasts taught them to avoid?

Taking the Leap by Judy Jarvie

Next day Max strode through Cala Muir reception in pale khaki aviator overalls that were so sinfully sexy they should have carried a censorship warning and encryption against susceptible female attention. From head to foot he represented every woman’s private Topgun fantasy. Or Anya’s anyway. She gulped.

Even in unflattering utility wear the guy was super hot.

Could she be losing her wits lately? All she had on the brain when it came to Max nowadays was lustful thoughts. All too easily her thoughts slipped to wondering what it would be like to open up all those press stud fastenings and zippers and slip her hands inside. To wonder what lurked beneath? Boxer shorts? Or gulp, count to three and keep calm, less than the above? Daredevil Doc. Commando. She recognised the now familiar striking way her pulse bobbed when his eyes met hers.

“Ready for adventure?” he teased. “Hey where’s your suit? Not chicken are you?”

She faltered.

“Er, I’m running late. Do we all have to wear those?”

He nodded sagely. “Oh yes. No half measures when Katie’s in charge.”

In spite of the comic overtones of his words, his hot look told her she needed to baton down her susceptibility force-field. She’d have to try her best to keep him at arms’ length if she were to stay level headed.

“All ready for my close up, Mr. De Mille!” He feigned a thespian tone. “How do you want me?”

Dressed like that, the epitome of her every bad boy fantasy? She could name a good dozen positions. All of them indecent, flagrant and raunchy.

Purchase Taking the Leap by Judy Jarvie at Moonlit Romance, the 2007 catalog.

Moonlit Romance's March Backlist Spotlight...

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
In the Backlist Spotlight this month for Moonlit Romance, Taking the Leap by Judy Jarvie.

Judy Jarvie's Bio
After doing jobs that ranged from newspaper editorial assistant, press cuttings night-worker to university marketing executive Judy Jarvie moved from London back to Scotland and the writing dream took firm root.

She wrote her first novel (a flailing attempt) in 2001 and has been writing ever since (hopefully getting a smidge better with each try).

Judy lives in Fife, Scotland with her golf-obsessed husband and two young daughters. She is passionate about things that matter to her - reading romance, great movies and dramas, better friends, the countryside and regular holiday trips to beautiful UK locations, especially the Scottish highlands. 

‘Taking The Leap’ is Judy’s first novel to be published. It was short-listed for the UK’s Romantic Novelists’ Association Joan Hessayon Award. Judy is a keen Moonlit Romance fan – she considers Moonlit book shopping a wonderful treat.

Visit Judy online.
Join us tomorrow for an excerpt from Judy's wonderful novel, Taking the Leap.

February's Moonlit Romance Release: *Temporary Intrigue* by Judy Huston

Temporary Intrigue by Judy Huston from Moonlit Romance.

*Temporary Intrigue* by Judy Huston

Luckily for Dimity Forbes, it’s not really an issue that she has made a disastrous first impression on Josh Williams. Romance is currently running a poor third on her priority list - or is it?

Luckily for Josh, he can see that this wacky, accident-prone blonde is totally the wrong type for him. Even if it seems that some of those mishaps might not be quite so accidental after all, it’s nothing to do with him, and he’ll take good care to stay away from the temptation she represents. Or will he?

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

He had laughed with her, then his smile faded. Moving forward, he frowned down at her.

“What on earth have you been up to now?”

Almost but not quite touching, the fingers of his right hand traced the bruising down the left side of her face.

“Another stupid accident. A car nearly ran me down on Thursday night.”

Dimity wasn’t quite sure how she found her voice. The electricity seemed to have transferred itself from the air to his fingertips and zapped across the millimetre between those fingers and her skin, setting off a series of pleasurable mini-shockwaves and almost taking away her breath in the process.

He winced, putting his hand on the wall close beside her head, studying her closely.

“Are you okay?”

The lift door slid open onto the short hallway that led to the third floor’s main work area. Waiting, tapping the toe of one shiny black shoe, was Gail. Her expression of impatience changed to indignation when she saw Dimity apparently enjoying an up close and personal with someone, then altered again to surprised recognition.

“Josh!” She held out her hand. “Good to see you. I was at meetings all day Friday, but I heard you looked in.”

“Very briefly.” Josh shook hands, also briefly, Dimity was pleased to see.

“Melissa’s on leave for the next three weeks,” Gail went on. “You can use her office.”

Josh nodded.

“Thanks, she showed me where everything is. I’ll need to borrow one of your support staff occasionally.”

“Unfortunately we’re in a state of flux with staff, but I’ll see if I can find someone - competent - to help you.” Gail shot a toxic look at Dimity who was trying to edge past unnoticed. “I noticed you called in sick on Friday. That must be a record, after only four days work.”

