text:
Générer du code avec Gii
========================

Cette section décrit comment utiliser [Gii](tool-gii.md) pour générer du code qui implémente des fonctionnalités
courantes de sites Web automatiquement. Utiliser Gii pour auto-générer du code consiste simplement à saisir les
bonnes informations en suivant les instructions affichées sur les pages Web Gii.

Au long de ce tutoriel, vous apprendrez comment :

* Activer Gii dans votre application
* Utiliser Gii pour générer des classes Active Record
* Utiliser Gii pour générer du code implémentant les opérations CRUD pour une table de BDD
* Personnaliser le code généré par Gii

Démarrer Gii
------------

[Gii](tool-gii.md) est fourni dans Yii en tant que [module](structure-modules.md). Vous pouvez activer Gii en le
configurant dans la propriété [[yii\base\Application::modules|modules]] de l'application. En fonction de la manière
dont vous avez créé votre application, vous trouverez peut être que le code suivant est déjà fourni dans le fichier de
configuration `config/web.php`:

```php
$config = [ ... ];

if (YII_ENV_DEV) {
    $config['bootstrap'][] = 'gii';
    $config['modules']['gii'] = 'yii\gii\Module';
}
```

La configuration ci-dessus établit que dans un [environnement de développement](concept-configurations.md#environment-constants),
l'application doit inclure un module appelé `gii`, qui est de classe [[yii\gii\Module]].

Si vous vérifiez le [script de démarrage](structure-entry-scripts.md) `web/index.php` de votre application, vous
les lignes suivantes, qui en gros, font que `YII_ENV_DEV` est vrai.

```php
defined('YII_ENV') or define('YII_ENV', 'dev');
```

Grâce à cette ligne, votre application est en mode développement, et aura déjà active Gii, suivant la configuration
ci-dessus. Vous pouvez maintenant accéder à Gii via l'URL suivante :

```
http://hostname/index.php?r=gii
```

> Note : Si vous accède à Gii depuis une machine autre que localhost, l'accès sera refuse par défaut pour des raisons
> de sécurité. Vous pouvez configurer Gii pour ajouter les adresses IP autorisées comme suit,
>
```php
'gii' => [
    'class' => 'yii\gii\Module',
    'allowedIPs' => ['127.0.0.1', '::1', '192.168.0.*', '192.168.178.20'] // ajustez cela suivant vos besoins
],
```

![Gii](images/start-gii.png)

Générer une Classe Active Record
---------------------------------

Pour utiliser Gii pour générer une classe Active Record, sélectionnez le "Model Generator" (en cliquant sur le lien
dans la page index de Gii). Puis complétez le formulaire comme suit :

* Table Name: `country`
* Model Class: `Country`

![Générateur de Modèles](images/start-gii-model.png)

Ensuite, cliquez sur le bouton "Preview". Vous verrez que `models/Country.php` est listé comme fichier de classe à être créé. Vous pouvez cliquer sur le nom du fichier de classe pour pré visualiser son contenu.

Quand vous utilisez Gii, si vous aviez déjà créé le même fichier et que vous l'écraseriez, cliquez sur le bouton `diff`
à côté du nom de fichier pour voir les différences entre le code à être généré et la version existant.

![Pré Visualisation du Générateur de Modèle](images/start-gii-model-preview.png)

Quand vous écrasez un fichier existant, cochez la case située à côté de "overwrite" et ensuite, cliquez sur le bouton
"Generate". Si vous créez un nouveau fichier, il suffit de cliquer sur "Generate".

Ensuite, vous verrez une page de confirmation indiquant que le code a été généré avec succès. Si vous aviez un fichier
existant, vous verrez également un message indiquant qu'il a été écrasé par le code nouvellement généré.

Générer du Code CRUD
--------------------

CRUD signifie Create, Read, Update, and Delete (Créer, Lire, Mettre à Jour et Supprimer), représentant le quatre tâches
communes entreprises avec des données sur la plupart des sites Web. Pour créer les fonctionnalités CRUD en utilisant
Gii, sélectionnez le "CRUD Generator" (en cliquant sur le lien dans la page index de Gii). Pour l'exemple de "country",
remplissez le formulaire résultant comme suit :

* Model Class: `app\models\Country`
* Search Model Class: `app\models\CountrySearch`
* Controller Class: `app\controllers\CountryController`

![CRUD Generator](images/start-gii-crud.png)

Ensuite, cliquez sur le bouton "Preview". Vous verrez une liste de fichiers à générer, comme ci-dessous.

![CRUD Generator Preview](images/start-gii-crud-preview.png)

Si vous aviez précédemment créé les fichiers  `controllers/CountryController.php` et
`views/country/index.php` (dans la section bases de données du guide), cochez la case "overwrite" pour les remplacer.
(Les versions précédentes n'avaient pas de fonctionnalités CRUD).

Essayer
-------------

Pour voir comment ça fonctionne, utilisez votre navigateur pour accéder à l'URL suivant :

```
http://hostname/index.php?r=country/index
```

Vous verrez une grille de données montrant les pays de la table de la base de données. Vous pouvez trier la table, ou
lui appliquer des filtres en entrant des conditions de filtrage dans les entêtes de colonnes.

Pour chaque pays affiché dans la grille, vous pouvez choisir de visualiser les détails, le mettre à jour ou le
supprimer.
Vous pouvez aussi cliquer sur le bouton "Create Country" en haut de la grille pour que Yii vous fournisse un formulaire
permettant de créer un nouveau pays.

![Grille de Données Pays](images/start-gii-country-grid.png)

![Mettre à Jour un Pays](images/start-gii-country-update.png)

Ce qui suit est la liste des fichiers générés par Gii, au cas où vous souhaiteriez investiguer la manière dont ces
fonctionnalités sont implémentées, ou les personnaliser :

* Contrôleur: `controllers/CountryController.php`
* Modèles: `models/Country.php` et `models/CountrySearch.php`
* Vues: `views/country/*.php`

> Info: Gii est conçu pour être un outil de génération de code hautement personnalisable et extensible. L'utiliser avec
  sagesse peut grandement accélérer le développement de vos applications. Pour plus de détails, merci de vous référer
  à la section [Gii](tool-gii.md).

Résumé
-------

Dans cette section, vous avez appris à utiliser Gii pour générer le code qui implémente une fonctionnalité CRUD
complète pour les contenus stockés dans une table de base de données.


What have been other influences in your career?
amazing work with the LGBTQ community and has taught me some amazing things. She has taught me to be kind, empathetic, and most importantly genuine. She has encouraged me to take leaps and bounds with my comfort and I have grown tremendously since meeting her. She has enforced my passion to help others and to continue to value my own personal goals and needs. "
The focus of my practice is the LGBTQ community and Veterans, but I do see a variety of clients. I also work with addictions and court ordered therapy. I have background in anxiety, depression, PTSD, personality disorders and life transitions. I see clients as young as 3 and my oldest client has been 84. I write letters for gender confirming surgery and hormone replacement for the LGBTQ community. I truly care about the LGBTQ community and I am always looking for ways to help. I run a gender expressions psychotherapy group. This group helps to bring together the community and explore common issues with comfort and safety in mind.
What does Sam do for fun?
Therapy is effective because of the relationship you build in the room between client and therapist. You learn to trust one another and find a sense of belonging. Each relationship is unique because no one person is the same. Bravery, courage and strength is discovered, and a new version of our selves emerges. Therapy is different for each person. To make therapy effective, it is knowing that we are all different and we can all learn from each other.
Maybe we can take lessons about self care from Sam!
you realize he has a great sense of humor.
He's fun loving as well as serious about his work.
Thanks for talking with us. Sam, please tell us about your private practice.
Q: Can you speak to being effective as a therapist?
Their passions are their animals. They have four dogs most of which are adopted, and they are currently working on saving more animals. They open their home to rescues or fosters when natural disasters hit.
Several relationships growing up had an great impact on my life. I grew up here in Reno Nevada where I lived mostly with my Mom. She was a single parent raising three children. At the age of 7 my older sister passed away. This made a huge impact in the trajectory of my life. My Mom raised her three children and I went from being the youngest to the oldest. My brother left for the Army soon after and that left me to take care of the young ones. I learned early on that I was to take care of myself and ultimately raise my sister's children. My mom suffered and continues to suffer from depression while my father battled to stay sober. I learned valuable lessons early on in life. I had to grow up quickly and I am a stronger person for the triumphs that life gave me early on. I worked hard and received scholarships in two sports to the University of Nevada. I joined the military in 2009 and I am currently still serving in the Army National Guard.
My most important relationship in my life is my current relationship with my fiancé Nichole. She has been the most influential person in my life. She has been supportive and has given me a new meaning to love.


NEW LSL now includes the function llSHA1String, which removes the need for the UTF8_SHA1 variant from this library.
Preforms a SHA-1 Hash on the text. Similar to and MD5 hash, although (slightly) more secure. Two versions of the function are provided, one for UTF-8 Strings (all strings in LSL are UTF-8) and the other is for Base64 Strings (you need to tell it how many bits long the data is).
There is also an SHA-2 implementations (224 & 256).
View Wikipedia:SHA-1 for more information.
//	ESL Compiled: "Nov 26 2013", "00:11:59"
//	version 3 of the License.
//	GNU Lesser General Public License for more details.
integer b = ((bit_length + 40) >> 5) | 15;//this works because we want the value to be one less than the next appropriate multiple of 16.
//ORing on the extra bit. Since we are working in base64 the byte bounderies aren't where we want them.
//So we get the last byte group and append our extra bit onto it. It contains either 1, 2, or 3 bytes.
integer b = ((j + 40) >> 5) | 15;//this works because we want the value to be one less than the next appropriate multiple of 16.
This page was last modified on 24 January 2015, at 17:59.
This page has been accessed 52,177 times.


