Wednesday Wonders: ONCE IN A WHILE

The author's parents

This Wednesday my guest author is Linda Ellen whose writing demonstrates that sometimes the best romance stories are based on real life.

2014 Lyra Independent Fiction Contest Romance Category Winner!​

     In the tradition of The Notebook comes...

Once in a While.
      Victor Matthews is a down on his luck young man, frustrated with his life and his inability to find gainful employment.
      Louise Hoskins is a young woman content in her life with her family and friends. Her biggest concern is her upcoming lead part in a play. 

     One rainy night, they meet...and both are forever changed. 

     Neither could foresee that the world as they know it is on the precipice of experiencing the now famous ’37 Flood, and that daily life is about to be transformed into a bone chilling waterlogged state of affairs. But as that harrowing experience fades and their lives return to normal, the two young lovers embark on an unforgettable courtship - that is, until a terrible argument and a tragic misunderstanding tear them apart. How will they survive the separation? And why does one special song have the power to instantly transport the sweethearts back into the realm of cherished memories? This is a sweet and clean Southern historical romance set during the Depression Era. 

Click here for Book Trailer

Book Excerpt:

     There in the opening stood a lovely young woman in a tea length dress of embroidered netting over champagne satin. Rich sable hair softly floated around her shoulders…creamy smooth skin on a heart shaped face made it seem as if an ever-present light shone in her countenance, like the flame of a candle…lips like the wispy curve of a butterfly’s wings stretched slightly over a perfect line of pearly white teeth…and beautiful hazel eyes twinkled behind gently curling black lashes as she stared up at him enraptured.   Vic’s breath caught as he stared back, momentarily stunned. He felt his pulse speed up as he took in the girl’s radiance.

     Finally, he cleared his throat and unconsciously ran a hand back through his hair, which had been made slightly wavier by the rain and the damp evening air.

     “Umm…Edna?” he murmured, the damp weather making his warm baritone sound husky. The words served to break the spell into which the two had been plunged.

     The young woman blinked several times as if trying to gather her thoughts. Then one delicate hand unconsciously moved to the neck of her dress as she slowly shook her head.

     “No…I’m Louise…Edna’s my sister. Are you Vic?” she managed. Unconsciously, she moistened her suddenly dry lips; slightly afraid he could hear the thunderous thumping of her heart.

Vic nodded and chuckled self-consciously, feeling like a fool for not introducing himself at once.

     “Yeah, sorry. I’m Vic Matthews…I’m here to pick up Edna…she ready?” he added, silently hoping the sister was as much a looker as this one.

Vic in the CCC

      Glancing back over her shoulder at someone Vic couldn’t see from the doorway, Louise turned back to him apologetically, “Oh…I’m sorry. She’s…not feeling good tonight,” she murmured. She seemed to be hedging, as if scrambling for a reason other than the truth. “She won’t be able to go on the date with you. She’s sorry you made the trip for nothing…she didn’t have a way to reach you.” Her voice was kind and gentle, and seemed to glide into his ears and take up residence in the center of his chest.

     Vic digested this for a moment. He was being stood up by a blind date. Great, he silently fumed, wondering if she truly ‘didn’t feel good.’ He thought for a moment that maybe the lovely Louise might want to go in her sister’s place, but negated that idea, figuring she already had a date for the evening – since she appeared to be dressed for it.

     Vic had no way of knowing that Edna had borrowed the dress for their date; however, now that she couldn’t go, Louise had tried it on… and it fit her perfectly. Just before Vic had arrived, Louise had been modeling the lovely dress for her father and brother, the elder commenting that it made her seem much more mature.

     The two at the door heard a muffled voice from the other room and Louise nodded in answer, relaying to him, “She asked if she could take a rain-check.” As soon as the words were out of her mouth, she realized the unintended pun. Biting her lip, she attempted to stop herself from chuckling. Vic caught the joke and nodded, his lips pulling into a half grin. His eyes dropped to her mouth as her lips rounded into a smile that seemed somehow, in his unconscious opinion, to fend off the gloom of the rainy night.

     Glancing back up to meet her eyes again, he murmured with a shrug. “Yeah, sure.” He waited a few beats more, staring at the girl as she returned his gaze. “Well…goodnight then,” he finally added, nodding to her as he turned to retrace his steps back down the hall. So much for a hot date to ‘keep me warm on a rainy night,’ he mused wryly.