“For someone who was involved in a serious accident only three days ago,” said Josh, stretching the truth without a blush, “I think she’s doing pretty well to front up for work at all.” His tone was mild, but there was a hint of frost around the edges.

Yes! Dimity gave the air a gleeful mental punch. Gail bridled.

“Fortunately her absence didn’t seem to make much difference,” she snapped.

“Really?” Josh’s eyes were alert. “Then if you don’t have much for Dimity to do, I’m sure you won’t mind making her available to help me out for the three weeks.”

Available SOON! From Moonlit Romance!

Intriguing Tidbits

Temporary Intrigue really grew out of two things: one was a wish I had, several years ago, to buy two paintings I saw in a small art gallery in a historic riverside town near the Australian city of Newcastle where Temporary Intrigue is set. I’m no art connoisseur but the paintings, depicting Australian native animals, struck a special chord with me. I went home agonising over the price that I couldn’t afford but very much wanting those paintings on my wall. When I finally decided I would buy them, and hang the expense, I went to the gallery only to find – of course – they had been sold to someone else. They haunted me until I wrote them into Temporary Intrigue.

The other trigger was my mother’s habit of visiting her great aunt once a week, taking me with her when I was a child. While they talked, I retreated to my great aunt’s sunroom where she kept piles of women’s magazines, filled with short, romance fiction stories. I read and read, weeping over the sad parts but always confident of the prospect of a happy ending, a prospect that rarely failed to materialise. I became addicted to romance fiction. One day, I decided, I would write a romance novel of my own . . .

Temporary Intrigue by Judy Huston releases this week at Moonlit Romance.

Moonlit Romance Debut Novels

This month, Moonlit Romance is delighted to present Judy Huston's debut Moonlit novel, Temporary Intrigue. Let's take a look at a couple other debut novels Moonlit Romance has released.


Lady Irina by Josh Lockwood
Irina Petrova, a member of Czarist Russia's royal family, is stuck in Southeast Alaska, and wants to return to the extravagance of the court. Until her father imprisons the one man that captures her heart.
Nathan Hawkins was making a career for himself as a ships’ captain and owner. A foray into Alaska to trade for furs would be the perfect money making expedition. Being captured by the Russians was the least of his worries when he fell in love with Lady Irina.

Can he overcome the difference in their social classes to feel worthy of her? Will she go against the edicts of the Czar to be with him?

Haunted Hearts
by Jessica Raymond
Beth Albright returns to Buckinghamshire country-house Hoblington Grange to perform a paranormal investigation, unaware that her client is Sam Aston-Wilkes, her first love.

The house seems almost alive, and its eerie atmosphere only grows when, during a storm, Sam reveals the heartbreaking truth about why he broke up with Beth. He is determined to protect her by any means, even if he can’t protect himself, yet all she wants to do is solve his problems before the portentous investigation deadline that could cost Sam everything runs out.

Her doubts about whether she can fix the shattered heart of the man she never stopped loving grow as the forces of the Grange, both past and present, close ranks to influence Sam and Beth’s destiny. Will they make it, or will their love be doomed to fail, like those who have gone before them?

These Moonlit titles can be found in the 2006 catalog at the Moonlit Romance website.

Moonlit Romance Release Week: *Temporary Intrigue* by Judy Huston

Judy Huston Biography

After following the path of newspaper journalism for most of her working life, Judy decided to hit the freelance trail a few years ago. Since then she has ghost-written private biographies for people who want to put their life stories into print for their families. She has also had some children’s stories published, as well as articles for literary magazines. Most importantly she has accumulated a library of romance novels, because she enjoys the relaxation of reading them and the challenge of trying to write them.



Judy has two grown up children and an ongoing procession of cats. She lives in the Hunter Region of New South Wales in Australia, not far from the coastal city of Newcastle, which provides the setting for her first romance novel, Temporary Intrigue, published by Moonlit Romance in February 2008.

University Day: Using the 5 Senses in Your Writing

~*~*~*~*~*~

Dayne Gearner's What Happens in Vegas has received a lovely review at eCataromance. Click HERE to read this review for yourself. What Happens in Vegas is available at Moonlit Romance.

~*~*~*~

Congratulations to BARBARA who correctly guessed that yesterday's Name That Title clues referred to Robin Bayne's The Scent of Falling Snow. BARBARA may pick any title in Robin's backlist at By Grace. Just enter Robin's name in the search box and you'll get a list. Email your title of choice and format of choice to laurahambyeditor @ yahoo dot com with "February Name That Title Winner" in the subject line.

~*~*~*~

Using the 5 Senses in Your Writing



Adding the 5 Senses to Your Description is an easy-to-read article that's not so much a "how-to" as it is a list with some good suggestions. Try writing a paragraph, as the UE authors have done, utilizing as many of the 5 senses as possible.