I did my first 20 k today. I did it in 1.44.01.
I started running 2.5 years ago. I started to lose weight. I lost the weight a while ago and I just really love running.
Needed to share that. I'm going to rest a day or two now.
It's amazing how far you can zoom out and still see how far you've gone. Congrats man, that's impressive.
Nice work! :) As a fellow Bristolian, have you signed up for the Half Marathon next month? You'd nail it!
Impressive! Also Bristolian - you might see me training near the downs / portway.
Go to bed proud and ice those joints!
That's pretty good. Time for a half marathon.
Well done!! I know how great it feels. Now for the extra distance and push for a half marathon!
Thanks everyone. A half marathon is definitely going to happen.
great job!! i too remember when i first ran 20km.... there will come a point when you are comfortable running long distances... maybe not always 20km but 10km or 15km sessions... GOOD JOB!
New Haven road race or just coincidence? If so, it was so oppressively hot & humid!
Just coincidence. I'm from Europe and just wanted to test my limit. The weather for running is great this time in the year.
Yeah thanks, my legs definitely need a rest. My stamina didn't fail me though. That was a pleasant surprise.
Congrats. My legs are still aching after my 4th x 21.25km run on Saturday. My time was only 2:15 but I am running in an urban area, Tokyo, and need to wait at traffic lights in a few places.


