| Choices (Aquamarine Series, Book 3) {romantic suspense} by Dee Lloyd (Dame Aquamarine): In the midst of the laughter and dancing at the Jameson/Donatelli stag and doe party, life-changing choices are made. One choice could lead to lasting love, another to violent death... Experience has taught the event manager at Aquamarine Lake Lodge, Elly Jameson, not to trust good-looking, charismatic cops. Police officer Ward O'Donnell has resisted his fascination with his buddy's younger sister since Elly was an exciting teenager who burned up the slalom courses ten years ago. When there's a murder at the Jameson/Donatelli party, Ward and Elly find themselves working together to solve the crime. But how will they deal with an attraction that verges on combustible?
The Topaz Guard {swashbuckling romance} by Carrie S. Masek (Dame Topaz): Set in Orleans, France, 1585, in an era when Catholic and Protestant vie for control of France, eighteen-year old Lisette Mercer is on the brink of her lifelong goal--acceptance into the Abbey of Paraclete and a life of monastic study—when a young nobleman, Charles de Verney crashes into her life. Charles is handsome and charming--and a member of the Topaz Guard, the same guard that murdered Lisette's parents during the St. Bartholomew's Day massacre thirteen years earlier. Hidden in a chest, she watched her family die, and she is haunted by the memory of a blood-splattered, jewel-encrusted sword—golden jewels, like the topaz set in the base of each sword wielded by the Topaz Guard. Intrigued by her wit and intelligence, Charles courts Lisette, and she conquers her fear and distrust of guardsmen to return Charles’ love. On the eve of their betrothal, a demon from her past returns and threatens not only their happiness but also their lives.
The Incomparable Miss Scarlet {Victorian romance} by Nancy Pirri (Dame Sapphire): In 1851 London, Scarlet Warden stumbles upon her brother-in-law making love to a woman who's not her sister. But when Scarlet reveals the truth to Emma, her sister wants to turn a blind eye to the entire affair because divorce simply isn't an option, since the laws of the land could leave her penniless, without custody of her children. Scarlet's sleuthing leads to several other female acquaintances begging her to spy on their husbands and she gains governess positions in various households in her quest to prove their unfaithfulness.
Thirty-year-old bachelor, Hugh Henry Hamilton, the Duke of Danescliffe, has heard the laments from male friends. Hugh stands behind the sanctity of marriage and believes these men deserve what they got. He has yet to find a wife for himself until he meets the London's notorious snoop and knows she's the only one for him.
The Nonesuch Curse (North of Nonesuch Series, Book 8) {gothic historical romance} by Jane Toombs (Dame Turquoise): "My name is Falana, I am a fae, and Ruthven blood I curse this day..." For five generations, the wood witch's curse has killed all Ruthven males on their thirtieth birthday. When Trilla Pasanen falls in love with Rom Ruthven, she discovers that the only way to save him is to believe in the power she hasn't been able to accept as her own. If she fails, Rom will die at thirty just as every Ruthven male has since Falana pronounced her evil curse.
The Amber Dragon (The Amber Chronicles, Book 3) {a love story} by Janet Lane Walters (Dame Amber): Enter the world of the amber orb and learn the fate of the first prince to face the witch's curse and be cursed to live out his existence inside the orb.
Inside the world of the orb, Stephen Riva emerges from the forest and walks until he finds a village. He has no money and few skills, but he has to eat. He takes a job in the kitchen of a village tavern, but this is not the life he has been trained for let alone the one he wants. He is a prince without a kingdom. Is there a place for him in this new world?
Princess Valia is beautiful but vain and selfish. She has refused every prince of the near and far kingdoms. They haven’t paid enough homage to her beauty. Her father is at the end of his patience and orders the court wizard to teach her a lesson. The wizard changes her into an amber-colored dragon--a fat, five-foot dragon. She must find a prince who will kiss her in order to turn back into her beautiful self. But how, when she has alienated every prince she knows?
She flees the palace and begins to wander. Stephen hears of the dragon and goes to save the people from it. When she learns her challenger is a prince who does not know her history, can she entice him to kiss her? If he does, will she learn her lesson?
Jordana's Chair (Kaleidoscope Series, Book 4) {contemporary romance} by Karen Wiesner (Dame Amethyst): Kaleidoscope Office Building provides employment to nine hot, young singles--all about to make a love connection. Working 9 to 5 has never been so complicated...or so much fun!
Soulful-eyed heartbreaker Dex Everett has been intrigued by his neighbor since she moved into his building a year ago--though, or perhaps because—she's nothing like the made-up glamour girls he's used to dating. Jordana DeSoto barely speaks English, has worn the same two handmade outfits in all the time he's known her, and has never bothered with, nor needed, make-up. The few times he's helped her carry furniture up to her apartment, he's noticed that her living space is basically empty. No one he's ever known could be content with so little simply because she earned it on her own or display such joy over a new chair. Jordana captures Dex the way no other woman ever has. Is this ladies' man officially off the market?