Judy Huston
In another time Kate would have relished their aloneness as they sat together on one of the steep, stone steps leading down to the sand. Once, at such moments, there was never enough time to say all the things they wanted to say to each other; now the only sounds were the strident cries of seagulls mingled with the rhythmic, muffled roar of waves breaking against the shoreline. In that other world, Adrian’s arms would have closed around her, holding her against him, and his strong hand would have tilted her face gently for his kiss. Now, they sat side by side but rigidly apart and only the ocean breeze caressed her body, bringing with it a tang of salt that lingered on her lips. Without thinking she traced the taste with her tongue, trying to savor again those exquisitely salt-flavored kisses - until she saw Adrian watching sardonically.

Susan Atwood
Alex had just plopped down in her favorite spot on the sofa, pulled the fuzzy blue and purple afghan up to her chin and was channel surfing when Dillon dropped a beautiful gold box tied with red ribbon into her lap. She looked up into his twinkling eyes and tugged at the satiny ribbon. Eagerly, she pulled the top off the box and was enveloped in the heady aroma of sweet chocolate. There was the familiar crackle of the fluted paper cup as she lifted a piece from the center of the box and brought it to her lips. The first bite was sinfully rich and sweet and she laughed as the caramel was pulled into a long string before she snagged it with her finger. Dillon leaned down and gave her a kiss that was every bit as sinful and rich and sweet as the confection she’d just tasted. “Happy Valentine’s Day, love,” he whispered.

Sherry (Shara) Jones
The rich aroma of the coffee woke Ansley from a dreamless sleep. Before her eyes could focus on the empty, indented pillow beside her own, Owen’s inimitable tuneless whistle wafted from the kitchen. The comforting sound grew louder as he padded back towards the bedroom with two steaming mugs. The warmth generated from the cup now held in her hand couldn’t match the coffee-warmed kiss he placed on her lips. “Good morning.”


Robin Bayne
Melissa heard the faint strains of music filtering through the room. It soothed her nerves, as did the warm, sweet jasmine tea she sipped. The atmosphere was in sharp contrast to the mad scene Robert had caused last night; his yelling and throwing of a vase had shattered the evening’s peace. Tonight, she planned to approach him again, speaking only in the softest of tones, and touching the back of his hand in a soothing manner. She’d offer him a glass of brandy, knowing the bitter drink would bring his attention to her. Then she’d approach him face to face, and ask if he perhaps today he remembered the color of her eyes.


Nell Dixon
Susie sniffed the air. “Yum, fresh bread.”
She could almost taste the fresh crumbly texture on her tongue and her stomach growled in appreciation. Overhead the fan twirled making a steady rick-rack of noise as it reduced the heat in the stifling bakery.

Denise Patrick
Diane's head whirled. Flashing lights, ringing bells, and a pungent cloud of cigarette smoke left her breathless and nauseated. She rubbed her arms against the chill of the air conditioner as she made her way through the crowd. Through stinging, watery eyes, light from the doorway beckoned her. The glass was cool against her fingertips, the door giving way to her push, and she stepped outside with a heartfelt sigh into a hot Las Vegas afternoon. Grasping the warm iron railing and feeling its heat seep into her blood, she made her way down the stairs and away from the casino.


Laura Hamby
The wind sighed through the trees, eery and musical all the same time. It carried a cool dampness with it as it caressed Nova's bare arms. She turned slowly, almost like she recognized the source of the wind, her eyes narrowed as she scanned the landscape. She worried her lower lip, tasting the tart afterbitey flavor of her lip gloss. Then came the scent she'd been waiting for---a spicy musk, and she knew for certain what the wind meant. She shivered.

Josh Lockwood
She gripped the rough stone railing even tighter and felt the coppery taste of anxiety rise in her throat at the unfamiliar surroundings: boats of all colors floating on their reflections, the voices of men calling each other in languages she couldn’t understand, and the heavy, homey smell of potatoes. The whole thing was overwhelming. Even for her.

Jessica Raymond
Demi stepped off the patio and on to the freshly mown grass. It was soft and spongy between her toes and the organically pure scent of the green blades lightened her mood. The emerald lawn stretched before her, in alternate stripes of darker and lighter. Birds flitted and sang in the trees, and the sunshine was as thick as honey in the air—she could almost taste it.

Gina Hartoog
The light flickered on, briefly, then off again. Janice squinted in the dark and tried to make out familiar shapes in the room. The smell of gasoline filtered up from the street below. Somewhere there’s a window open. She dropped to her knees and carefully began to feel her way through the darkened apartment. After several paces she felt a coolness ripple over her hair. I must be close. Just a few more feet. She flattened her palms against the wall and moved along on, one knee in front of the other. Finally her fingers hit the rough timber of the window frame. Freedom. She pulled herself up to her full height and sucked in the night air. The gasoline smell was stronger now, mixed with fried chicken and fries.