text:
Michael Scheurich
President and CEO, Arch-Con Corporation
Michael G. Scheurich's passion for construction originated with a love of architecture and how buildings are designed. He entered the College of Architecture at Texas A&M University with a vision to become an architect, quickly realizing he wanted to build. This led him to obtain his bachelor's degree in construction science from Texas A&M University.
His construction career began in Dallas and continued in Houston, where he served for three of the world's top 20 general contractors. This was the incubation period for Scheurich's vision to launch his own construction company. Scheurich understood that, to achieve this entrepreneurial dream, he needed more than a degree in the science of how to build. He also needed to understand the science of how to operate a company, so he obtained a master's degree in business administration from the University of St. Thomas in Houston. With an MBA in tow, he established Arch-Con Corporation in 2000 as a resource for the local commercial real estate community in the areas of office and industrial design-build construction.
Today, the business also operates in the markets of retail, healthcare, corporate interiors, hospitality, multifamily and community construction. The company has offices in Houston, Dallas and Los Angeles with more than 180 employees and an annual revenue of more than $500 million. Additionally, Scheurich utilizes his design and construction relationships to team with strategic partners to develop high-quality assets. Arch-Con's home office was developed by Scheurich in 2009 and work is now underway on a new office building development for Arch-Con near TC Jester Boulevard and Washington Boulevard in Houston.
He is experienced in leveraging the latest, cost-efficient technologies and strives to stay on the cutting edge of the industry. He is currently securing a patent for an innovative construction technique.
Scheurich serves on the board of the Greater Houston Partnership, the National NAIOP Forum, the University of St. Thomas Buildings and Grounds Committee and the Annunciation Orthodox School Building and Grounds Committee. He recently served on the Wallis State Bank Board of Directors and served nine years on the Houston NAIOP Board of Directors and three years on the National NAIOP Board of Directors. He donates his time and resources to vital organizations including SEARCH Homeless Services, Bo's Place, Hermann Park Conservancy, St. Anne Catholic Community, Christian Community Services Center and Houston Area Women's Center, among others.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
Tag Archives: The Wild Rose Press
Kristal Dawn Harris, new release, novella, paranormal romance, The Wild Rose Press, vampire romance
I'm excited to share with you the latest novella by Kristal Dawn Harris, a sister Rose (published by The Wild Rose Press). If you love paranormal romance and/or vampire fiction, you'll want to check out Rise for Me, which releases on February 1st. Here's the scoop on the story:
A peek Vampire and warlock, Roman Lee, spent centuries alone as ringmaster of the carnival. After befriending and healing a scarred, young woman, Roman realizes Mariah is his mate. He waits for her, but when she departs from his life, his torture knows no bounds. Now he's risen, unforgiving and angry, forced from his grave by the one woman who captured his heart, but will another secret and the call of his mate change everything?
The steady call of Roman's blood and the promise of peace brings Mariah Stone home to the carnival and the vampire she left behind. He ignores her until she forces him from the grave with her blood. His anger crushes her already broken spirit, but she is determined to win Roman's forgiveness and free him from their bond. Denied passion leads them down a path of magic and desire, while a devastating secret threatens eternal love.
A peek between the pages:
Roman studied the perfection before him with something akin to regret filling his spirit. It should have been different between them. He momentarily questioned his decision before setting the ruby stone on her bedside table. In a whisper, he began to chant the words that would strengthen their connection and seal Mariah's healing so it couldn't be undone by anyone, ever.
Blood exchanged will seal my gift
The flesh will stay, no spell will lift
Let the night be filled with dreams
So she won't remember it was me
Roman lifted his hands, palms up, to begin the next part of the spell using the stone, but when Mariah moved in her sleep and threw one leg out from under the covers, he didn't know if he could do it. Bare flesh, creamy and soft, slid along the quilt as Mariah moaned in her sleep and spoke his name. A dull light formed inside the ruby stone, strengthening with Mariah's moans. Roman closed his eyes against the onslaught of desire brushing against his body and soul. It sought entrance, control, and a response. She must be dreaming of him. It was the only explanation. His eyes snapped open when the bed creaked. Heavy-lidded, sleepy eyes opened with a reddish glow lighting their dark depths.
"Mariah?" Roman spoke her name as a question, not fully understanding what was happening, but the stone did. Brilliant red light shot from the ruby's rough edges, saturating the walls, the floors, and everything in between in its glow. Roman tilted his face as Mariah rose from her reclined position to sit on the side of the bed. A trickle of unease sped down his spine. This wasn't supposed to happen. Mariah was using the stone against him, and her desire magnified his own, fed off it, and seduced in strong waves. Roman groaned as his cock swelled painfully and his body clenched with need.
"Do you come to me as a warlock, vampire, or as man?"
The question was asked so softly Roman wasn't sure he heard her voice. Mariah's eyes blazed with color. She was a temptress, a woman bent on crushing what remained of his heart, and he hated her for it. Roman pinched the bridge of his nose when the truth reared its ugly head, forcing him to accept what was meant to be. He craved her like no other. This would be the one and only night they ever spent together. The spell was cast, and she shouldn't remember anything, so for once, he let the caged passion soar. "I come to you as all three."
More about Kristal:
Kristal Dawn Harris is an award-winning, Rone nominated, American romance author. She has been married for 27 years and has two children. Kristal finished a degree from Miami University in Accounting Technology, but quickly realized she preferred words over numbers. She is an avid reader and, in particular, loves darker paranormal romance. Her hobbies include coin collecting, physical fitness, stained-glass art (beginner), poetry, and song writing.
Kristal primarily writes for her publisher, The Wild Rose Press, although it should be noted she has self-released several books. She writes paranormal, fantasy, erotic, as well as contemporary romance in different lengths.
Favorite color: Red
Favorite Movie: Under the Tuscan Sun
Favorite Paranormal Author: Christine Feehan
Favorite ice cream: Butter Pecan or Mint Choc Chip
Favorite Chocolate: Dark chocolate
Favorite Candy: Sea Salt Caramel Chocolate
Favorite Vacation: Badlands, South Dakota
Favorite Genre Romance: Historical romance
Favorite female actor: Kate Winslet
Favorite male actor: Alexander Skarsgard
Favorite TV shows: Ancient Aliens, What on Earth, UFO Files, The Abandoned, The Unexplained. (I'm a true nerd, and embrace it fully…lol)
Where to find her:
Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram | Goodreads | YouTube | BookBub | Amazon | Pinterest
Wishing you all the best with your new release, Kristal! 🙂
An Interview with Debby Grahl, author of MOUNTAIN BLAZE
Author Interview, contemporary romance, cozy mystery, Debby Grahl, His Magic Touch, Judith Sterling, Mountain Blaze, North Carolina, paranormal romance, The Silver Crescent, The Wild Rose Press
I'm excited to welcome another sister Rose (published by The Wild Rose Press) today. Say hello to award-winning author Debby Grahl! Her latest release is Mountain Blaze, and I'll give you the scoop on that in a moment. But first, let's learn more about Debby herself.
Thanks so much for joining me today, Debby! At what age did you write your first story? Around sixteen. I used to entertain my girlfriends with my stories as we walked to school.
A fun way to liven up your walk! Tell me, which genre was the first to hook you? I've always loved mysteries. The first manuscript I submitted was a mystery cozy. The editor at the time told me that type of book wasn't selling. If I wanted to get published, I needed to write romance. This is a genre I also liked, so now all my books have both a mystery and romance.
What was your first published book? A paranormal romance titled The Silver Crescent. The story has romance, a mystery, a treasure hunt, and Victorian ghosts.
Sounds like an exciting read! What's your favorite part of the writing process? Brainstorming? Research? Outlining? Writing? Editing? I enjoy both outlining and writing. Although, my outline is pretty short. I decide on location, my characters' personalities, and plot. After that, my imagination takes over.
What are you working on now? Island Heat, which takes place on Hilton Head Island, is the sequel to Mountain Blaze.
Of all the settings you've used (or created!) for your books, which is your favorite and why? This would have to be New Orleans. My husband and I first went to the French Quarter in 1988 and fell in love with the city. Since I love ghosts, witches, and legends, there couldn't be a better setting than New Orleans. Not to mention the great food, fun atmosphere, and unique people.
I've always wanted to go there! Speaking of things otherworldly…if you could have a conversation with anyone—dead or alive—who would it be? Agatha Christie. I'd love to hear how she comes up with her plots.
I'd love to meet her too! If you could travel to any time and place, when and where would that be? I'd have two choices: Regency England, and London during the Twenties.
Both of those would be amazing to experience firsthand! If you could step inside any book or series and live there for a week, which would you choose? Carola Dunn's Daisy Dalrymple series. These take place in Britain during the Twenties. I've always wanted to be a flapper.
That would be so cool! If a fairy godmother appeared and offered you one thing—anything at all—what would you request? A thatch roofed cottage in the English Cotswolds.
Gosh, I'd want one of those too! Now, it's time to learn some of your favorites!
Sound: laughter
Eye color: deep blue
Foreign language (whether or not you speak it!): Italian
Song: "Mony Mony," by Tommy James and the Shondells
Book: Love Story
Movie: French Kiss
TV show: Alias Smith and Jones
Cookie: peanut butter
US location: New Orleans
Foreign location: England
And finally, list your preference from the following choices:
Tea or coffee? coffee
Cake or pie? pie
Halloween or Christmas? Christmas
Nancy Drew or Sherlock Holmes? Sherlock Holmes
Jane Austen or the Brontë sisters? Jane Austen
A mortal, vampire, ghost, or fae for a lover? mortal
English gent, Scottish highlander, European count, or all-American guy? English gent
I love your answers! Now, let's learn more about your recent release, Mountain Blaze:
Disillusioned by his wife's betrayal, rodeo star Dillon McCoy comes home to the mountains of North Carolina to lick his wounds. When he agrees to take over the family ranch, the Lazy M, he's unaware danger waits.
Diana Thompson is having doubts about her engagement to Trent Sawyer. She agrees to leave Chapel Hill and spend Thanksgiving with her friend Jenn at the Lazy M. When Diana and Dillon meet, neither can deny their attraction, but both must resolve past relationships while fighting their growing desire.
After Dillon turns down an anonymous offer to purchase the ranch, attempts are made on his life. When a body is found, Dillon sets out to discover who wants the McCoy land enough to commit murder.
Dillon smiled and Diana thought it the sexiest smile she'd ever seen. There was a slight cleft in his chin, and fine lines formed at the corners of his eyes. Diana inwardly groaned. The butterflies were back.
"I'd hold onto you. I wouldn't let you fall," he softly said.
With his slow southern accent, the words sounded like warm honey rolling off his tongue. The depth of his eyes and the sound of his voice mesmerized her.
The horses stood side by side. Her and Dillon's legs touched. He leaned toward her, and the light aroma of wood smoke, hay, and his spicy cologne filled her nostrils. Diana knew what he was about to do but had no willpower to stop him. He cupped her cheek and their lips met.
Gentle at first, his lips glided over hers. He increased the pressure until she opened her mouth and his tongue slipped in. Diana moaned and wrapped her arms around his neck. His arms around her waist, he deepened the kiss. Before she realized what he was doing, without breaking their kiss Dillon lifted her from Flora and placed her across his lap.
Cradled in his arms, Diana clung to him, delicious sensations filling her. Her body came alive in a way that surprised her. The only thing that mattered was this man and this moment.
Flame moved, bringing her back to reality. Diana's eyes fluttered open, and she stared into Dillon's, deep with passion and need.
Buy the book on Amazon!
More about Debby:
Award winning author, Debby Grahl, lives on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, with her husband, David. Besides writing, she enjoys biking, walking on the beach and a glass of wine at sunset. Her favorite places to visit are New Orleans, New York City, Captiva Island in Florida, the Cotswolds of England, and her home state of Michigan. She is a history buff who also enjoys reading murder mysteries, time travel, and, of course, romance. Visually impaired since childhood by Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP), she uses screen-reading software to research and write her books. His Magic Touch, a paranormal romance, was released by The Wild Rose Press December 5, 2018. Her latest book, Mountain Blaze, was released November 2.
Website | Facebook | BookBub | Twitter | Goodreads
It's been a pleasure having you here, Debby! Wishing you all the best with Mountain Blaze.
HIDDEN GYPSY MAGIC by Tena Stetler
A Witch's Holiday, A Witch's Journey, Hidden Gypsy Magic, Salem Massachusetts, Tena Stetler, The Wild Rose Press
Please welcome Tena Stetler! She's a sister Rose (published by The Wild Rose Press) and here to tell us all about her inspiration for her latest release, Hidden Gypsy Magic. It's set in Salem, Massachusetts, a city I'm fortunate to call "home." Take it away, Tena!
Hi Judith! Thank you so much for hosting me and HIDDEN GYSPY MAGIC on your beautiful blog. I'm thrilled to be here and so excited to share with you the inspiration for my fantasy, time travel, adventure.
Part of the inspiration for Hidden Gypsy Magic was the characters themselves. Gwen was introduced in A Witch's Journey. Brock came to fruition in A Witch's Holiday Wedding. They insisted on their own story. Then my friend adopted three baby desert tortoises. A storyline began to play out in my head since Gwen is a wildlife rehabilitator and Brock is a veterinarian. They live and work in Salem, Massachusetts. Salem has always intrigued me, so I put a twist on the witch trials and a trip back in time. Then I threw in poachers in present time and a dog and owl rescue. Still, the what if's just kept coming and Hidden Gypsy Magic was born.
Additional inspiration was the Salem Witch Trials. How can you set a story in Salem Massachusetts and not mention the Salem Witch trials? Okay, I admit it, I've always been enamored with the Salem Witch Trials since I was involved in a high school play The Crucible. Research into the Salem Witch Trials led me to believe that things were not always as they seemed. I wondered if the accounts of those judging the supposed witches had something to hide or were they on some kind of power trip.
Researching one highly visible individual Judge in the witch trials, I had an epiphany. What if that person was not who or what he claimed to be? What if he had intimate knowledge of witchcraft and not just as a bystander? Well, that could put a kink in the accounts of the Salem Witch Trials. Don't you think? That's what's fun about writing fiction. LOL
How about a little more about Hidden Gypsy Magic?
The Salem Wildlife Sanctuary is Gwen Taylor's life work. Her Irish Gypsy heritage provides a hidden talent she uses to help the creatures under her care. But even her magical skills can't help new rescues in dire need of veterinary care.
The opportunity of signing on as the vet for Gwen's sanctuary dropped into Brock Scutter's lap after he expanded his practice to include wildlife. The personal attraction he and Gwen experience is undeniable the more their professional and personal lives collide.
Touring the only "non-haunted" house in Salem they both feel a spark of magic. A trip to his family's cabin uncovers a heritage he didn't know existed. If they want a future together, it means facing the consequences of awakening hidden Gypsy magic and a race against the clock to correct past wrongs.
A sneak peek between the pages:
"It feels like all the air is being sucked out of this room." His brother's face turned ashen white as Beth's ghostly form took shape in the center of the room.
Brock moved to the little group gathered and glanced at the grandfather clock standing in the hallway. Fifteen minutes until midnight. The witching hour on All Hallows Eve. A nervous chuckle rose up in his throat. How cliche. His brother would be a believer after this night.
He cleared his throat and wrapped an arm around Gwen's waist. "Can we help you, Beth?" Misfit's howling could be heard clearly from the upstairs bedroom.
"No, but I hope we can help you." Ghost Beth glanced back at the painting and sadly shook her head. "The ghost of Judge John Hathorne stands outside ready to curse or worse all those involved in sullying his reputation. The house stands between all of you…protecting—" The ghost's hand and arm made a sweeping motion toward their group, "— against his magic ability."
A soft almost hysterical giggle burst from Gwen. "Doesn't he know that by his actions this night, he has not only outed himself but proved the rumors and article are true?"
"I don't believe he's considered that point." Beth's ghostly grim face twitched into a half-smile. "He's bent on revenge, but apparently had trouble passing through the veil this evening." She pointed to the clock and then laid a finger on her lips.
Buy the book:
Amazon | Amazon UK | Amazon AU | Amazon CA | B & N | Apple
A little more about Tena:
Tena Stetler is a best-selling author of award winning paranormal romance with an over-active imagination. She wrote her first vampire romance as a tween, to the chagrin of her mother and the delight of her friends. Colorado is home; shared with her husband of many moons, a brilliant Chow Chow, a spoiled parrot and a forty-five-year-old box turtle. When she's not writing, her time is spent kayaking, camping, hiking, biking or just relaxing in the great Colorado outdoors.
Her books tell tales of magical kick-ass women and mystical alpha males that dare to love them. Travel, adventure and a bit of mystery flourish in her books along with a few companion animals to round out the tales.
Website | Authors' Secrets Blog | My Say What Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads | Amazon | Newsletter | Pinterest | Triberr | BookBub | Instagram | Tumblr | BookGorilla
Great to have you back, Tena. Best of luck with the book!
MIDDLE AGEISH by Shirley Goldberg
Judith Sterling, Middle Ageish, online dating, romantic comedy, Shirley Goldberg, The Wild Rose Press, women's fiction
Please welcome Shirley Goldberg! She's a sister Rose (published by The Wild Rose Press) and here to talk about her recent release, Middle Ageish. Let's see what she has to say…
When I was in my teens all I wanted to do was travel. At nineteen, my best friend and I quit university and went to Ireland.
We hitchhiked all around the country, me with a suitcase as big as a sheep. (I ended up sending most of the clothes I'd brought back home.) A sweet couple put us up in their barn for the night and served us a four-course breakfast in the morning.
They would have given us a room, but my friend, Elise, wanted to sleep in a real barn. We hitched all around Europe and ended up meeting a group of travelers at the Youth Hostel in Rome, continued on to Greece with them. We're still in touch to this day.
Funny that I ended up marrying a Greek physics professor and living in Crete for eleven years.
Why did you choose the cover concept you did for Middle Ageish?
My novel is romantic women's fiction. Since the title of the book, Middle Ageish, immediately tells the reader the characters are older, I wanted a cover that conveyed the idea of a rom com for the over-45 reader. A fun, beachy read, but with the real life problems that come with life experience.
Who would you recommend this book to and what should readers be aware of before reading it?
Here's what a reader said about my book in a review:
"In the beginning I thought, 'I'm not sure this book is for me. I've been married for 50 years.' I quickly changed my mind. I loved the book."
My readers are probably in their forties and older, married or divorced and looking for a light read––although there's some heartbreak and angst in the novel. The heat level is low and the door closes when it ratchets up.
Also, since the book centers around online dating it will appeal to anyone who's dated online, or is curious about it. If you'd like to read more how-tos about dating, check out my website link below.
And, if you think Sunny's dating escapades are exaggerated, ask your friends who've dated. They'll give you the real scoop––just as it plays out in the story.
Relationships are what our books are all about, all different kinds of relationships. What interests you about how people find one another?
Everything about relationships fascinates me, from the meeting and greeting aspect to the reasons couples break up. The book grew out of my own dating experiences, but I needed time and perspective before I began writing. I worked my way gradually from taking notes after dates to transferring the notes to the computer in story form.
And I compared notes with friends, usually over a glass of wine. Our experiences had so many similarities, I began to see a pattern. Everyone wants a special someone. No matter what we say to the contrary, the craving for the one person who understands you is universally important to almost everyone on the planet.
What defines you as an author?
I want to make my reader laugh. I want her to recognize a little bit of herself in my characters.
It's been a pleasure having you here, Shirley! Middle Ageish sounds like a wonderful, fun read.
And now, a peek between the pages:
An email from Noah, the guy who lived on Long Island, slid into my inbox. What was I doing meeting some far away guy? What if we hit it off? New Haven to Long Island. A ridiculous commute.
A little thump, thump warning from my chest, an adrenalin rush. Don't get carried away here. No expectations. We were meeting, only if I liked his phone persona.
Meeting. Nothing more.
I skimmed the email, smiling like an idiot.
To: Sunny
From: Noah
May I please have your most honuorable presence to enlarge by far the companionment of my pleasurelyness on Saturday the eighth of December MCMXXVVIIMZQX at 1030 hrs under the auspiciscisable weather conditions of shine or no shine or falling snow or sleat yes, even that for the purpose of our ffffirst date in the way of a nice slow freaky amble on the Canal in the Towne of Hamden and of my dreams. Boat optional.
My warmest thoughts, hopes
Respect. Fully. Noah
Ps. May I call you? Please.
I emailed my phone number and sat on my bed waiting for the phone to ring. All I could think of was Luke, the day we emailed back and forth until he said I can't stand it anymore, and I'd sent him my phone number.
Well, Noah wasn't Luke.
"Hello, this is Noah—your blind date."
"Aren't we being polite?"
"Yes, should we be something else?"
"Well, I'm nervous, and you claim to be shy." I picked at my toenail polish.
"You don't believe I'm shy?"
"No, I don't. You're definitely not shy in email."
"No. But I have the chance to think about what I'm writing."
"Yes, that's an advantage." This guy has a great voice. I wonder if he knows it. "But it can be a problem because then you have to live up to your email potential."
Plus, he was fun to tease.
"My email potential?" He sounded worried. "Now you've got me scared. Running scared."
"So," I said, "should we walk and then meet?"
He laughed, a friendly, reassuring laugh. "I liked it when you said that. Made fun of you, too. Did I get you mad?"
"Absolutely. Did I make you jealous when I went on that Harley date?"
"Is that why you wanted to meet me?" I asked.
"I wanted to meet you from the beginning."
"What beginning?" This is fun.
"Oh, I think it was when you called me "honey" in your email."
"You liked that?"
"I did," he said. "It sorta broke the ice."
"Oh. You have a New York accent. I hear something there, especially when you say "becawze."
"That's because I live in New York and grew up there, too."
"So, let me tell you something, but I don't want to scare you."
"You're scaring me. Do you have a record or something?"
What a waste. That's all I could think. All those lovely emails, the funny French and Italian translations, the great voice. The man was hiding something.
"No, it's not that kind of scared." His voice became faint, as if he'd turned his head away.
"Just say it then."
A long pause before he spoke. "I was thinking, just in case we fall madly in love, well, I rented a room there."
"Here?" I said, bewildered.
"Holy crap, yes. There. Look, I thought if we hit it off, I could stay over and see you tomorrow. That's my idea."
"Oh? Is that all?" He sounded genuinely hurt.
"Well, I feel pressured, and I haven't even met you."
"Don't feel pressured."
"OK." And after a long pause I told him I felt pressured.
"Forget it. It was a bad idea. I shouldn't have said anything."
"Yes, you should have." He shouldn't have.
Amazon | Apple | B & N | Google | Kobo
A little more about Shirley:
Shirley Goldberg is a writer, novelist, and former ESL and French teacher who's lived in Paris, Crete, and Casablanca. She writes about men and women of a certain age starting over. Her website http://midagedating.com offers a humorous look at living single and dating in mid life, and her friends like to guess which stories are true. Middle Ageish is her first book in the series Starting Over. Her character believes you should never leave home without your sense of humor and Shirley agrees.
Visit her website for another excerpt from the book. Sign up and grab a copy of Happy Hour, a short story about an online meet and a tiny misunderstanding.
Find her here:
Goodreads | BookBub | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Amazon
THE STORY BETWEEN US by Darlene Deluca
contemporary romance, Darlene Deluca, Judith Sterling, new release, The Story Between Us, The Wild Rose Press
Please welcome Darlene Deluca! She's a sister Rose (published by The Wild Rose Press) with a new release that sounds like a beautiful, heartwarming read. If you like contemporary romance, check it out!
A word from Darlene:
Thanks so much for having me today, Judith!
I appreciate the opportunity to introduce you to Kristen, Reed and Dylan in The Story Between Us.