Reviews for Tales From the Treasure Trove, Volume VI
5 Wings! "In this sixth edition of these wondrous tales, the Dames deliver again. Eight tales of love and romance that are as diverse in their sub-genres and subjects as their writers are. They weave the tales and pull you in to keep you reading each line. Each story is as riveting as the last and each tale delivers on the romance promise in a delightful and sweet way that sends you looking for more by each of the authors. The Amber Dragon by Janet Lane Walters (Dame Amber): In this fantastical little tale, Dame Amber weaves a tale of a princess, spoiled and vain, who needs a husband, but those that come calling do not meet with her approval--they adore their looks more than hers. Delightful and exciting, a true testament to a spoiled princess. Jordana’s Chair by Karen Wiesner (Dame Amethyst): In this latest installment of her Kaleidoscope Series, Dame Amethyst delivers yet again. She shows us how, once again, love can break down barriers from childhood and heal wounds once thought too deep to heal. It is a very wonderful story, one that this reviewer empathized with easily, and felt that Ms. Wiesner truly was able to convey the fears and scars that the homeless live with every day for the rest of their lies. The Nonesuch Curse by Jane Toombs (Dame Turquoise): In this story, Dame Turquoise introduces us to a family that had a curse put upon them in the late 1800’s in Scotland. Five generations later, the witch that cast the curse is back, and her next victim is the latest Ruthven male, Rom Ruthven. I promise you Ms. Toombs will not disappoint you. Choices by Dee Lloyd (Dame Aquamarine): Ms. Lloyd keeps you turning the pages as you try to figure it all out before end. It is always nice to revisit this loving little town set on Aquamarine Lake. The Incomparable Miss Scarlet by Nancy Pirri (Dame Sapphire): This wonderful romp in Victorian era London has a spinster--Miss Scarlet--working in friends’ homes to catch their husbands at infidelity, and she is very good at it. Until called upon by her sister to ferret out her brother-in-law’s activities, that is. Read Ms. Pirri’s story and you will get a new appreciation for Victorian England. Garnet Hills by Liz Hunter (Dame Garnet): What do horse breeding, dog fights, rugged cowboys and a lonely ranch owner have in common? Read Garnet Hills by Dame Garnet and go through the layers to find out. A wonderful little western story to make you smile and set your heart aglow. The Topaz Guard by Carrie S. Masek (Dame Topaz) Religious war shook France, shattering lives, and one young girl who lived in a trunk for three days after seeing her family killed by the very guards that were supposed to protect them. Her uncle and aunt raised her, and she was ready to enter the convent, a place of unlimited learning for her soul. That day she runs into a young man, a man who sparks feelings in her most female heart. Read Ms. Masek’s story to be transported back to the late 1800’s France. All of these stories are a wonderful trip through the hearts of eight wonderful couples that will make your emotions soar. I give this book and the Dames that contributed to it a solid 5 wings. Loved it completely, and can’t wait till the next anthology." ~ Melissa for Classic Romance Revival
5 Cups! "As always the Jewels of the Quill ladies have offered us an exciting collection of short tales designed to keep us on the edge of our seat for hours. Beautifully written with inspiring characters and colorful stories set across the globe, there is so much to see. With everything from history to dragons and cowboys to murder, there is something for everyone in this much anticipated anthology." ~ Hollie for Coffee Time Romance & More
5 Stars! "Seven Jewels of the Quill authors offer new, short, exciting Tales from the Treasure Trove! I love a good, fast-paced short story. This collection of short stories will leave the reader wanting more tales by these authors. I know I will. This book left me wanting more romance stories by these authors. The reader will recognize many of the authors’ names. Love, romance and suspense abound in these stories." ~ Readers Favorite
4 Stars! "Seven short stories ranging from gothic historical and Victorian to romantic suspense make up this original collection. These stories will appeal to readers who are looking for an eclectic mix of genres with a dash of romance. A particularly good story is Pirri's "The Incomparable Miss Scarlet," because Scarlet, who is a modern woman living in the 1800s, is a fascinating character." ~ Barb Anderson for RT Book Reviews
Read an excerpt from Tales From the Treasure Trove, Volume VI
Visit the Jewels of the Quill web site
About Jewels of the Quill
What are the Dames up to now?
http://www.JewelsoftheQuill.com
Writing Treasures for Every Taste...
Jewels of the Quill is a group of award-winning women authors. We write in 45 categories of fiction, nonfiction, and everything in between. Among the 12 authors in the group, we've had over 350 books published by 87 publishers. We've won or finaled for almost 220 awards. Our books are available in mass market paperback, trade paperback, hardcover, electronic, Large Print, and audio formats. In short, we offer something for every reader.
What you'll find on the Jewels website:
-Monthly Giveaways--Win free books from your favorite Dame of the Quill! And join us for our annual Valentine's Day, Anniversary and Christmas giveaways!
-New Dame Spotlight--Every month one of the Dames will be spotlighted along with her newest release!
-Special Interview--Find out more about your favorite Dame in a spotlight interview!
-Updates--New releases, upcoming books and appearances of your favorite Dame of the Quill!
-Information about and excerpts from the Jewels of the Quill group anthologies!