JoAnn Carter
Mike's pulse pounded in his ears. He squeezed his eyes tight and prayed. He was not sure what gagged him more, the stench rising from the pool of stagnant water at his feet, presently penetrating his worn leather shoes, or the foul rag tied securely around his mount, reeking of greased and turpentine. Perspiration dripped from Mike’s brow. The cold metal of the gun’s point rested against his forehead while his captor’s oppressive breath brushed his ear. The deep voice behind him goaded, “You’re not wanted here, Dig Boy. Now it’s my turn to dig…your grave.” The voice sounded frosty, brutal, and all too clear.

Judy Jarvie
The smooth aged leather bag made a snapping noise when opened. Rosa examined the rusted sticky hinge then sniffed; old lavender and mothballs. Wrinkling her nose she peeked inside its faded purple silken interior. She fingered the tiny glass bottle she found there. ‘Taste Me!’ invited its faded script.

MG Braden
Shivering, Janie huddled closer to the brick. It wasn’t as if it was going to maker her any warmer, but at least it kept her under the lip of the overhang. Out of the rain. The clouds, ominous and dark, seemed to bang together in a clap of thunder, right before they let loose their downpour. Lifting her Starbucks Carmel Machiatto to her mouth, she first inhaled it’s heady scent. Mmmm. Then, slowly, savouring, she sipped. If nothing else, she hoped this would keep her warm while she waited for the bus.

UE E-Mag Free Short Online Read: *Heart to Heart* by Judy Jarvie

Heart To Heart
by Judy Jarvie

“MISTAKE!”

I’m screaming in my head. Because being here is one.

“Is everything acceptable for Madam?” Sergio enquires.

He’s the waiter. He’s just led me over to a table with the biggest foil, heart-shaped helium balloon this side of Las Vegas. And my heart has dived like an Olympic swimmer in the front crawl of despair.

I look at Sergio. It’s Valentine's night and this is the best Spanish restaurant in town. What else did I expect? Understated seclusion?

“Senora?” he repeats, his face mirroring my confusion. “A drink while you are waiting?”

Right now I’d be happy if he brought me several cases of anything. Then I rethink and make it a mineral water. I need all my brain cells intact tonight.

Little does Sergio realise the raging mess I am inside, covered up by the cream suit. The suit, like the idea of coming here on Valentine's night, was not my finest hour.

Sergio wields the ‘Tapas Fiesta’ menus. “Perhaps Madam wishes for a different table?” He must have seen my face fall at the awfulness of his table décor. Even the napkins are foil and heart embellished.

I’m about to have our biggest heart-to-heart in years but I’ve picked the most ludicrous setting possible. Sweetheart hell.

“It’s fine.”

Moments later I’m by the window, watching the milling traffic as thoughts crowd in.
Why have I been burying my head in the sand?

Then a strange tinkling sound draws my attention. It’s my mobile phone’s muffled tune inside my bag.

“Hello?”

“Where’s my velvet top. You ironed it didn’t you, Mum?” It’s my daughter, Becky, clearly involved in affairs of high fashion pre-date.

I sigh at the familiarity of the scene. Same old Mum duties. I often wonder if I should be buried with my turbo steam jet iron beside me. A token of my long-service to neat laundry.

“When did I ever not conquer the towering Kilimanjaro of the Hamilton family ironing? Have crumpled clothes ever messed with your social life before?”

“So it’s ironed?”

“In the drawer. Have you checked?”

“Why do you think I’m calling?” Her snort of disdain could not be more derisory if it had just sat a derision Masters course.

We often talk to each other in questions. It’s a long established Mother-Daughter communication ritual. It minimises superfluous exchanges on the route to motherly bestowed enlightenment.

“I just can’t find it, Mum!” I can hear from the tremor in her voice that this is a catastrophe of world-congress proportions. Heaven help us if I hadn’t ironed her purple top at all!

I know how she feels. The panic is zooming around inside me too. At least I can sort out Becky’s problems with just a burst of steam.

“Check Ryan’s closet just in case.”

Sometimes being a Mum is like being a natural CEO without the salary or plaudits. “Thanks, Mum”

“Bye, Becky. Have a nice night love.” She rings off with haste.

Just then Joe comes through the door and his face says it all. Why the dickens are we here?

That’s the great thing about twenty years of marriage; expressions become transparent. He regroups before kissing me on the cheek.

“What’s an amazing woman like you doing here?” he asks. “Isn’t this all a bit neon?”

“I needed to talk. In private.”

****

“For a minute I thought you’d booked here because you’d picked a timeshare apartment.” Joe says.

I look at him blankly.

“It’s a Spanish restaurant, Jen. The brochures I got you were for Spain. So did you take a look?”

“Not exactly.”