When I first started writing The Story Between Us, I had no idea it'd be releasing in the middle of a worldwide pandemic! In these crazy times who couldn't use a little good cheer, right? It's got all the feels! The book is a heartwarming romance that delivers a sweet and satisfying happy ending. I hope it offers a little escape from the troubles of the world.
Happy reading and best wishes to all!
Lovely to have you here, Darlene! I'm wishing you all the best with the book. Now, for all you avid readers out there, here's a little more about it:
Her agent warned her not to get attached to a fan. But children's book author Kristen Hanover is about to break the rules. Kristen meets a young boy who is a victim of a tragic accident and is drawn into the heartbreaking situation.
Six years ago, Reed Armstrong never imagined he'd actually become guardian of his sister's boy. Now he is, and most days he's not sure he's up to the task.
When he and Dylan meet Kristen, Reed downplays his nephew's crush on the author. But as their lives become unexpectedly intertwined, he finds himself captivated as well. Trouble is, she sells stories for a living. Does she truly care about Dylan…and Reed, or is she using them for her own career advancement?
Reed pulled his keys out of his pocket. In the doorway, he folded his arms and leaned against the casing. "Can I ask you a question?"
Chest pounding, Kristen forced a smile. "Of course." She took a couple of steps toward him and braced a hand against the back of the sofa.
"Is writing your only reason for being here?"
Heavy, charged air closed around her. How to answer that? Honestly, of course, but…how honestly? "Well, writing is my goal for sure. But—" She glanced around the room before looking at him again. "I'd love to ride my horse, er, Star, and spend some time with…with people I like, too."
As he pushed off from the door, a slow grin spread across his face. "Sounds like an excellent plan." He sauntered closer. About a foot away, he stopped. "You're good with dinner at the main house tonight? Don't let Dylan bully you. You decide."
She gave a shaky laugh. That was the plan, right? She couldn't remember for sure. Her brain was going fuzzy. "I'd love to," she managed to say.
He leaned closer, his breath warm on her cheek. She braced herself for a friendly peck, but when her eyes fluttered shut, his lips grazed hers. Hovered there, and when she thought her legs might give out, Reed caught her arm and pulled her slightly toward him, his lips covering hers again.
Sparks exploded in her brain, and she grabbed hold of his arm. All of her senses came alive and responded to the unexpected deluge.
A long moment later, he pulled back and brushed a thumb across her cheek. "See you in about an hour."
Kristen could only nod. As soon as the door closed behind him, she collapsed against the sofa. She ran a finger along her bottom lip. That kiss…Oh, man. The chances of her getting any writing done this weekend just dropped from unlikely to who-said-anything-about-writing?
Amazon | B & N | Apple | The Wild Rose Press
More about Darlene:
Darlene Deluca writes contemporary romance and women's fiction, and likes to explore relationships – what brings people together or keeps them apart.
Her intent is to bring to life interesting characters that readers can relate to in real-life situations that combine a little fun, plenty of drama (with perhaps a tear or two), and big helpings of friendship, love and self-discovery, and will leave readers either cheering or sighing with a satisfied smile as they turn the final page.
The Kansas City author enjoys getting lost in a good story with a glass of tea, a bit of dark chocolate and a warm, sunny beach.
Website | Goodreads | Pinterest | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter
"A heartwarming and delightful read from start to finish!" ~ InD'tale Magazine
LIFE FOR SALE by Linda Nightingale
09 Wednesday Sep 2020
fantasy, Judith Sterling, Life for Sale, Linda Nightingale, Love for Sale, romance, sci-fi romance, science fiction, sentient androids, series, The Wild Rose Press, Tomorrow's Angels
Please welcome Linda Nightingale back to the blog! She's a sister Rose (published by The Wild Rose Press), and she's here to talk about humanoid, sentient androids. Why, you ask? Her Tomorrow's Angels series features them. Here's a little about it:
Mayfair Electronics has created life.
In Love for Sale, the high-tech electronics company, in black and white, offers "love for sale". Mayfair has engineered sentient androids indistinguishable from humans. March Morgan flies to England and meets the man she has been searching for her entire life. Christian requires no programming to love March at first sight, but her past and his future soon threaten their happiness—and their lives.
In the sequel, Life for Sale, four of the Special Editions have escaped. Rebel, Christian and March are on the run, but they have a bigger problem than his creator's plan to destroy him. They've discovered that one of the renegades has suffered a dangerous malfunction, threatening them with more than just exposure. March and Christian must stop the insane robot before someone else dies. All the evidence points to March being the killer's next victim.
Now, without further ado, here's Linda...
Toshiba builds computers, right?
To add to the pages of sci-fi happening as we speak, humanlike robots are in development that will come near to mimicking human emotions and facial expressions. These robots are in their infancy but amazing!
Recently, Toshiba introduced Junko Chihira, a very realistic humanlike android. She is 5'5", 26 years old, and her birthday is 6/1. She works in a new tourist information center in Japan. The android speaks Japanese, Chinese, and English—handy if you work in the tourist trade.
A female android named Geminoid F stars in a Japanese film from director Koji Fukada. Sayonara premiered at the Tokyo International Film Festival.
Erika is a creation of Osaka University, Koyo University, and ATR. She was 'born' in Japan in 2015 (the year Love for Sale was published). When Erika is listening, she blinks and moves her eyes and head like a human. The following link is a YouTube video of Erika and a child, illustrating AI's possibilities with children. She is pretty and interacts well. She pauses while she processes in this conversation, but her answers do not sound at all scripted but real-time.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TFT7iM3FDUI&feature=youtu.be
Probably the most lifelike is the android Sophia by Hanson Robotics. Sophia has appeared on The Tonight Show as well as addressed a UN committee. She has been granted citizenship by Saudi Arabia.
https://twitter.com/RealSophiaRobot/status/1258381654642561027/video/1
Hanson boasts other robots, one designed to look like Einstein. Just a few of the many are:
In 2005, Hanson debuted Philip K. Dick II. He was designed by David Hanson as a robotic version of the popular writer of sci-fi. The original Philip K. Dick android was lost on a flight from Dallas to San Francisco in late 2005. However, in 2011 Hanson Robotics, together with Dutch broadcasting firm VPRO, developed a new version, including state of the art computer vision technology. This robot employs 36 servomotors to power a complex and wide range of facial expressions. These days, PKD serves researchers at the Apollo Mind Initiative.
Jules was activated in 2006 and debuted at the Wired Nextfest. Hanson Robotics and partner Personality Forge created Jules for the University of West England in Bristol. Still in residence at UWE, Jules incorporates a number of advanced technologies that make him an eerily realistic and conversant android, including natural language AI, computer vision and facial tracking.
From Hanson's website: "On the tree of robotic life, human-like robots play a particularly valuable role. It makes sense. Humans are brilliant, beautiful, compassionate, loveable, and capable of love, so why shouldn't we aspire to make robots human-like in these ways? Don't we want robots to have such marvelous capabilities as love, compassion, and genius?"
I would. I dare say I would buy my hero Christian, if he were available and not the price of an Aston Martin.
I've written two books about humanoid, sentient androids in my series, Tomorrow's Angels. Love for Sale was published in 2015 and was way beyond its time. It still is. Even with the progress made in lifelike robots, none of them are conscious or have real feelings like the Special Editions in my sci-fi romances. Love for Sale is on sale for $.99! For less than a dollar, you can meet Christian (the android) and March (his owner).
A peek between the pages of Life for Sale:
Monica moved closer to Christian, holding his gaze. "You were always your creator's favorite…it's rumored."
Shaking his head, he moved away from her advance. "I didn't hear that rumor."
Her brows shot up, but she said nothing. Her steady gaze challenged him to deny her claim.
Was what she said true? Without Damien Wills' help, their bid for freedom would have failed. They'd have been captured and deactivated on the spot…
Monica's sensual yet oddly hard voice jerked him back to the ocean liner. He awoke from the memory, gazing over his shoulder at the restless sea
"Why else would Dr. Wills turn off the alarm, allowing us to escape?" Monica positioned herself in front of Christian. In a bold act, she stroked his cheek. "Did Dr. Wills tell you how perfect you are?" Her shoulders moved ever-so slightly, the gesture carnally arousing. "Every day, Stefan told me how special I was."
March flung Monica an irritated glance. Now and then, jealousy overcame his wife. Since Monica's appearance, now more than then. He almost laughed when she captured his hand, staking her claim and warning the sexy android to butt out.
"Looks like we have another Special Edition with an independent streak," March commented softly—the iron fist in the velvet glove. Monica had better beware.
"I have to be independent. Fending for myself alone." Monica swept a hand through her hair, the gesture highlighting the pert fullness of her breasts.
At his side, March tensed, a distant look in her eyes. "You don't have to be single to be alone."
Why was Monica II acting as if she were the only person never to have found a partner? He hated that she'd reminded March of her failed marriage and the long years she felt she'd wasted. They were silent for a long moment, each perhaps considering his or her own quest for love. Christian was relieved when Daniel spoke into the growing darkness.
"Are you that unhappy?" His brother's voice held compassion, but something else echoed behind his question. He sounded sad as Monica felt—or pretended?
"Let's just say my life could be fuller." Monica turned back to the rail, staring at the black sea. "What would happen if we jumped into the ocean? Would we drown?"
Christian stiffened. "No, but don't test it. The immersion in water might cause a short circuit that would destroy you—"
"But it didn't—" Daniel broke off when Christian raised a warning hand.
"Why do you ask such a question?" He was concerned, angry, and more than a little worried about Monica.
Daniel joined her at the rail, placing his hands on her shoulders from behind. "We both need someone to love; someone to love us."
"Let's change the subject," March's expression showed sympathy not pique. "Do we need to change for the big Welcome Party?"
"There's plenty of time." Daniel pulled Monica to him and hugged her. "I'm sorry things didn't work out for you and the pilot. You'll find someone else."
She patted his back. "Thanks, Daniel, but it won't work. I've tried."
March smiled. "Okay, team, our mission is to find Monica's Mr. Right."
"I'm in," Christian said, and Daniel raised a hand.
Monica's expression hardened. "I don't think it's possible."
Thanks so much for joining me today, Linda. Wishing you all the best with the series!
MARASCHINO MARRIAGE PACT by Tamela Miles
cover reveal, Judith Sterling, Maraschino Marriage Pact, One Scoop or Two, paranormal romance, Tamela Miles, The Wild Rose Press
I'm excited to announce the new release of sister Rose (published by The Wild Rose Press) Tamela Miles. Isn't this cover beautiful? Maraschino Marriage Pact is part of our publisher's One Scoop or Two series, and it sounds like a great addition! Here's a little about the story:
Mikayla DiAngelis has spent the past two years traveling the world and avoiding the demands of her overbearing warlock father. A confusing kiss from her former bodyguard is yet another reason for her to stay two steps ahead on the run.
Warlock bodyguard Austin Luca will stop at nothing to bring Mikayla home. His loyalty belongs to her family, but his heart belongs to her, even though he has ties that bind him to his own family responsibilities.
Their encounter was inevitable, and Mikayla is soon caught up in Austin's passion and the world she vowed to leave behind. Will surrendering to her former protector cost her the freedom she needs?
"You know better than to use your magick in public, Mikayla. What if I was some ordinary human passerby?"
Mikayla froze midmotion. That deep, amused drawl had been with her since she was a child. She slowly turned around, scowling. "I knew I shouldn't have come back here for the summer. Am I that obvious, Austin?"
The tall, leanly muscled man with straight dark hair and piercing chocolate-brown eyes shrugged, a small smile playing on his lips. "I lost track of you last year in Rome. Kudos for managing to give me the slip, considering I taught you every trick you know. I bet on your sentimentality about this place bringing you back." He gestured at the skimpy black sundress she wore. "You're looking well."
She nodded. "Thank you. You haven't changed. You never do. Why can't every warlock age as gracefully as you do?" Sighing heavily, she placed her hands on her hips. "If you tell me again to come home, I'm hopping off this pier."