Find out what the Dames are up to today! http://www.JewelsoftheQuill.com
Backlist and upcoming releases:
TALES FROM THE TREASURE TROVE, Volume I
A Jewels of the Quill Anthology
1-59374-372-6 (trade paperback); 1-59374-373-4 (electronic)
http://www.angelfire.com/stars4/kswiesner/JOTQanthologies.html
SMALL GIFTS
A Jewels of the Quill Christmas Anthology
1-59374-393-9 (trade paperback); 1-59374-394-7 (electronic)
Available now!
http://www.angelfire.com/stars4/kswiesner/JOTQholiday.html
TREASURES OF THE HEART
A Jewels of the Quill Valentine’s Day Anthology
1-59374-515-X (trade paperback); 1-59374-516-8 (electronic)
Available now!
http://www.angelfire.com/stars4/kswiesner/JOTQholiday1.html
TALES FROM THE TREASURE TROVE, Volume II
A Jewels of the Quill Anthology
978-1-59374-517-2 (trade paperback); 978-1-59374-518-9 (electronic)
Available now!
http://www.angelfire.com/stars4/kswiesner/JOTQanthologies1.html
TALES FROM THE TREASURE TROVE, Volume III
A Jewels of the Quill Anthology
978-1-59374-683-4 (trade paperback); 978-1-59374-684-1 (electronic)
Available now!
http://www.angelfire.com/stars4/kswiesner/JOTQanthologies2.html
SHADOWS IN THE HEART
A Jewels of the Quill Halloween Anthology
978-1-59374-685-8 (trade paperback); 978-1-59374-686-5 (electronic)
Available now!
http://www.angelfire.com/stars4/kswiesner/JOTQholiday2.html
TALES FROM THE TREASURE TROVE, Volume IV
A Jewels of the Quill Anthology
978-1-60313-138-4 (trade paperback); 978-1-60313-139-1 (electronic)
Available now!
http://www.angelfire.com/stars4/kswiesner/JOTQanthologies2a.html
CHRISTMAS WISHES
A Jewels of the Quill Christmas Anthology
978-1-60313-258-9 (trade paperback); 978-1-60313-259-6 (electronic)
Available now!
http://www.angelfire.com/stars4/kswiesner/JOTQholiday2a.html
MAGICAL KISSES
A Jewels of the Quill Valentine’s Day Anthology
978-1-60313-520-7 (trade paperback); 978-1-60313-521-4 (electronic)
Available now!
http://www.angelfire.com/stars4/kswiesner/JOTQholiday3.html
TALES FROM THE TREASURE TROVE, Volume V
A Jewels of the Quill Anthology
978-1-60313-529-0 (trade paperback); 978-1-60313-528-3 (electronic)
Available now!
http://www.angelfire.com/stars4/kswiesner/JOTQanthologies3.html
Upcoming releases from Jewels of the Quill:
HALLOWEEN TREASURES
A Jewels of the Quill Halloween Anthology
Coming in trade paperback and electronic formats
Available for order September 2010
http://www.angelfire.com/stars4/kswiesner/JOTQholiday3a.html
TALES FROM THE TREASURE TROVE, Volume VII
A Jewels of the Quill Anthology
Coming in trade paperback and electronic formats
Available for order March 2011
http://www.angelfire.com/stars4/kswiesner/JOTQanthologies4.html
CHRISTMAS GEMS
A Jewels of the Quill Christmas Anthology
Coming in trade paperback and electronic formats
Available for order September 2011
http://www.angelfire.com/stars4/kswiesner/JOTQholiday4.html
An Interview with Jewels of the Quill
By Holly Hewson for The Romance StudioHH: Ladies, thank you for talking with us at TRS. How and when did Jewels of the Quill first come together as a group? Karen Wiesner (Dame Amethyst) is the founding member of Jewels of the Quill, which was launched in July 2003 with original members Christine DeSmet, Liz Hunter, Carrie S. Masek, Barbara Raffin, Jane Toombs, and Karen Woods, all of whom are still part of the group. For the most part, these authors were friends who were part of the Wisconsin Romance Writers-RWA writing group. Carrie came up with the brilliant idea of having Dame "gems." We've had some membership changes over the years, but the group is still going strong. Jewels of the Quill was featured in the September 2003 issue of RT Book Reviews, and Karen Wiesner has written a book, called The Power of Promotional Groups, about how to set up a successful promotional group like Jewels of the Quill. To date, the group has put together fourteen award-winning group anthologies, edited by Karen Wiesner, Jane Toombs, Barbara Raffin, and Carrie S. Masek. Karen Wiesner designs the book covers for each anthology.
HH: What can you tell us about your working relationship with each other? Jane Toombs (Dame Turquoise): When I joined Jewels of the Quill some years back at its inception, I barely knew most of the members, but I liked the premise of twelve authors promoting ourselves and each other. Plus the fact our fearless leader, Karen Wiesner, was so far ahead of me in computer savvy, and ways to promote that I understood she was a true gem as well as one of the Jewels. All the Jewels have become my friends. Even though I've never met some of them face-to face, we've all bonded. Proof of that comes with each new success a member has-I think we all feel as happy for her as we would be if the success was our own. Because, in a way, it is.
Janet Lane Walters (Dame Amber): As an author in Jewels of the Quill, my main working with the others deals with promoting each other, reading their books and contributing to the group anthologies. I do have a working relationship with Jane Toombs. We've co-authored a non-fiction book Becoming Your Own Critique Partner and have just received the contract for a four-novella series called Moon Pool.
Karen Wiesner: We're an extremely close group-friends and partners in promotion. We talk up each other's work along with our own and the group anthologies. I consider these ladies part of my family. Outside of that, these are some of the highest-caliber writers putting books out today.