Somehow, I’d hoped we were gaining neutral territory as opposed to clearing the way to discuss his ‘toy project’.

“I’ve had other things on my mind.”

Since Monday. Since lunchtime at work when I picked up a test. Of course, I never imagined it could be positive. Ever. I’d thought we’d jumped off the procreational merry-go-round long ago – fifteen years ago to be exact. But since then, my mind never deviated from the topic.

How could this be? How have we gone and done this all over again without trying?

“Shame. There’s some fantastic places. I fancy mainland Spain. Alan, at work, has a villa in Barcelona.”

“I really don’t care.” I say more loudly than I intended. The couples at the next three adjoining tables look up.

“Jen?” Joe whispers.

Sergio is watching us now. His Happy Valentine's heart badge is flashing as wildly as my pulse. But he doesn’t’ realise this isn’t just ‘a cosy Valentine's meal for two’. It’s a meal for three. With a third member neither of us saw coming.
Joe is staring at me hard now.

Will I even be able to cut it as a Mum twenty years on? The sleepless nights…the nappies/feeding/weaning/teething? We were supposed to be reaping the rewards of our younger days of sufferance – getting a place in Spain. Enjoying life…

“What’s eating you, Jen?”

I hold onto the edge of the tablecloth. “I did a test. We’re pregnant. And I know we did all that – having family years ago. But it’s happening.”

Joe sits back. No doubt reeling from the personal realisation that time-share won’t be a future option ever. It’ll be story-time and nursery days.

“A little kid – after so many years of trying and nothing? When we’d given up?”

I feel the moisture on my cheek, but I just can’t help it. “Ten years trying…crazy huh? You don’t mind?”

I touch my slightly swollen tummy, signalling my gratitude to the tiny new life there. Our miracle.

Joe takes my other hand. “It’s amazing news – unexpected – but wonderful. You’re a phenomenal mum. At twenty you were great. At forty you’ll be fantastic.”

And that’s why I love him. He’s my amazing man. The one I’ve underestimated because of crazy self-doubting misgivings.

“I’m overjoyed, Jen. We’re having our baby!” He passes me the ‘Hug Me Slowly’ balloon with a smile. “Who needs timeshare anyway?”

***
Judy Jarvie writes for Moonlit Romance. You can find her novel, Taking the Leap, in the 2007 catalog at the Moonlit Romance website.

Moonlit Romance in the Spotlight: *Fall in Love*Anthology...Excerpts

September Song by Nell Dixon

Erin came to New Bay on her year out from college, keen to experience the lifestyle of a vibrant seaside town famous for its surf and its surfers. Attractive and fun-loving, Erin doesn’t expect to be left with a very expensive spare ticket to the hottest concert in town.

Her boss Kelly’s solution is to recruit Dan to take the ticket off Erin’s hands and to escort her to the concert. Ex-champion surfer Dan soon accepts the offer. But why would Erin want to go on an enforced date with the geekiest looking guy in New Bay? And why doesn’t Dan surf?

Here’s a taster from September Song – © Nell Dixon 2006 from the Fall in Love anthology available from Moonlit Romance and Fictionwise.

As they rounded the cliff base, the rocky strand petered out and they entered the next bay. Dan called the kids together and they sat down as a group on the dry sand, shielded from the breeze, and had a drink from the sports bottles they all carried in their backpacks. Erin snuggled close to Dan, enjoying the feel of his body next to her and the gentle warmth of the autumnal sun on her face.

She took a long drink from her bottle and gazed along the golden curve of the bay. Unlike the beach at New Bay where there were always a few people out walking, the sands here were deserted all except for one lone surfer. The familiar figure in a black wetsuit rode the waves on a board further down the beach.

‘It looks as if Brad’s out practising early today. He doesn’t usually use this bay.’ Erin watched as Brad rode the surf onto the sand.

‘It’d be better if he had someone with him. The currents are treacherous in this part of the bay and it’s easy to get caught out.’

Erin felt Dan shift his position, moving his arm as if uncomfortable.

‘Brad’s an experienced surfer.’ She popped her bottle back in her backpack.

‘Even so, it’s still risky to be surfing alone on this part of the beach.’

She looked at Dan in surprise, he sounded unusually vehement. He called the teenagers and they set off again across the beach.

‘We need to round the next headland before the tide turns to make it to the rendezvous.’ Dan consulted his watch and looked at the tide timetable he had in his pocket. ‘Brad needs to finish up his practice soon. The currents will start to sweep in with an undertow in the next half an hour.’

Erin glanced over at Brad, belly down on his board as he waited for the waves. ‘You sound as if you know a lot about the sea. I didn’t know you surfed.’

‘I don’t.’