His face shuttered. "I have news about your family, Mikayla. This time, it's serious."
More about Tamela:
Tamela Miles is a school psychologist with Ed.S and PPS credential and a graduate of California State University San Bernardino and California State University Dominguez Hills. She is also a former flight attendant. She grew up in Altadena, California in that tumultuous time known as the 1980s. She now resides with her family in the Inland Empire, CA. She's a horror/paranormal romance writer mainly because it feels so good having her characters do bad things and, later, pondering what makes them so bad and why they can never seem to change their wicked ways.
She enjoys emails from people who like her work. In fact, she loves emails. She can be contacted at tamelamiles@yahoo.com or her Facebook page, Tamela Miles Books. She also welcomes reader reviews and enjoys the feedback from people who love to read as much as she does.
Connect with her:
On Twitter: @jackiebrown20
On Instagram: Tamela Miles Books
All Author Page
MAGNAR by Mary Morgan
award-winning books, bestselling author, Judith Sterling, Magnar, Mary Morgan, medieval romance, new release, new series, paranormal fantasy, Scotland, The Vikings, The Wild Rose Press, The Wolves of Clan Sutherland
Today, we're celebrating the new release of my dear friend and sister Rose (published by The Wild Rose Press), Mary Morgan. Magnar is the first book in her highly anticipated new series, The Wolves of Clan Sutherland, and she's here to tell us all about it. The floor is yours, Mary!
Hello Judith! I'm thrilled to be here on your lovely blog today!
One of the fascinating parts about writing a historical (and paranormal) story is the wonderful world of research. I spent hours devouring books and talking to experts on Norse mythology. The ancient Vikings had a complex and layered belief system, and I found it mesmerizing to study.
The Vikings followed a set of guidelines known as the Nine Noble Virtues. These were a set of moral codes and edicts taken from several sources, mainly the Hávamál (ancient Norse poems that are ascribed to the God Odin), and other Icelandic sagas. These virtues contained insight into the wisdom and values of the Vikings. Here they are:
Courage, truth, honor, fidelity, discipline, hospitality, industriousness, self-reliance, and perseverance.
Therefore, when writing Magnar's story, I thought to give the Wolves of Clan Sutherland their own set of virtues and expanded on them. This elite guard for King William of Scotland also happens to be men who are part wolf. Here they are:
The Nine Noble Virtues of Sutherland Wolf Lore
~ Learn to control the beast within. If not, the man will cease to exist.
~ First lesson for the wolf—the man is always Alpha.
~ Scotland is our home. Orkneyjar calls to our soul.
~ When conflicted, follow the path of the stars. Odin will shine his light upon you.
~ Keep your weapon as strong as Thor's hammer.
~ Discipline your beast to honor the code of the Brotherhood.
~ Honor the Gods. Do not beg at their feet for mercy.
~ When All Father calls you to His table, storm proudly across the void.
~ Remember your ancestors and honor their wisdom.
Sounds like a wonderfully magical story and series, Mary! I can't wait to read it and wish you all the best!
A little more about Magnar:
Known as the Barbarian, Magnar MacAlpin is a fierce ruler for those under his command. As leader of the Wolves of Clan Sutherland, his loyalty and obedience lies with Scotland. However, the king's last demand is not something Magnar will tolerate.
After Elspeth Gunn's brother the Chieftain of Castle Steinn is murdered, she flees with her nephew, and finds a safety amongst a band of men who are rumored to be part wolf. When the king forces her to wed a heathen Northman, she fears losing her heart and soul not only to the man, but the beast as well.
In order to restore peace to a shattered clan, Magnar and Elspeth travel a treacherous path that challenges their beliefs. When evil seeks to destroy ancient traditions, will Magnar be compelled to restrain his wolf or allow him free to protect those he loves?
She stomped the ground with her foot. "I will not be forced to marry a…a heathen!"
He gritted his teeth—her words sparked outrage from his inner beast. Glancing over his shoulder, he offered, "Then which would you prefer? Halvard or me? Make your choice, Elspeth. Did you not consider I do not favor this union either?"
Confusion marred her features. She fisted her hands on her hips and glanced upward. "Did you argue against this marriage with King William?"
"Aye."
"Yet he convinced you?"
When she returned her gaze to him again, resolve and a bit of stubbornness filled them. "Why, Magnar?"
"The king will permit me to continue with my duties with the elite guard, including an important task which requires my attention after our marriage."
Chewing on her bottom lip, she nodded slowly. "Then you will be absent most months from Steinn?"
"Most assuredly, and when I am there, Erik will be my focus."
Her face softened as she moved slowly toward Magnar. "Therefore this marriage is in name only for Erik's protection, aye?"
Annoyed with the direction of his thoughts, he looked away. How Magnar longed to tell the lie on the tip of his tongue. The word ached to be released. He turned and stared into her jeweled eyes in an attempt to offer her any hope of what she wanted to hear.
When she placed a hand on his arm, she whispered, "Tell me honestly, Magnar."
He swallowed and removed her hand from his arm. Placing it securely over his heart, he stated, "Our marriage will be binding in all ways, Elspeth—in name and body. You may worship your God and I shall do so with mine, but ken this, you will be mine completely."
The battle of emotions splayed across her face. She stepped closer and pulled her hand free from his. "Then you understand this, Magnar MacAlpin, you can have my body on my terms. The time of my choosing. I am tired of having men telling me what to do. Will you accept my terms?"
By the hounds! Her words sparked his lust further. Magnar concluded he did not want a simpering wife by his side. For the first time, he yearned to have one challenging him—in mind and body.
Grasping her around the waist, he ignored her gasp and cupped her chin. Her eyes widened as he slowly lowered his head. "Agreed." He breathed the word against her cheek.
Amazon | Amazon CA | Amazon UK | Amazon AU | B & N | Apple | Kobo
More about Mary:
Award-winning Celtic paranormal and fantasy romance author, Mary Morgan resides in Northern California with her own knight in shining armor. However, during her travels to Scotland, England, and Ireland, she left a part of her soul in one of these countries and vows to return.
Mary's passion for books started at an early age along with an overactive imagination. Inspired by her love for history and ancient Celtic mythology, her tales are filled with powerful warriors, brave women, magic, and romance. It wasn't until the closure of Borders Books where Mary worked that she found her true calling by writing romance. Now, the worlds she created in her mind are coming to life within her stories.
If you enjoy history, tortured heroes, and a wee bit of magic, then time-travel within the pages of her books.
WEBSITE/BLOG: https://www.marymorganauthor.com/
AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE: http://www.amazon.com/Mary-Morgan/e/B00KPE3NWI/
FACEBOOK AUTHOR PAGE: https://www.facebook.com/MaryMorganAuthor/
TWITTER: http://twitter.com/m_morganauthor
GOODREADS: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8271002.Mary_Morgan
PINTEREST: www.pinterest.com/marymorgan50/
INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/marymorgan2/
BOOKBUB: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/mary-morgan
AUDIBLE AUTHOR PAGE: https://www.audible.com/author/Mary-Morgan/B00KPE3NWI
WINTER AT THE LIGHT by Stephen B. King
1950s, Australia, award winning author, guest post, historical, Judith Sterling, lighthouses, romance, Stephen B. King, The Wild Rose Press, Thirty-Three Days, thriller, Winter at the Light
I'm thrilled to have Stephen B. King on my blog today! He's a brother Rose (published by The Wild Rose Press), and he's here to tell us all about the inspiration for his latest release, Winter at the Light. Take it away, Stephen!
Write what you know (so they say…)
Mostly, for the twelve books I have written and published, this tenet holds true. I am by nature a 'pantster', which loosely means that once I get an idea I have to write it to explore and see where it leads. Sometimes that spark turns into nothing I can use to build around, others it finishes around short story length, and occasionally the 100,000 words, or so, that to me works for a book length.
Along the way of re-modeling that idea into a novel I often drift into areas of which I know nothing about, so I have to stop the creative flow to research it. This has been particularly true of my psychological thrillers because I am neither a psychologist nor a policeman, though I have always had a deep-seated interest in both (along with serial killers). But, isn't Google wonderful? On occasions, because I write stories set in my home state of Western Australia I have to visit those places I write about, but it's all very piecemeal, if you know what I mean? I stop writing to research something that has popped up, figure it out, then go back to writing. I find that by writing this way, I want to know what is going to happen next, because truthfully I have no idea, and sometimes I pen a passage and sit back afterward and think, Where the heck did that come from? I have found, that in my humble opinion, the best things I've written came through me, and not from me, if that makes sense?
But for Winter at the Light, this was not the case. The idea came, as they often do for me, while I was driving along, almost in auto pilot mode. The traffic was its usual annoying self and I wasn't thinking about anything terribly important, not even concrete if I'm honest. Suddenly, a random thought snuck into my consciousness and said: The Lighthouse Keeper's Daughter. I have no idea where it came from, or why I even thought it, one moment I was wondering what time I'd get to work, and the next I was thinking about a lighthouse, and in particular the daughter of the keeper. Weird? You bet, welcome to my life.
When I arrived at work, I was so fascinated I Googled it and discovered it had been a book, written many years before and I felt immediately disappointed that it hadn't been an original idea. But, it wouldn't go away and all through the day I wondered things like, why is she looking after the lighthouse for her father? Surely, it had to be years ago as to the best of my knowledge lighthouses are mostly automated these days. Slowly the plotline came together, a twenty-year-old woman, a nurse who lost her mother during the war when she was a child agrees to tend a remote lighthouse miles from anywhere when her father is injured and he will lose his job if she doesn't.
Then a very curious thing happened. I was driving home that same evening, daydreaming, and as clear as a bell, in my mind's eye, I saw a young woman, in a horrendous raging storm risk her life and wade into the crashing waves to grab a life raft. In the inflatable dinghy, is an injured man, and he has lost his memory…or has he?
Never before, except perhaps when I had the idea for Thirty-Three Days, and that came to me in a dream, has an emerging plot line been so vivid in my imagination. I knew for example, the man was on the run, and he had been shot and wounded, but he says he can't remember why. I also knew that the men who had shot him, were still hunting for him, and they would eventually turn up at the lighthouse to look for him. So, pretty much I had the outline for the whole story, but I knew nothing about nursing, lighthouses, or the era shortly after the war when in my soul I knew the story had to be set. And so, I researched like never before. By that I mean I studied so I could tell a story, and not tell a story and research along the way.
I found, online, a diary of a lighthouse keeper from the fifties, and read every single word. I learned how kerosene fueled lights operated, the responsibilities of the keepers in an era before we had satellite navigation, radio check ins, the officialdom that ran the operations, and so much more. Then nursing, what was it like in the fifties? It was male dominated and these wonderful women were, in general, treated poorly by the hospital, and doctors. Next the war, Molly (I'd come up with her name by then) lost her mother in an air raid, while her father was in the navy as chief medical officer; more research.
So, by the time I sat down to write the first words, I had an incredible amount of information I knew I would need to tell the story of Molly, and her stay at Forbe's Reef Light, during the worst storm season of the decade, and her eventual fight for survival against two men who are going to come to the island and kill the man she has been nursing back to health. It was exhilarating for me, and I hope I have done the story the justice it deserved.
Winter at the Light is a love story, a thriller, and it is historical. It is set in a more romantic, less promiscuous era than now and features one very special woman. Molly is not one of the 'beautiful people'; she is just a normal, everyday young woman, who must find strength and courage she doesn't know she has to survive. When there is nowhere to hide, she must stand and fight back against two armed men who want to kill her.
Thanks so much to Judith for hosting me, and letting me rave on about Winter at the Light.
My pleasure, Stephen. It sounds like a wonderful story! I love it when inspiration strikes out of the blue; thank you for sharing yours with us. Wishing you all the best with the book!