HH: Please tell us about your latest release, Tales from the Treasure Trove, Volume VI, A Jewels of the Quill Anthology. What sets this anthology from your group apart from the others you've done to this point? Seven Jewels of the Quill authors offer new, short, exciting Tales from the Treasure Trove!
For the first time, we no longer require our contributing authors in the Tales volumes to use their dame gem in titles and story themes. Since some of our authors have contributed to every volume, this became overwhelming.
Find our more about this anthology here:
http://www.angelfire.com/stars4/kswiesner/JOTQanthologies3a.html
Liz Hunter (Dame Garnet), please tell us about the story you contributed to this anthology, Garnet Hills, and what makes your characters so special.
Garnet Hills
Romantic suspense
It's a dream come true when Julianne Harrison inherits a horse farm from her estranged father. But is she strong enough to handle the problems...and dangers...that come with the property, especially when one of them comes in the package of one gorgeous cowboy?
I've lived in Wisconsin for over twenty years, so I've naturally set my stories in Wisconsin. I love horses, as my characters in Garnet Hills do, and in my earlier years, I showed five gated horses.
Dee Lloyd (Dame Aquamarine), please tell us about the story you contributed to this anthology and what makes your characters so special.
Choices, Aquamarine Series, Book 3
Romantic suspense
In the midst of the laughter and dancing at the Jameson/Donatelli stag and doe party, life-changing choices are made. One choice could lead to lasting love, another to violent death...
Experience has taught the event manager at Aquamarine Lake Lodge, Elly Jameson, not to trust good-looking, charismatic cops. Police officer Ward O'Donnell has resisted his fascination with his buddy's younger sister since Elly was an exciting teenager who burned up the slalom courses ten years ago. When there's a murder at the Jameson/Donatelli party, Ward and Elly find themselves working together to solve the crime. But how will they deal with an attraction that verges on combustible?
Elly and Ward came to life for me in Return to Aquamarine, Book 2 in my Aquamarine Series. Elly's natural warmth and exuberance when she greeted her grieving friend, Nita, told me she'd be the ideal heroine for the Choices story I had in mind. She was the event coordinator of Lake Aquamarine Resort where I'd planning to set a murder at a reception at the golf club. Elly's teenage crush and lingering admiration for gorgeous, local police lieutenant Ward O'Donnell fit right in.
Ward had resisted getting close to Scott Jameson's too appealing, younger sister for almost half his life. In the days when she'd been a daredevil, fearless little skier and he'd been coaching the girls' slalom team, she'd been much too young and inexperienced for him. Besides, Scott would have killed him if he'd laid hands on his buddy's little sister. She was older now...and even more attractive. However, although he continued to enjoy the company of women, he no longer trusted easily. He'd learned his lesson from another apparently sincere and open woman. Elly, too, is cautious. She is determined not to fall for anyone in Ward's line of work. Her earlier experience with a good looking, charismatic cop had been an unhappy one.
I like the fact that both of them laugh easily and tackle obstacles with the same intensity. Elly has a positive love of life, and a buried passionate fire. Ward throws himself completely into everything he does...his work, his play, his lovemaking. The sparks these two generate are fun to watch. They were even more fun to create.
Carrie S. Masek (Dame Topaz), please tell us about the story you contributed to this anthology and what makes your characters so special.
The Topaz Guard
Swashbuckling romance
Set in Orleans, France, 1585, in an era when Catholic and Protestant vie for control of France, eighteen-year old Lisette Mercer is on the brink of her lifelong goal-acceptance into the Abbey of Paraclete and a life of monastic study-when a young nobleman, Charles de Verney crashes into her life. Charles is handsome and charming-and a member of the Topaz Guard, the same guard that murdered Lisette's parents during the St. Bartholomew's Day massacre thirteen years earlier. Hidden in a chest, she watched her family die, and she is haunted by the memory of a blood-splattered, jewel-encrusted sword-golden jewels, like the topaz set in the base of each sword wielded by the Topaz Guard. Intrigued by her wit and intelligence, Charles courts Lisette, and she conquers her fear and distrust of guardsmen to return Charles' love. On the eve of their betrothal, a demon from her past returns and threatens not only their happiness but also their lives.
What makes my characters in The Topaz Guard special to me is how they exhibit modern traits in a historical context. For instance, Lisette Mercer, the heroine, is an intelligent, head-strong young woman who rejects her place in conventional society, preferring to devote her life to study and learning. Today, she might earn a PhD and become a professor, but in Renaissance France, the only way she can obtain her goal is by taking the veil and joining the Abbey of Paraclete.
The story's hero, Charles de Verney, is the redundant son of an impoverished baron. After studying several years at the Sorbonne in Paris, he is now a reluctant soldier. Unlike the cliche swashbuckling hero, he's not particularly good with a sword, but he is charming and intelligent. Like many modern men, he appreciates a strong woman and is drawn to Lisette's wit and intellect. As his feelings for her grow, he challenges her vocation and forces her to face the possibility that her desire to join the abbey has more to do with fear of the outside world than piety.
A "modern" couple who portray both the intellectual excitement of the Renaissance and the underlying religious conflicts...what could be more fun than that?