The Little Shop of Dreams by Jessica Raymond

Tess Worthington has finally achieved her dream of opening a gift shop in an Oxford shopping centre despite emotional struggles and debts, so when the handsome stranger she’s noticed around the mall asks her out, her happiness seems complete. Property consultant Mack Brady falls hard for Tess the more time they spend together, and after a magical Halloween celebration, he just knows she’s The One. But when the property deal Mack is brokering at the mall turns sour, Tess fears that not only has the man she’s just fallen in love with broken her heart, but he might also have taken her dreams—Little Shop and all.

The Little Shop of Dreams(c) Jessica Raymond, 2006

Tess didn’t realize how long she and Mack had been talking until she tried to take another sip of tea and found only cold dregs in her mug.

“I should let you go. We might get snowed in if we stay too late,” he said.

Tess followed his gaze out the window and saw that a coating of snow now lay across the ground. It glistened like whipped cream topped with diamonds, and she mused to herself that being snowed in with Mack was probably something she’d very much like to try and handle.

At the door, Mack took Tess’s jacket from the rack and held it out for her. She savoured the feel of his warm fingertips brushing her neck as he lifted her hair away from her collar. He gently looped her scarf around her neck when she turned, and all the while, his eyes never left hers. Tremulous warmth moved through her.

“Well, thank—”

“I’m really—”

They both laughed as their words met in the cold air outside the café. A new snow had just started to fall, the tiny flakes bright against the late-night darkness.

“You first,” she said, and began to rub her bare hands together for warmth. A gasp escaped her lips when Mack covered her hands with his and began to massage them with slow, assured movements.

“Do you have far to go?” he asked.

“No, my flat’s ten minutes away by bus.” Suddenly, she wondered if he was going to kiss her. Could she even remember how to do it? She hadn’t kissed anybody since… well, she’d rather not think about it. She would much rather be able to say that the last person she’d kissed was Mack Brady if somebody were to ask her tomorrow.

“Bus?” Mack repeated. “I think I’d feel better if you took a taxi straight home in this weather.”

“It’s all right. The stop’s only a ten minute walk away and—”

But he had already dropped one hand from Tess’s fingers and hailed a passing taxi. He quickly passed money to the driver and then turned back to her.

“Now it’s my turn to say ‘no arguments’. I’m paying.”

Tess smiled at his noble gesture. “Thank you, that’s very kind. I… had a nice evening.”

Mack’s eyes linked with hers as if on some private connection. “So did I. I’d love to see you again, Tess.”

Elation rushed through her, warm and newfound. “I’d love to see you, too.” She drank in the sight of his strong, kind face; his solid, protective shoulders; his large, capable hands. “In fact…” She trailed off and bit her lip. Was she really about to do this?

Purchase the Fall in Love anthology at Moonlit Romance... 2006 catalog.
 

Moonlit Romance in the Spotlight: *Fall in Love* Anthology

~*~*~

Meet two of the authors included in Moonlit Romance's Fall in Love anthology, Nell Dixon and Jessica Raymond. Stay tuned for excerpts tomorrow!

Nell Dixon

I’m Nell, and I was born and continue to live in a small area of the UK known as the Black Country. Happily married to the same man for over twenty years, we have three beautiful daughters, a tank of tropical fish and a cactus called Spike. During the day I work full-time as a health visitor in my local community.

In my spare time I enjoy travelling with my family in our touring caravan and exploring the countryside. I have a passion for cathedral architecture and historic buildings. I also enjoy walking, gardening and art.

Ever since I can remember I’ve loved stories and books, both reading and writing them. My first poem was published by a local paper when I was thirteen, since then I’ve had several poems published and was first runner up a few years ago in a national short story competition. I’ve also had several articles published in professional journals.

Writing romance remains my first love and I write the kinds of stories that I love to read. My publishers to date include: Little Black Dress, Samhain, Moonlit Romance, By Grace, D C Thompson, and Linford Romance. I am also proud to say I won The RNA’s Romance Prize 2007 with my book Marrying Max.

Visit my website at http://www.nelldixon.com to read excerpts from all my books.

September Song – Fall in Love anthology

Jessica Raymond

Jessica Raymond lives in the leafy Home Counties of England with her fiance, their baby son, and a Jack Russell terrier called Popple. She’s been published three times with Moonlit Romance: her titles include the autumnal Oxford-set romance novella The Little Shop of Dreams in Fall in Love: An Anthology (Sep 2006), her debut full-length novel, Haunted Hearts, a spooky romance set around a haunted English country house (Oct 2006), and One Shore Thing, a romantic novella set in a Cornish beachside town, which appears in A Taste of Summer (May 2007). Jessica is a self-employed freelance proofreader and her hobbies include reading, shopping, gossiping with friends, watching movies, and enjoying her garden. You can visit her website at http://www.jessica-raymond.com and read her blog at http://jessicaraymond.blogspot.com.