A little more about Winter at the Light:
Forbes Lighthouse is a dangerous place. Twenty-year-old Molly McLaren agrees to tend the light when her father breaks his leg, so she leaves behind the city and her nursing career. Molly dreads the thought of three months as the sole inhabitant on the tiny island, nineteen nautical miles off the rugged coastline of Augusta in Western Australia.
Molly discovers she enjoys the solitude, and when a massive storm arrives bringing a life raft, Molly risks her life to save the unconscious man inside. On waking, he says he has lost his memory but as Molly nurses him back to health she wonders if he has. When the storm finally clears, Molly has fallen for the man she's nicknamed John, but still has doubts about his honesty.
The real danger arrives with two men who are searching for her mystery man. They want to kill him and anyone else who can identify them, and Molly quickly learns; on a lighthouse, there is nowhere to hide.
A man sat on a chair in front of the desk, and Mrs. Frost waited with fingers tented. "Come in, Molly, please take a seat," Mrs. Frost said softly and smiled, but to Molly, it looked like a shark grinning. She was in her fifties with silver, gray curly hair and wore a yellow shirt buttoned to the neck with a ribbon tied in a bow at the collar. "This is Mr. Darcy Harpington, from the Department of Marine and Harbors; he has some news for you about your father."
The man stood up and held out his hand to shake. He was short, balding, with spectacles which sat halfway down his nose and wore a gray pinstriped suit. Molly barely noticed as her heart leaped inside her mouth. "What about Dad, what's wrong, is he hurt?" She struggled to retain tears of fear from pouring forth. She knew it would be terrible news; it had to be, why else is he here? She worried.
The man smiled and raised a placating hand. "No need to panic; your father is a remarkable man, Miss McLaren. He broke his leg out on the rocks while checking the moorings for the boat during a severe storm. He made it back to the light basically by crawling; it was quite a journey; he tells us. Being a doctor, he has splinted his leg and been in constant radio contact since. We are sending a boat out to pick him up tomorrow; the weather forecast is for the storm to ease enough to go and evacuate him. We need to get him into hospital for X-rays, set the leg properly, and make sure he's done no permanent damage from crawling over the rocky ground."
Molly looked from one to the other, unable to understand what they were saying. Dad broke his leg, she thought. She realized she was in shock. Molly sat down, hard, on the straight-backed chair, as the man sat back down too. Just for a moment, she had a mental image of her father dying, and her world went black.
She knew he could be stubborn and obstinate when he had a bee in his bonnet, and how typical of him not to lie down without a fight. Crawled back to the lighthouse with a broken leg in a severe storm? She was incredulous. Molly had spent three weeks there and knew the terrain well from her frequent exploratory walks. He'd achieved a miraculous result if the accident happened anywhere near the dock. Tears welled in her eyes, never did she realize just how much she loved him, and needed him in her life, until then. "He's going to be all right?" she asked in a quivering voice.
"Yes Miss McLaren, we believe he will be fine after a lengthy hospital stay. It's possible, I'm told, the doctors may need to reset the fracture, and put him in a cast, possibly stretch the leg back into place." He nodded slightly and stared pointedly at her; the implication of the seriousness unsaid.
"I'd like to thank you, Mr. Harpington, for coming to tell me personally, that was very kind of you."
"Oh, think nothing of it, Miss McLaren. Your father has done a sterling job for getting on toward two years for us, and he is a valued member of our lighthouse staff. Um, that brings me to another matter, which he asked me to discuss with you."
She had been staring down at her hands as they gripped and clasped each other but looked up sharply at his words. She didn't like the sudden change in his tone. "And, just what is that?" She recognized the defensive aggression in her tone of voice, and it shocked her. Calm down, Molly girl, you've had a shock, be careful, she told herself sternly.
He made a performance of taking his spectacles off, then removing a handkerchief from his jacket pocket and wiping them. "Miss McLaren, your father understands, we cannot leave the light unattended, and if we replace him with another employee, then…"
"You won't let him go back?" She saw the predicament immediately and was suddenly angry, enough to slap the officious looking man. Molly stood up, furious and almost shouted, "Dad donates a leg to the cause, and he loses his job, is that what you are telling me, Mr. Harpington?"
"Mind your tone, Molly," Mrs. Frost interjected. "Sit down; there could be an alternative which Mr. Harpington and I have discussed. Mr. Harpington has sought a special arrangement with his Department, and this hospital, at your father's behest, to find a solution to the problem. I would suggest you hold on to that temper of yours until you've heard what he has to say."
Connect with Stephen:
Twitter: @stephenBKing1
Facebook: @stephenbkingauthor
Email: stephenk8@me.com
An Interview with Jeny Heckman, author of THE WARRIOR'S PROGENY
fantasy romance, Greek mythology, Heaven and Earth, Jeny Heckman, Judith Sterling, paranormal romance, The Catch, The Warrior's Progeny, The Wild Rose Press
I'm excited to feature another sister Rose (published by The Wild Rose Press) today. Please welcome Jeny Heckman, author of The Warrior's Progeny. I have lots of questions, so let's get to it!
At what age did you write your first story?
I was a very busy thirty-six-year old mom of two, and I wrote it just to see if I could.
Which genre was the first to hook you?
Historical – Little House on the Prairie, by Laura Ingalls Wilder. I was eight.
What was your first published book?
It's called The Catch. I just wanted to see if I could write a book, and my favorite show at the time was Deadliest Catch. The book is about Faith, a woman crab fisherman, which is not only unusual but superstitiously unlucky. So, I wanted to write her story.
Sounds interesting! What's your favorite part of the writing process?
Great question, Judith! Really, it's the writing. I love sitting down with a white screen and no interruptions, and creating a story until my arms and fingers literally want to fall off. There's nothing better. So often it's all the other things that get in the way.
In fact, I'm beginning the edits with my publisher on a spin off novella from the Heaven & Earth series, entitled Dee's Cornucopia. The fans voted overwhelmingly to know her story. Between releasing and promoting The Warrior's Progeny and those edits, I'm re-working The Catch to get it just perfect and then re-release it as well. In all, I hope to have four books out this year and I'm down to two!
Whoa! That's a lot of books for one year. Of all the settings you've used (or created!) for your books, which is your favorite?
Oh, it's got to be Kauai, Hawaii. I even had to go there to do "research" for The Sea Archer, book one of the series. I fell in love with the Garden Island and the Hawaiian Monk Seals!
Cool! Have you ever dreamed about a character you created?
Ha ha, all of them! They bug me all the time, and yes, even in my sleep!
If you could have a conversation with anyone—dead or alive—who would it be?
Seriously, it would be my father-in-law, Chuck Heckman. I wrote The Catch while he was in the last stages of his cancer, and as he passed. He was an incredibly warm and loving man, who had no judgement. I would give anything to sit down and talk with him again.
I truly wish I could grant you that wish. How about another? If you could travel to any time and place, when and where would that be?
Well, both of my kids are now grown. I'd either go back, just to do it all again or go back to the times when our country was first being formed and all that history was being made.
Great choices! If you could step inside any book or series and live there for a week, which would you choose?
It's got to be Outlander, right? I am in love with Scotland and always have been, the greatest trip of my life was going there and staying a month. Seeing the history of that land and the lasting structures is really nothing short of amazing.
I studied Scottish history at the University of Aberdeen in Scotland and LOVED living there, so I'm with you! If a fairy godmother appeared and offered you one thing—anything at all—what would you request?
Okay, I'm going to be really awful and boring here but say a new body, especially feet and knees! Very unsexy, I know but there it is!
A new body…not a bad idea! Now, it's time to learn some of your favorites!
Sound: My kid's laughter
Foreign language (whether or not you speak it!): Gaelic
Song: I love powerful songs with huge meaning like Hurt (Johnny Cash), or show theme songs like Woke up this Morning (Sopranos) or Outlander's original theme song (I know I'm weird). Then it's country.
Book: Outlander
Movie: Pride and Prejudice and The Full Monty
TV show: So many! Game of Thrones, Soprano's, 30 for 30's
Cookie: Chocolate chip
US location: U.S. Virgin Islands
Foreign location: Scottish Highlands
Tea or coffee? Triple Grande Nonfat Caramel Macchiato
Cake or pie? Lemon Meringue Pie
Halloween or Christmas? CHRISTMAS!!!!
Nancy Drew or Sherlock Holmes? Nancy Drew
English gent, Scottish highlander, European count, or all-American guy? Scottish Highlander
I'd like to truly thank Judith and all her readers for having me on today. I'm truly thankful for your time! Cheers!
It's been a pleasure having you here, Jeny. I wish you all the best with your new release! And now, a little more about The Warrior's Progeny:
Colton Stone is a newly traded tight end whose reputation is as battered as his football helmet. When he receives a vacation invitation from his new teammates, he accepts. There he collides with Dr. Lillian Morgan, a pediatric cardiovascular surgeon, and doesn't know what to think.
A widow with two children, Lilly is looking forward to her friends' wedding. When she meets Colton Stone, his arrogant attitude only makes her long for the love she took for granted. Lilly struggles between letting go of her perfect past for an uncertain future.
Strange events occur, out of the realm of normal consciousness. When black energy touches their world Colt and Lilly become the pawns of the immortal Greek gods. Is the love developing between them natural, or part of a larger prophecy?
"You couldn't have known," Colt said.
"I'm a doctor," she retorted. "I'm trained to know."
"Oh, bullshit." She drew her brows together and looked at him with irritation. Undaunted, he continued. "You were his wife, not his doctor." Glancing back at the picture, he drank from his glass. "He was a young guy…looked fit…father of two." Colt turned to look at her again. "Young, fit, fathers of two don't get stage four pancreatic cancer and die in ten months. He wasn't your patient, Lillian, and you weren't looking at him like a patient. He was your husband, and he died."
"Colt." She took a breath, placed a hand on his, and backed up a little. "Look, I know you want something, but we're broken here, and I can't give you what you…"
"It's not bullshit. It's how I feel. I've got kids to think about and responsibilities. You want easy and I'm not that."
"You don't even know me, Lilly."
"I know. That's what I've been trying to say."
"No, that's what you're trying to use as an excuse. Those kids aren't damaged because of their dad, you are. Those kids have a mom who loves them and makes damn sure they aren't damaged. You're afraid to try, so you hide behind your dead husband."
"How dare you be so callous?"
"How dare you use your husband to get out of trying again? You're a beautiful, intelligent woman and your life isn't over."
Amazon Kindle | Nook | iBooks
More about Jeny:
Award-winning author, Jeny Heckman, was born in Bellingham, Washington, and was the youngest of two daughters. She met her husband, Jeff, in August 1992, and eloped three months later, at Magen's Bay, on St. Thomas, U.S.V.I.
She wrote her first book, the Catch, in a few short months but took several years before she gained the courage to self-publish it at her son's urging, and her love for writing began.
In 2018, Jeny knew her next project would be a series that showed adults could have adventures in the paranormal-fantasy genre too. So, she created the Heaven & Earth series, a story of doomed Greek gods and their only salvation, their modern-day descendants. Her first book of the series, the Sea Archer, was immediately picked up by the New York publishing house, the Wild Rose Press, and won, "Best in Category" from the 2018 Chanticleer International Book Awards.
In the year 2020, Jeny released, Dancing Through Tears, a short story from the anthology, Australia Burns: Volume Two, highlighting the Route 91 massacre from the perspective of one family at the concert, and at Mandalay Bay. She also intends to release, the Warrior's Progeny, and Dee's Cornucopia, in 2020, continuing the Heaven & Earth Series.
Jeny lives in Washington State with her husband of over twenty-eight years.
Website: https://jenyheckman.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heckman.jeny
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jenyheckman
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenyheckman
Pintrest: https://www.pinterest.com/jenyheckman17
GoodReads: https://bit.ly/3fd8RJA
BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/jeny-heckman
YouTube: https://bit.ly/30vNfUI
Newsletter Sign-up: http://eepurl.com/dDTPI9