Nancy Pirri (Dame Sapphire), please tell us about the story you contributed to this anthology and what makes your characters so special.
The Incomparable Miss Scarlet
Victorian romance
In 1851 London, Scarlet Warden stumbles upon her brother-in-law making love to a woman who's not her sister. But when Scarlet reveals the truth to Emma, her sister wants to turn a blind eye to the entire affair because divorce simply isn't an option, since the laws of the land could leave her penniless, without custody of her children. Scarlet's sleuthing leads to several other female acquaintances begging her to spy on their husbands and she gains governess positions in various households in her quest to prove their unfaithfulness.
Thirty-year-old bachelor, Hugh Henry Hamilton, the Duke of Danescliffe, has heard the laments from male friends. Hugh stands behind the sanctity of marriage and believes these men deserve what they got. He has yet to find a wife for himself until he meets the London's notorious snoop and knows she's the only one for him.
Scarlet is highly unconventional. Being 'on the shelf' at the age of twenty-two, she wants what every young girl wants--marriage to a wonderful man. Yet she doesn't pine on it. She goes on with her life, helping her sister with her children, and then becoming the 'snoop' of London to ferret out her married friends' unfaithful husbands. Scarlet possesses modern-day traits--she would fit into a 21st century world because of her independent nature.
Hugh is more conventional for the 19th century time period in England. He's a dutiful duke and takes his position seriously. But he also has a sense of humor, and, while he might be a bit domineering with Scarlet, he's never overbearing or nasty. He's a true gentleman and is chivalrous and caring of Scarlet.
Jane, please tell us about the story you contributed to this anthology and what makes your characters so special.
The Nonesuch Curse
North of Nonesuch Series, Book 8
Gothic historical romance
"My name is Falana, I am a fae, and Ruthven blood I curse this day..." For five generations, the wood witch's curse has killed all Ruthven males on their thirtieth birthday. When Trilla Pasanen falls in love with Rom Ruthven, she discovers that the only way to save him is to believe in the power she hasn't been able to accept as her own. If she fails, Rom will die at thirty just as every Ruthven male has since Falana pronounced her evil curse.
Though my hero, Rommel Ruthven, had a German mother, he comes from the Scottish Ruthvens--a cursed line. For over a century, there's never been more than one son born to a Ruthven father, that child coming before the father is thirty. Because, on October 31st, on his thirtieth birthday, at the stroke of midnight, every Ruthven male dies--supposedly of a heart attack. Rom doesn't want to believe this fate will happen to him. He's consulted many specialists, none of whom can find anything wrong with his heart--or anything else for that matter, including his DNA. But he can't entirely ignore what happened to his father, grandfather and so on into the past. Just in case, he tends to keep to one-night-stands, determined not to fall in love or father a child. For if the curse is true, how else can he break it?
The heroine in The Nonesuch Curse is Trillium Pasanen, who prefers to be called Trilla, has a Finnish father and an Anishnabe mother, both of whom have certain special powers. Trilla wants no part of the supernatural. At twelve, her mother insists she undergo a ritual vigil meant to show a child his or her spirit animal helper. She must spend three days and nights alone in the woods without food. Trilla has a vision dream of a bear, who shows her the face of her enemy. Bear also tells her she must find a special agate at the waterline of Lake Superior and keep it safe. Which she subsequently does. As an adult, she becomes a nurse, geared to helping others, happy in what she does, wanting nothing more....except love, which has never happened to her until she meets Rom, a cursed man. Is it possible that Trilla has the power to save the man she falls in love with from his horrible fate?
Janet, please tell us about the story you contributed to this anthology and what makes your characters so special.
The Amber Dragon
The Amber Chronicles, Book 3
A love story
Enter the world of the amber orb and learn the fate of the first prince to face the witch's curse and be cursed to live out his existence inside the orb.
Inside the world of the orb, Stephen Riva emerges from the forest and walks until he finds a village. He has no money and few skills, but he has to eat. He takes a job in the kitchen of a village tavern, but this is not the life he has been trained for let alone the one he wants. He is a prince without a kingdom. Is there a place for him in this new world?
Princess Valia is beautiful but vain and selfish. She has refused every prince of the near and far kingdoms. They haven't paid enough homage to her beauty. Her father is at the end of his patience and orders the court wizard to teach her a lesson. The wizard changes her into an amber-colored dragon--a fat, five-foot dragon. She must find a prince who will kiss her in order to turn back into her beautiful self. But how, when she has alienated every prince she knows?
She flees the palace and begins to wander. Stephen hears of the dragon and goes to save the people from it. When she learns her challenger is a prince who does not know her history, can she entice him to kiss her? If he does, will she learn her lesson?
I fell in love with Stephen when he first appeared in my thoughts. He's a man who doesn't believe in love at first sight. When he's transported into another world, he doesn't just give up. He finds a job, though it's not what he's used to, and when he hears about the dragon that's terrifying people he sets off to find and perhaps slay the dragon. Of course he's surprised by the dragon and begins to think of it as a pet, never realizing the dragon is a princess in disguise.
Valia is vain and rather selfish, but she's not been taught to be a ruler. Her father has considered her just a pretty face. After years of this treatment, she believes what she has been taught. Her experiences as a dragon and her attraction to Stephen is some ways is funny. Actually, as the dragon, she's a delight.