The Little Shop of Dreams - Fall in Love anthology

Braggin' On Our Authors...

~*~*~*~*~*~~*~
Love's Blessings by MG Braden is up for best Inspirational ebook at Ecataromance. This novel is available from By Grace.

A Taste of Summer by Nell Dixon and Jessica Raymond is up for best contemporary romance at Ecataromance. This novel is available from Moonlit Romance.

Congratulations to our authors. We're so proud of you!

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Coming up for February: From Moonlit Romance, Temporary Intrigue by Judy Huston. From By Grace, Romance is in the Air, a short and sweet anthology starring 4 surprise authors!

Submitting to By Grace and Moonlit Romance

~*~*~
Kathy's Review Corner has reviewed By Grace's Winter Wonders anthology. Click on each authors' name to read their reviews!

Meg Allison
Cindy K. Green
Muncy Chapman
JoAnn Carter
~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Submissions

Please note: while Moonlit Romance's submitting guidelines are posted here, Moonlit is currently closed to submissions. Submissions will be reopened late Spring, early Summer of 2008. We invite you to familiarize yourself with our guidelines, read our Tips for a Successful Submission, and be ready to wow our socks of when we reopen!

Moonlit Romance's Guidelines

We are looking for contemporary AND historical romantic fiction.
Sensuality levels should fall between PG and soft R for our regular lines.
There will be three divisions for length, ranging from 5,000 to 60,000 words.

Paranormal, and time travel will be welcomed under a yet to be named imprint.
Heterosexual, monogamous couples only please.

Also seeking hard R stories for our new Moonlit Madness line.

NO multiple submissions. This means submitting the same manuscript to multiple publishers.

Please visit our guidelines page for sensuality levels and word count.

By Grace's Guidelines

As of January 25, 2008

Novellas with a bridal theme for our annual Brides and Bouquets anthology.
Slightly paranormal novellas for our annual paranormal anthology.
Well written G-rated romance.

What we do not want:

Stories that anthropomorphize God, or His angels.
Foul language. If you are unsure, be safe, and do not use the word.
Heroes that do not respect women. This includes stories in which the hero is redeemed.
Graphic violence.
Incomplete manuscripts. We have been known to request a full from a partial in one week.
Divorce that is not for Biblical reasons.

Please visit our guidelines page for specific guidelines.

Tips for a Successful Submission

1. Please check our submissions guidelines and follow them. It is apparent very quickly that guidelines weren't checked or the author simply doesn't care enough to respect our guidelines.
By Grace Publishing Submission Guidelines
Moonlit Romance Submission Guidelines

2. Please be sure that you put which house you're subbing to in the subject line of your email, as submissions for both By Grace and Moonlit Romance go to the same inbox. The *perfect* subject line includes the House: "Query": "Title". An example of the *perfect* subject line: "Moonlit Romance: Query: Hunk-a Hunk-a Burnin' Love."

3. We publish romantic fiction. We are not interested in fan fiction, poetry, non-fiction or anything else that doesn't meet our guidelines.

4. Please no simultaneous submissions.

5. Familiarize yourself with By Grace Publishing and Moonlit Romance--- the types of novels we release, our authors, our readers' loops, our authors' blog, our MySpace site.
By Grace's Readers' Loop
Moonlit Romance's Readers' Loop
Unique Enterprises MySpace
By Grace Website
Moonlit Romance Website

6. A well-written, professional query letter goes a long way to ensuring an editor is interested enough to look at your chapters. In the same vein, to keep the editor reading your chapters, submit your best work. Take the time to run the spell check and the grammar check. Take the time to pay attention to the "little" details. Do your research if you're submitting an historical, and clearly state the year your novel is set in your query. These details can be the difference between a request or a rejection.

7. Please allow us time to read your submission before you email asking for the status of your submission or emailing to ask if we received your submission. We're sorry, it's not possible for us to acknowledge the receipt of every submission received. We're currently running a 3-6 month response time, some times a little longer, sometimes a little shorter.

We're looking forward to reading YOUR fantastic submission. Go ahead. Knock our socks off!

Dangerous to Know by Nell Dixon...Available From Moonlit Romance

Dangerous to Know by Nell Dixon... Available today from Moonlit Romance.

Dangerous to Know by Nell Dixon

Jerome Mayer is tall, dark and dangerous to know. Normally, Gemma would run a mile but with a freshly broken heart maybe it's time for this good girl to take a walk on the wild side. However the danger to them both turns out to be more than just emotional when someone objects to their attempts to uncover a corrupt land deal.

Dangerous to Know
by Nell Dixon

Nathalie’s words about her elder brother, Jerome, resonated in Gemma’s mind.
"Strawberries taste better when they’re dipped in chocolate." Jerome suggested and dangled one near her mouth.