     Louise watched him until he disappeared out the front door and into the rain, then slowly stepped back into the cozy apartment and shut the door. Leaning her forehead against the cool hard wood, she could still smell the heady scent of Old Spice aftershave that had emanated from him…could still see the twinkle in his eyes, and hear his smooth voice intoning, “Goodnight.” Her knees felt weak.

My gosh! That has got to be the most gorgeous man I’ve ever seen in my life! She reflected as she turned to rest her back against the hard surface of the door. Staring straight ahead as though in an enchanted stupor, she allowed every second of the encounter to replay in her mind. Pressing a hand unconsciously to her chest, she felt her heart still pounding fast.

Vic carried Louise's picture until the day he died.

     Those eyes…that wavy hair…those dimples…his voice was so smooth and deep…it was like living a scene from a movie…she dreamily contemplated, totally immersed in his enchanting memory.

     “Louise, is he gone?” Edna’s edgy voice interrupted her reverie.

     Distracted, Louise called back, “Yeah.”

     “Well…what was he like?” her sister impatiently inquired as she came to the bedroom doorway.       

     “Was he cute?”

     Louise glanced at her sister, her gaze taking in the habitual sour expression, the brassy red hair, the cold blue eyes and the stubborn set to her chin. It occurred to her that Edna always seemed to get everything she wanted, while Louise ‘performed’ like Cinderella. Edna snuck around, drank beer, and did all kinds of things she never seemed to get in trouble for, while Louise was called on the carpet for ‘looking’ at someone wrong.

     Louise’s eyes narrowed slightly as she made up her mind right then and there. If any Hoskins girl snags handsome Mr. Vic Matthews, its gonna be me.

Author Bio:

Linda Ellen is an historical romance writer who specializes in Depression Era romance.  Born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky, she resides there with her husband and youngest son.

Linda Ellen

Linda began her writing career penning articles for a small neighborhood newspaper, The Southwest Reporter.  In 2009, as a labor of love, she began writing fan fiction, under the pen name Linda4him59, based on the Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman television show.  Her stories were well received, thanks to Linda’s talent for upbeat narration, good-natured humor and heart-thumping romance.  Twenty-eight short stories and four novels later, she decided to try her hand at writing a ‘real’ novel.

She chose to fashion a fiction story based on her parents’ real life romance in the late ‘30’s, and her novel Once in a While is the result.  Wishing to give her readers the most accurate account of the time, place and mood, she extensively researched details regarding the 1937 flood that incapacitated a large area of the Ohio Valley.  

Linda plans on writing at least two more books in the series.  Book 2, The Bold Venture, will be released summer of 2015.

Q:  What prompted you to write Once in a While?

A: I looked around for a story that would be different enough from the plethora of romance novels that are out there, and one day I thought about the fact that the 1937 Flood, while not necessarily widely known, was actually the worst natural disaster in America until Hurricane Katrina – and no one had ever used it as a backdrop to a fiction novel. Since my mother and father lived through it, I knew many details about it, and from there the idea took off.

Q:  How close to real life is your story?

A:  About 40% real.  I had to create most of the dialogue, except for certain confrontations Mom specifically remembered.  She’s 91 now, but she still has an amazing memory, and she was very involved in the process.  I would print out the chapters for her to read as I wrote them and she would give me critiques on facts or details where needed.  I took specific events in her and Daddy’s lives and wove them into the timeline I wanted.  

Q:  Have you received any accolades or publicity from your local community, since it is based there?

A:  Yes, matter of fact, this past January, our local newspaper did a large story on us. Here’s a link to the story – it encompassed the entire front page of the Neighborhood section! http://www.courier-journal.com/story/news/local/southeast/2015/01/28/womans-romance-flood-inspires-novel/22464149/

Q:  How did writing this book touch or affect you?

A:  In many ways.  Firstly, I found out so many details of just how miserable and devastating the flood actually was – and it didn’t just affect Louisville, but the entire Ohio valley and every town along the 981 miles of the river. Another thing was that I developed a pleasant pride in our city and the officials from back in that time, for the efficient way they handled things. They had plans in place and they jumped right into action.  New Orleans’ decision makers would have done well to learn from history and read up on how Louisville handled 58 feet of water in the city.  By Derby Day that year (1^st Saturday in May), only 3 months later, you couldn’t tell there had even been a flood.  And lastly, writing it has helped me to see my mother as a young woman, in ways I’d never thought about before.  It made me understand better certain decisions she made back then.  It’s brought us closer.