Karen Wiesner, please tell us about the story you contributed to this anthology and what makes your characters so special.
Jordana's Chair
Kaleidoscope Series, Book 4
Contemporary romance
Kaleidoscope Office Building provides employment to nine hot, young singles--all about to make a love connection. Working 9 to 5 has never been so complicated...or so much fun!
Soulful-eyed heartbreaker Dex Everett has been intrigued by his neighbor since she moved into his building a year ago-though, or perhaps because-she's nothing like the made-up glamour girls he's used to dating. Jordana DeSoto barely speaks English, has worn the same two handmade outfits in all the time he's known her, and has never bothered with, nor needed, make-up. The few times he's helped her carry furniture up to her apartment, he's noticed that her living space is basically empty. No one he's ever known could be content with so little simply because she earned it on her own or display such joy over a new chair. Jordana captures Dex the way no other woman ever has. Is this ladies' man officially off the market?
I fell in love with Dex the first time he was mentioned in previous books in the series. He's a ladies' man, yet he respects and loves women, and he's holding out for true love. The fashion plates he's been dating don't provide the depth or connection he's looking for in a life-partner. Jordana was the perfect woman for him. She's completely innocent--a woman who turns trash to treasure, finds utter joy in purchasing her first chair, and truly believes in saving for a rainy day. Unfortunately, growing up on the streets as a child has made her fear for her future...until Dex shows her that the heart and trust are the greatest gifts that can be given.
HH: What else do the Jewels of the Quill members have coming in group anthologies for lucky readers? Margaret: I'm contributing a story to Halloween Treasures. A sinister artifact handed down in her family forces a young woman into conflict with creatures from an alien dimension that threaten not only her life but the safety of the entire world. You can read an excerpt of Mistress of the Shadow Hounds here: http://www.angelfire.com/stars4/kswiesner/HalloweenTreasuresexcerpts.pdf
Christine: I'm contributing a story to Christmas Gems. After losing her husband, Vienna Campbell thought that coming home to Birch Bay, Wisconsin, on the shore of Lake Superior, and running Mary's Antique Shop & Inn for her grandmother would help her find a way to move on. But being a war widow-even after five years have passed-means you're invited to all the Christmas parties and you're the honored guest being toasted for your husband's service to the country. Vienna knows people mean well, but she feels like the angel stuck on top of the Christmas tree watching others enjoying life. Then things get worse-she's evicted from her rented house because of her menagerie of pets that are her best friends. To her chagrin, in steps the town nerd and her rival all through school, Joseph Millbauer, taking pity on her and offering her an unexpected, extravagant gift. But if she accepts it, what does good ol' dateless Joe expect in return in his Christmas stocking? An excerpt of The Christmas Magi of Birch Bay will soon be available here:
http://www.angelfire.com/stars4/kswiesner/ChristmasGemsexcerpts.pdf
Dee: I'm contributing a story to Halloween Treasures. Sam Farber heads for a neighborhood bar after a particularly grueling shift in the emergency room. This Hallowe'en had brought out all the crazies. He'd spent hours dealing with the bloody aftermath of a gun battle between two teenaged gangs. All he wants is an hour or two of warmth and companionship. He gets more than he's looking for.
Cuddly was an experiment for me. The story is darker than anything else I've ever written. I drew on frightening Hallowe'en scenes from my childhood. The memory of the chill darkness, the cutting winds, the wet streets slippery with fallen leaves still gives me the shudders. As the story opens, Sam is not frightened by the night...only depressed about the callousness and evil in the world. He hopes to find cheer and warmth in the Crown and Anchor. What he finds... You can read an excerpt of Cuddly here: http://www.angelfire.com/stars4/kswiesner/HalloweenTreasuresexcerpts.pdf
I'm also I am toying with a few ideas involving a writers' convention at the Lodge featured in my Aquamarine Series, but the details have not yet jelled completely. As soon as I finish the paranormal romance I am currently working on, I will concentrate on that one.
Carrie: I'm contributing a story to Tales from the Treasure Trove, Volume VII (coming March 2011) as well as one to Christmas Gems, A Jewels of the Quill Christmas Anthology (September 2011).