Since its inception, the Nigerian Navy has continually striven to distinguish itself as a unique arm of the military that thrives on innovation. This zeal to live above board in the discharge of its military responsibilities and protection of Nigeria's territorial waters is behind the progress the navy has made so far.
The core of that success has been the ability to grasp the trend and adapt to changes. The return to democracy appears to have created more opportunities for the navy to benefit and expand its scope of operation in order to position the service as a global example among world navies. While the Nigerian Navy has been fortifying its military capacity to safeguard Nigeria's territorial waters, it has equally strategised itself for modern warfare and is now broadening its knowledge base through education.
The new Admiralty University of Nigeria (ADUN), Ibusa, Delta State, is a template and platform that is geared towards enabling the navy contribute its quota to the pool of knowledge. Coming at a time the Nigerian Defence Headquarters (DHQ), particularly the navy, is expending enormous financial resources to train personnel abroad in foreign institutions, the establishment of Admiralty University has come at just the right time.
According to the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Ekwe Ibok-Ete Ibas, the purpose for setting up ADUN is to reduce the high rate of foreign trainings by not only its personnel but also those of its sister services. He observed that the establishment of the institution was aimed at reducing the pressure the development was imposing on foreign exchange.
At the unveiling of ADUN, Ibas, who was represented by Chief of Policy and Plans, Naval Headquarters, Rear Admiral Henry Babalola, stressed that the navy's main objective was to spearhead the application of knowledge to solve real challenges of the moment.
The CNS explained that the university will fully take off in October and start academic activities with degree programmes in three faculties. He said the university was "conceived to expand the frontiers of knowledge for the growth and development of humanity, meet the training needs of the Nigerian Navy along with those of their sister services with reduced travel abroad for training and the pressure it imposed on foreign exchange".
Lectures will be delivered at the institution through flipped classroom technology, giving students access to lectures, notes, books and teaching materials online, while classroom time will be used to better understand the theory, practice and critically analyse new knowledge. This is in line to the best educational practices as experienced by students at some of the best universities in the United States and Europe.
According to the naval chief, ADU is established out of a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) between the navy through its investment arm-Navy Holdings and Hellenic Education, an international educational organisation.
Speaking to THISDAY, President of ADUN, Dr. Pavlos Pavlou, traced the history of the university to its formative stage. He explained that the idea started in the middle of 2014 and there are two partners in this collaboration in the setting up of the Admiralty University, under a public private partnership. One part being the Nigerian Navy through its Nigerian Navy Holdings Company, which is a 100 per cent subsidiary of the navy.
Also speaking, Vice President for Enrolment Management and University Relations, Linus Ikyurav, said the staff recruitment process painstaking. Ikyurav said, "The selection was purely 100 per cent based on merit. We are looking for areas that we don't even have personnel here; there are some faculties that to be able to afford them, we can only get them by remote lecturing using digital technology.
He stated that the biggest part of the selection was based on merit and "secondly, geographical spread – if we have more qualified applications for a given field of study, we will go into the consideration of geographical spread and the universal spread because we want a diverse and the uniqueness of the applicants, their ability to impact the knowledge into the students and not just parading the academic qualifications because you might be bright with a first-class certificate but a horrible lecturer. Part of what we are trying to introduce is that you are not just a lecturer but a mentor to the students".