Q: What are your future writing goals?

A:  I plan on writing three books in this series, plus a novella featuring the main couple’s best friends.  Then after that, I have many ideas for stories both back in that era and modern day as well

Purchase Links:

Amazon           B & N          Kobo          Online Book Store

Connect with Linda Ellen:

Amazon Author Page          Facebook          Pinterest          Twitter

Goodreads          Books Without Borders Lira Winners

Wednesday Wonders: Have Gavel Will Travel

Today on my Wednesday Wonders post I would like to welcome Judge Robert Braithwaite, author of the book, Have Gavel Will Travel.

 

Photo of U.S. District Courthouse in Utah courtesy of swilsonmc.

 About the book:

What happens in a national park doesn’t stay in a national park. It often ends up in Robert Braithwaite’s courtroom—or sometimes on his kitchen table. Over a lifetime of administering justice, he saw everything from canoodling nudes to sheep hunters with drones to downright dangerous drug cartels. This collection of cases is so outrageous and bizarre you’ll have to read it to believe it.

 
Q & A with the author:

1.  Was your position of U.S. Magistrate Judge one you sought, or one you were asked to do?

Answer: One I sought. After sixteen years of violent felonies, child custody cases, etc. I was ready for a steady diet of misdemeanors :)

2.  At the time you accepted, did you realize what you were getting yourself into? If not, what was the biggest eye-opener?

I absolutely knew what I was getting into: the low-pressure but interesting world of bizarre misdemeanants, plus the front end of felony cases. I haven’t been disappointed. I’ve dealt—in one day—with a duck stoning teenager at Lake Powell and an arrest warrant regarding a threat on the president. Details are in the book.

3.  From your book, give us a hint about the most bizarre federal issue you heard in your court.

Answer: It’s small potatoes, but the duck stoner was a teenager, who threw rocks at a duck (later saying he wasn’t sure why he did it), seriously injured the duck, a nice couple picnicking nearby tried to snap it’s neck in a mercy killing that was extended and noisy, other picnickers didn’t see the original act by the teenager, deluged 911 with calls regarding the “deranged” couple, and multiple cops converged.

4.  For those of us who are readers and writers of books about the old West, how is your “riding the circuit” to fulfill your judicial duties the same as and/or different from the circuit rider judges of old?

Answer: Abraham Lincoln practiced law riding a circuit where the attorneys and the judge stayed together in inns and shared beds to keep warm (Lincoln by David Donald). I don’t do that!

I’d imagine my circuit riding is similar in that the same attorneys travel from St. George to Big Water, and the same attorneys in Salt Lake City travel to Moab. So they’re used to me and me to them. The cases are mostly the same, (drunkenness, smoking dope, etc.) but some are locale related (boating under the influence—Lake Powell.)

5.  Tell us about the oldest or most rustic courthouse or courtroom in which you hear cases. Do any of them date back to before the 1900s?

Big Water Town Hall - used for Federal Court Hearings

Answer: The most rustic courthouse is the one for Lake Powell. It’s actually the Big Water town hall which one colleague described as a Quonset hut. Big Water has a population of 470, but 3 million visitors come to Lake Powell each year. The courtroom is cooled by a giant, noisy swamp cooler and temperatures are over 100 in the summer. But I shouldn’t complain, they let us use it for free, they’re nice and it’s the only place usable in the area

6.  What are one or two of the notable differences between hearing cases in the smaller communities as opposed to when you are in Salt Lake City?

Answer: The main difference is the physical setting. The Salt Lake City and St. George courthouses and courtrooms are state-of-the-art, with security, computer screens for each juror, all the amenities. In Big Water I slip in and out a side door opened by the bailiff so I don’t have to walk the gauntlet of people I’m about to try/have tried at the entrance and courtroom to get to chambers. At Big Water we bring our own portable recording equipment, set it up, and everything is informal and we adjust to whatever needs to be done to accommodate people. Sometimes townspeople there come just for the entertainment provided.

But the cases are the same. Trying a drunk driving case is the same everywhere: same laws, same rules of evidence, and so on. The drives are pleasant. People come from all over the world to see the scenery I pass on many of the stretches to Lake Powell and Moab.