Topaz and the Lucky Seven, which will be in Tales VII, is a fantasy set in the kingdom of Brazeland where luck is everything. No one knows this better than Zaida, an abandoned girl-child lucky enough to become the Princess Alma's closest confidant. Sixteen years after their shared birthday, intrigue and magic fill the palace with the arrival of Alma's Betrothal Season. With the help of a curious kitten and a tone-deaf bard, Zaida must protect her princess from false suitors and find the one man worthy of Alma's love. Here's the sneak peek of this story: http://www.angelfire.com/stars4/kswiesner/sneakpeeks2.pdf
Bunny's White Christmas, coming in Christmas Gems, is a story about a man who hates Christmas, a woman who loves Christmas, and the lost bunny who brings them together one snowy Christmas Eve. And here is a short peek of the story, where hero meets bunny and bunny wins: http://www.angelfire.com/stars4/kswiesner/sneakpeeks.pdf
Nancy: I'm contributing a story to Christmas Gems. In I'll Be Home for Christmas, Amelia Marsden has arrived home in small-town, Pierce, Minnesota home, a place she'd been so anxious to leave ten years ago. Back in Minneapolis, she lost her husband, her job and her home in Minneapolis. She arrives on the family farm to stay with the one gem left in her life--a baby who's to be born around Christmas-time. Harley Jay "JJ" Fisher is Amelia's brother's best friend, and JJ never left Pierce. Instead, he's gone on to become the local sheriff. Since Amelia's several years younger than him, he's always treated her like a little sister--until now, when he sees the beautiful woman she's become. When an attempt is made on Amelia's life, JJ wants to know what else she left behind her in Minneapolis. The truth may be the only way he can save her life. Check out a special, not-available-anywhere-else, sneak peek of I'll Be Home for Christmas here: http://www.angelfire.com/stars4/kswiesner/sneakpeeks.pdf
Barbara: I'm contributing a story to Halloween Treasures. Never make a witch mad. Jackson Wolfe did and he's now a scarecrow in her garden. Jessie Moon doesn't like liars and, in a fit of anger, turned the man she loves into a scarecrow. Now, four months later, she's exhausted every spell to restore him, been put on probation by her coven, and is still angry at Jackson for lying to her. On All Hallows Eve, the coven assembles at Jessie's house to restore Jackson to his living, human form at the stroke of midnight. What Jessie doesn't realize is that this is a test for her--a test that will determine whether or not she will be allowed to remain in the coven. Since impulsive anger is this novice witch's problem, Jessie is given the twenty-four hours of Halloween in which to learn to control her anger and love Jackson enough to let him go or to lose her place in the coven. As if that wasn't enough, if she fails, not only will she be cast out of the coven, but Jackson will be turned back into a scarecrow...forever. You can read an excerpt of The Scarecrow and Ms. Moon here: http://www.angelfire.com/stars4/kswiesner/HalloweenTreasuresexcerpts.pdf
Jane: The Charmer will be the ninth book in the series, coming in Halloween Treasures, which features Will Pasanen, the older brother of Trilla, who was the heroine of The Nonesuch Curse. Will is a DNR officer, accustomed to wild animals, but will find himself completely out of his league when he faces the strangest and most dangerous creature he's ever seen-on Halloween, which is his birthday. While Trilla discovered her own secret powers in The Nonesuch Curse, Will has none of his own. Like his sister, their Anishinabe mother did insist on him going through the three night vigil in the woods, waiting to discover his animal helper. The last night of the ordeal, he did. But his vision eagle came with something in its claws, showing Will his enemy. As the years pass, Will more or less forgets about his vision dream. Until he rescues a gal named Lily... The idea for this story has been festering in my mind for years. Ever since, long ago, I saw a scary English movie called The White Worm. That movie took me even farther back to the time when I'd read F. Rider Haggard's well-known She. But more years passed before my own story slithered into my mind, with elements from both the movie and Haggard's story. So how can Will, with no special powers of his own, combat the horror he finds connected with Lily? Read an excerpt of The Charmer here: http://www.angelfire.com/stars4/kswiesner/HalloweenTreasuresexcerpts.pdf
A Christmas Surprise, Book 10 of the Nonesuch Series, will be released in Christmas Gems. The unexpected return of a long-lost daughter brings a miraculous surprise. Also look for a non-series release, The Turquoise Gown, which will be published in Tales from the Treasure Trove, Volume VII. Is it possible to don a gown that will bring about a mate who's perfect for you? Theodora's mother insists the fairy tale is true, but she's certain she's too pudgy to fit into a fairy-tale gown, much less inspire any man's undying love.
Janet: The Amber Tower, Book 4, will be published in Tales from the Treasure Trove, Volume VII. The second of the lost princes, Prince Rafel, is a rake and has no plans to ever marry. He isn't even sure it's possible to fall in love. He's tried but the emotion has never taken. When he faces the Witch of the Woods, he laughs. He can promise her a few days but love and marriage-no way. He's taken into the amber globe and, as he tries to find where he is, he encounters a hag who imprisons him in an amber tower. To escape, he must choose between one of two young women and fall in love with her. The problem is that one of the women is evil and the other good; one a princess, the other a witch. The princess falls in love with him instantly, but she has none of the witch's assets. Can she manage to enchant Prince Rafel so he falls in love with her? Or can Rafel learn to love?
Karen Wiesner: I've contributed novellas to each anthology the group has done from the very first, including many series', several of which are packaged as collections separate from the group anthologies with bonus stories.
Paper Tiger, Book 5 of the Kaleidoscope Series, will be released in Halloween Treasures. Cabin Fever, Book 6, and The Longest Night, Book 7, will be released as bonus stories December 2010 in the Kaleidoscope Series collection with the first five stories in the series.