Gemma licked her lips, a gesture that was purely automatic. It felt very warm inside Nathalie’s sitting room and she struggled to draw enough air into her lungs.

Why had she decided the best way to get over being dumped yet again was to boost her confidence by flirting with Jerome? The corners of his deep blue eyes crinkled and she knew he found her naïve attempts at flirtation amusing.

Gemma leaned forward and took the fruit from his fingers with her teeth. She chewed and swallowed as Jerome’s pupils darkened in the soft light from a nearby lamp.

"You’re right. The chocolate makes all the difference." Even to her own ears her voice sounded husky.

He smiled, and her heart skipped a beat. "Well, there’s more chocolate if you want some." His fingertips were coated in melted chocolate from the fountain that stood in the centre of the platter of fresh fruit.

His words held the unmistakable note of challenge. Gemma sucked in air. This was not a good idea. She was in too deep. She tried not to stare at his fingers or imagine the taste of his skin. Phew, she felt hot…

© Nell Dixon 2007

From Nell Dixon's Desk...

It was fun revisiting characters from The Cinderella Substitute and Be My Hero. Polly, the cute little girl from Be My Hero, makes a guest appearance and we catch up with Nate and Jenni as well as seeing how Evan and Nathalie are doing. Gemma, the heroine in Dangerous to Know appears in Be My Hero as Nathalie’s assistant. Her romance with the older bad boy of the Mayer family is quite a ride.

I had to do a lot of research for the book as it’s set in the UK’s Lake District and although it’s pure fiction I had to make sure that all the facts about protected land were accurate. I also visited quite a few wildlife parks which gave me a great excuse to see one of my favorite animals - otters.

Visit Nell Dixon Online.
Purchase Nell's books at Moonlit Romance.

Nell Dixon's Backlist

The Cinderella Substitute

In the two years since the tragic car crash that killed his fiancée, Nathanial (Nate) Mayer has successfully avoided another relationship. His family and especially his twin sister Nathalie are worried.

Jennifer (Jenni) Blake is Nate’s personal assistant. Hired after the accident, she has had her own problems to deal with, including the deaths of her adoptive parents and the debts incurred by their nursing care. But those difficulties pale into insignificance when Jenni finally traces her birth mother...

Be My Hero

Nathalie Mayer is thirty-four. On the surface she is an attractive, happy, single, successful woman running her own bridal business. Despite her line of work and her obvious delight in other people’s weddings, including that of her twin brother, Nate. Nathalie has always declared that a settled relationship is not for her. There has only ever been one man whom Nathalie felt she could love.

Evan Davies is back in town after a six year absence. Last time he was here, he and Nathalie had tentatively begun to take their friendship to a different level. Now he’s home again and has the reason for his sudden departure from six years ago with him - his daughter, Polly.

Fall in Love

September Song by Nell Dixon

Erin came to New Bay on her year out from college, keen to experience the lifestyle of a vibrant seaside town famous for its surf and its surfers. Attractive and fun-loving, Erin doesn’t expect to be left with a very expensive spare ticket to the hottest concert in town.
Her boss Kelly’s solution is to recruit Dan to take the ticket off Erin’s hands and to escort her to the concert. Ex-champion surfer Dan soon accepts the offer. But why would Erin want to go on an enforced date with the geekiest looking guy in New Bay? And why doesn’t Dan surf?

A Taste of Summer

Making Waves by Nell Dixon

Cassidy Jones needs a holiday and her friend, Tammy’s cottage in New Bay sounds perfect. The beach could heal the bruises from losing her job and her fiancé.
Josh Parker is also looking forward to a much needed break after eighteen months of non-stop work. His friend Tammy’s cottage would be just right for some time alone. Or would it...

Purchase these wonderful novels and anthologies at Moonlit Romance!

The Spotlight is on Moonlit Romance Releasing Author ~ Nell Dixon!

I’m Nell, and I was born and continue to live in a small area of the UK known as the Black Country. Happily married to the same man for over twenty years, we have three beautiful daughters, a tank of tropical fish and a cactus called Spike. During the day I work full-time as a health visitor in my local community.

In my spare time I enjoy travelling with my family in our touring caravan and exploring the countryside. I have a passion for cathedral architecture and historic buildings. I also enjoy walking, gardening and art.

Ever since I can remember I’ve loved stories and books, both reading and writing them. My first poem was published by a local paper when I was thirteen, since then I’ve had several poems published and was first runner up a few years ago in a national short story competition. I’ve also had several articles published in professional journals.

Writing romance remains my first love and I write the kinds of stories that I love to read. My publishers to date include: Little Black Dress, Samhain, Moonlit Romance, By Grace, D C Thompson, and Linford Romance. I am also proud to say I won The RNA’s Romance Prize 2007 with my book Marrying Max.

Visit my website at http://www.nelldixon.com to read excerpts from all my books