About the author:

Robert Braithwaite

Robert Braithwaite currently resides in Cedar City, Utah. He attended Southern Utah University and the University of Utah, graduating in 1973 with a B. S. in Political Science in 1973. He graduated from the University of Utah School of Law with a Juris Doctor degree in 1976. As an attorney he maintained a private practice and served as City Attorney for Cedar City, Parowan and Springdale. He also served for eight years as a member of the Utah Air Conservation Committee, the statutorily-established body regulating pollution emissions in the state.

In a twenty-seven year career as a judge, Robert Braithwaite has been a circuit judge, a district judge, a juvenile judge, a pro tem Utah Supreme Court judge and is now a U. S. magistrate judge. While a state judge, he served on the Utah Judicial Council, the governing board of the Utah state judiciary, and served as chairman of its Policy and Planning subcommittee. As a part-time magistrate judge he now hears criminal cases arising in the southern half of Utah, usually occurring in National Parks and Monuments, National Forests, and federal lands. Needless to say, he rides a circuit, hearing cases in four diverse locations at St. George, Big Water, Moab, and Salt Lake City.

His wife is an artist and art professor. Together they have raised four children.

You may purchase Have Gavel Will Travel from the following:

Amazon                 Barnes & Noble                 Books & Things

Author's Website             Author's Amazon Page

 

Shanna Hatfield - Petticoat Ball Blog Tour

This Wednesday features my first WEDNESDAY WONDERS guest author post. Welcome to contemporary and historical sweet romance author, Shanna Hatfield:

Welcome to the

 

Blog Tour!

A celebration of two new sweet historical romances by Shanna Hatfield  

  Shanna Hatfield writes character-driven romances with realistic heroes and heroines. Her historical westerns have been described as “reminiscent of the era captured by Bonanza and The Virginian” while her contemporary works have been called “laugh-out-loud funny, and a little heart-pumping sexy without being explicit in any way.”

 

Welcome, Shanna!

Thank you for hosting me today. It's such a pleasure to be here with you and your readers! 

What makes you happiest?

I find happiness in many places - like a cup of fragrant tea, a good visit with a friend, a bouquet of beautiful flowers, finding money in a coat pocket I forgot was there. But I’d have to say my husband (lovingly referred to as Captain Cavedweller) makes me the happiest. 

Why do you write?

I write because I can’t imagine going through life not writing. It is part of who I am, what I do, and always will be. 

What books did you love growing up?

Trixie Belden books were a favorite when I was a young girl, and Little House on the Prairie. I checked out Island of the Blue Dolphins from the library so many times, I probably wore out that particular copy. When I was in high school, I loved the historical romances put out from Scholastic Inc. I think they were called Sunfire romances. Each book was a girl’s name like Sabrina or Amanda and featured a specific time in history. I’m convinced reading those books got me through history class. 

What book genre of books do you adore?

Historical romance is at the top of the list. I like books set between 1870 and 1910 the most. Contemporary romance would be my next choice, followed by a rousing medieval tale. 

What book should everybody read at least once?

Little Britches by Ralph Moody. Actually, the entire series (I think there are eight books total) is great reading. I know the books were written forever ago, but there is something about the way he writes, the stories he tells, that just yank at your heartstrings. 

What scares you the most?

Snakes. I really, really don’t like snakes.

When you are not writing, how do you like to relax?

I love to read and try to sneak in a little reading time every day. I also love to bake and enjoy cooking. I used to be a consultant for a direct sales company that sold products for entertaining at home (like serving pieces, home décor), so I really got into themed gatherings and taking our home entertaining to a new level. Party planning is a something I greatly enjoy. 

What are your goals as a writer?

To entertain people. I know my books aren’t works of literary wonder. They aren’t intended to be. I want the stories I write to be a place people can escape for a few hours and finish the book with a happy sigh and a good feeling in their heart. 

What do you hope your obituary will say about you?

I hope it will say I lived a good, gracious life, was in some way a help to others, and contributed something of value. 

Is there anything else you’d like to share with my readers?

If you enjoy sweet western and historical romances, I hope you’ll consider reading the Baker City Brides and Pendleton Petticoats series! Thanks again for hosting me today. It's been great fun! Oh, and here's a little excerpt from Crumpets and Cowpies:

Jemma rocked back so hard on her chair, it nearly tipped over. A most unladylike grab for the edge of the table is all that kept her upright. "How could I possibly marry you? I don't love you. I can't even claim to like you, Mr. Jordan. You are quite possibly the most maddening man I've ever met."