In Paper Tiger, a romantic suspense, Billy LaPointe's wife died only a couple years after they married, leaving him with a son to raise on his own. Nine years later, he's found love again with Veronica Spencer and his teenage son Damian is just as smitten with her. But after years of hearing Roni hedge on his marriage proposals, Billy is desperate. Determined to make her his forever, he offers her an ultimatum that he soon regrets. What he doesn't know is that Roni has a secret past she doesn't want to look back and confront--a past that may have come back to haunt her. Can she risk losing Billy and Damien because of what could be a true threat...or merely a paper tiger? Read an excerpt of Paper Tiger here: http://www.angelfire.com/stars4/kswiesner/HalloweenTreasuresexcerpts.pdf
Cabin Fever is a contemporary romance. Shayna Cavanay divorced her lying, cheating, deadbeat husband years ago and she's only sure of one thing: The only good thing he ever did for her was give her their seven-year-old son Ty. As a single mother, Shayna divides her time between working enough to provide for her and her son and making up for the vast multitude of deficiencies of Ty's poor excuse for a father. When Ty begins to exhibit an inability to cope with the lack of a father-figure in his life, his elementary school teacher reaches out to Shayna. But Shayna has been burned by do-gooders before. It's up to hunky widower Dakota Loring to prove he's the real deal. Read an excerpt of Cabin Fever here: http://www.angelfire.com/stars4/kswiesner/fictionexcerpts.pdf.
Finally, The Longest Night, another contemporary romance, rounds out the series. When Jolie Everett married Jag Myrick, she was a reluctant model eager to settle down and have a family while he was a restless photographer eager to capture the world in his camera lens. They both got what they wanted--separately. After three short years of a marriage spent mostly apart, Jolie has decided to get the child she wants and forget the naive illusion of martial bliss. But Jag is nowhere near ready to let his beloved bride go. During one endless night, he tries to convince her he's in their relationship for the long haul while she tries to distract him with every sweet seduction in the book. Unfortunately, their first night back together in almost two years starts out badly...and only seems to be getting worse. Read an excerpt of The Longest Night here: http://www.angelfire.com/stars4/kswiesner/HalloweenTreasuresexcerpts.pdf
I'm also contributing stories to Tales from the Treasure Trove, Volume VII and Christmas Gems.
I'll be writing four more stories in a kind of mini-series about a family in the town I'm doing for the second collection of my Woodcutter's Grim Series (paranormal romantic horror), beginning with Moonlight Becomes You, Book 4, which will be released in Tales VII. Very loosely based on The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse. When her child becomes deathly ill and none of the doctors and specialists can help him, Heather Rowe rushes to Woodcutter's Grim, hoping the boy's father can explain what's happening. But Lance Shaussegeny both intrigues and terrifies Heather as much as what he's told her of his hometown does. She soon learns that nothing in Woodcutter's Grim-including Lance-is what it seems. I finished the first draft of this story in March 2010. You can read a sneak peek excerpt of it here: http://www.angelfire.com/stars4/kswiesner/sneakpeeks2.pdf.
Finally, I'm starting a new series for Jewels of the Quill anthologies. The Cowboy Fever Series (contemporary romances) will have the first four books in the series included in the group anthologies, starting with Wings of Love, Book 1 (in Christmas Gems). When Wings "Mac" Mackenzie falls in love, it's for life, and interior designer Amanda Grant is the woman he has his heart set on. When he asked her to move in with him at his fixer-upper ranch in Fever, Texas-the dinky little cattle town he and his brother grew up in-he'd expected to be there with her often. Unfortunately, as co-owner of a family-owned engineering firm, Mac finds himself spending more time than ever overseeing projects after his younger brother becomes a family man. With Amanda making the house a home for them, he struggles to get his business matters in hand so he can settle down with her, the way he longs to. An on-the-job injury puts his life in perspective. Eager to become a full-time rancher, he returns to the ranch at Christmas-time, ready to make the ultimate commitment to Amanda-only to find her long gone. I finished the first draft of this story in March 2010. Read a sneak peek of it here: http://www.angelfire.com/stars4/kswiesner/sneakpeeks.pdf
Find out more about Halloween Treasures here:
http://www.angelfire.com/stars4/kswiesner/JOTQholiday3a.html
Find out more about Tales from the Treasure Trove, Volume VII here:
http://www.angelfire.com/stars4/kswiesner/JOTQanthologies4.html
Find out more about Christmas Gems here:
http://www.angelfire.com/stars4/kswiesner/JOTQholiday4.html
Visit Jewels of the Quill's member websites:
Margaret L. Carter: http://www.margaretlcarter.com/
Christine DeSmet: http://www.dcs.wisc.edu/lsa/bios/cdesmet.htm
Judith B. Glad: http://www.judithbglad.com
Liz Hunter: http://www.lizhunter.com
Dee Lloyd: http://www.deelloyd.com
Carrie S. Masek: http://www.masek.net
Nancy Pirri: http://www.nancypirri.com
Barbara Raffin: http://www.BarbaraRaffin.com
Jane Toombs: http://www.JaneToombs.com
Janet Lane Walters: http://www.bookswelove.net/walters.php
Karen Wiesner: http://www.karenwiesner.com
Karen Woods: http://www.flowersandhearts.com/karenwoods.htm
Coming in July: Diane Craver http://www.dianecraver.com will join Jewels of the Quill as Dame Morganite. Judith B. Glad will be leaving us at that time.
HH: Do you enjoy hearing from fans? Yes, we do! Visit our website at http://www.JewelsoftheQuill.com and sign up for our newsletter, Fans of Jewels of the Quill, to be eligible for our giveaways by sending a blank e-mail to
FansofJewelsoftheQuill-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
Send us e-mail at FansofJewelsoftheQuill-owner@yahoogroups.com
We have monthly giveaways and, in July, join us for our annual blow-out giveaway, when we celebrate seven years together as a group!
HH: Thank you!
Top
| 