"Don't flatter yourself, honey. I sure didn't take one gander at you and fall madly in love. You're the most opinionated, obstinate, razor-tongued woman I've had the misfortune of encountering."

Join in the fun!

Thank you to all the fabulous bloggers who have so kindly agreed to host me during the Petticoat Ball Blog Tour.

The second book in the Baker City Brides series releases Thursday, April 9! Thimbles and Thistles takes readers back to Baker City as spring arrives and love is in the air. You can reserve your Kindle copy here: http://amzn.com/B00TCV6BFG

Maggie Dalton has no need for a man in her life. Widowed more than ten years, she’s built a successful business and managed quite well on her own in the bustling town of Baker City, Oregon. Aggravated by her inability to block thoughts of the handsome lumber mill owner from her mind, she renews her determination to resist his attempts at friendship.

Full of Scottish charm and mischief, Ian MacGregor could claim any available woman in Baker City as his own, except the enchanting dress shop owner who continues to ignore him. Not one to give up on what he wants, Ian vows to win Maggie’s heart or leave the town he’s come to love.

   
 
Lacy, Book 5 in the Pendleton Petticoats series, will be available for pre-orders April 9.

 Be among the first to order the long-awaited story of Grant Hill. Talk about losing at love... eligible banker bachelor Grant needs to find the right girl. Those attending the party will also get a first look at the cover! "Will the bonds of love be stronger than the bonds of tradition..."

  It just wouldn't be a party if there wasn't a book available for free! Aundy, Book 1 in the Pendleton Petticoats series, will be available for free Kindle downloads April 9. Make sure you grab your copy! If you've already read it, tell your friends to download it. If you haven't met the characters from Pendleton Petticoats, here's a brief intro:  

Aundy (Book 1) - One stubborn mail-order bride finds the courage to carry on when she's widowed before ever truly becoming a wife, but opening her heart to love again may be more than she can bear.

 Caterina (Book 2) - Frantic to escape a man intent on marrying her, Caterina starts a new life in Pendleton, completely unprepared for the passionate feelings stirred by the town's deputy sheriff.

 Ilsa (Book 3) - Tired of relying on others to guide and protect her, Ilsa finally finds the strength and courage to take control of her life. Unfortunately, her independence drives a wedge between her and the man she's come to love.

 Marnie (Book 4) - After giving up on her dreams for a future, Marnie finds her hope rekindled by one caring, compassionate man and the orphans who need her.

 
Dust off your dancing shoes and choose your formal attire for the Petticoat Ball Party on Facebook April 9, 2015 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Giveaways and games will make for a splendid event as we celebrate the release of Thimbles and Thistles and the debut of Lacy! The talented and fabulous guest authors joining in the shenanigans include:

10 a.m. - Julie Lence

10:30 - Kathleen Ball

11 - Rachel Rossano

11:30 - Christina Cole

Noon - Peggy Henderson

12:30 - Kristin Holt

1 p.m. - Karen Witemeyer

1:30 - Kayla Thomas

 
Invite your friends to the party, and you could win a $25 Amazon Gift card. Go to the Facebook Party Page, click on the "invite" button, invite your friends, then post how many you invited. One randomly drawn person will win, but you get additional entries for every 25 people you invite! Also, ask your friends when they join the party to share that you invited them on the party wall. Each friend who mentions your name, earns you another entry in the contest! The winner will be announced prior to the start of the party April 9! http://tinyurl.com/petticoatball  

To enter the drawing for a $50 American Express gift card, autographed books, digital books, chocolates, and original western artwork, fill out this form. http://tinyurl.com/petticoatballprizes

   A hopeless romantic with a bit of sarcasm thrown in for good measure, Shanna Hatfield is a bestselling author of sweet romantic fiction written with a healthy dose of humor. In addition to blogging and eating too much chocolate, she is completely smitten with her husband, lovingly known as Captain Cavedweller. Shanna creates character-driven romances with realistic heroes and heroines. Her historical westerns have been described as “reminiscent of the era captured by Bonanza and The Virginian” while her contemporary works have been called “laugh-out-loud funny, and a little heart-pumping sexy without being explicit in any way.”

She is a member of Western Writers of America, Women Writing the West, and Romance Writers of America.  

Find Shanna’s books at:
Amazon | Amazon UK | Barnes & Noble | Smashwords | Apple  

Shanna loves to hear from readers! Follow her online:
ShannaHatfield | Facebook | Pinterest | Goodreads | You Tube | Twitter