A Crazy Whirlwind - And Chapter Four!

Our house went up for sale yesterday . . . and received a full price contract in two hours. I kid you not. It was insane! We were packed with showings all day, with more scheduled for this weekend for back up offers. The best part is that we're finally at the point where I get to start looking for our next home. *Crossing my fingers and hoping for something that fits all our needs and near friends*

For my awesome readers who have been drooling over each Sweet Confections chapter - #4 is up and ready for your to devour. Thank you so much to everyone whose been sending emails, comments on Facebook and Twitter. You make me smile each and every day!

Have a fabulous weekend. And just think - we're almost to the 1 week mark for Release Day!

Sweet Confections Chapter Three & a Romantic Suspsense Anthology

It's another fabulous day here on Queen of the Clan. Lots of great stuff is happening this week. Sweet Confection's Chapter Three is up today, Chapter Four will be up later this week, my house goes up for sale Wednesday, and hey, only TWO more weeks until my book is released. Life is a whirlwind of awesomeness. 

And for more fabulousness - check out this incredible anthology below. Seven novels for 99 cents! And let me tell you, these authors are fantastic! But the set is only on sale this week, so nab it while you can. 

Happy reading! 


Breathtaking: Seven Bestselling Novels of Love and Suspense
Boxed set is only $.99 March 24th through March 29th. 






Unbelievable by Sherry Gammon
Deliah Dreser's in town to take care of family business. They say the apple doesn't fall far from the tree, but there's more to Lilah than meets the eye. Cole's in danger of losing his heart when this firestorm throws sparks his way. Is she simply playing him for the fool in order to exact revenge for her brother's murders?
Bestselling author Sherry Gammon's reviewers exclaim; "She has a gift for touching her readers with beautiful, gripping stories that you can’t put down."




Home Before Dark by Christy Barritt
Nothing good ever happens after dark. Those were the words country singer Daleigh McDermott’s father always repeated.
Now her father is dead, and Daleigh finds a hidden journal hinting that his death was no accident. Small town mechanic Ryan Shields is the only one who seems to believe Daleigh. As the two work to unravel the mystery, it becomes obvious that someone wants them dead. They must rely on each other—and on God—if they hope to make it home before the darkness swallows them whole.
Award-Winning Suspense Novelist and Bestselling Amazon Author, touted as "scary, funny, passionate, and quirky" by USA Today.

Baggage Claim by Amanda Tru
Rachel Saunders is looking forward to her all-expense paid weekend trip to New York. But, when her luggage is lost and she is accosted by an infuriating Homeland Security agent, events take a dangerous turn.
Amanda Tru, Bestselling Amazon Author of Romance and Suspense. Discover the author who, as an Amazon reviewer raves, “continues to impress me and dominate my time with a book I can’t put down even after it’s ended.”


Cassie's Cowboy Crave by Kimberly Krey
In a moment of weakness, Shane steals a kiss.
In return, Cassie steals his heart…
When Cassie is forced to join the witness protection program, she fears her life is over… but then she meets Shane Emerson — the hunky cowboy posing as her husband. Will this sham marriage turn into the real thing, or will a hidden danger put it all at risk?
Kimberly Krey writes romance that’s clean without losing the steam. What’s Beyond Forks calls this Best-selling Western Romance author “the master of romantic tension.”



A Perfect Fit by Heather Tullis
Cami DiCarlo is not happy when her father forces her into heading up guest services at his newest five-star hotel and unveils the existence of four half-sisters at the same time, insisting they live together while they launch the new resort.
When she meets Vince, the sweet, sexy landscaper her father would never have approved of, Cami can’t say no. If only she could be sure she is on the right track—and that they will be able to stop the person who is trying to destroy everything.

You Belong with Me by Shannon Guymon 
Layla Kendall is a burned out social worker one step away from a major depression. When she and her sisters inherit their grandmother's bakery, she doesn't know if she can trust her good fortune or not. But the chance to be with her sisters and get away from the heartache and pain she's faced day in and day out is a chance she's going to take. With Layla's new life, come new friendships, including Michael Bender, a single dad. She doesn't trust men but Michael's little girl grabs her by the heart and won't let go.
Shannon Guymon is an Amazon Bestselling Author of lighthearted and clean romance who according to her many fans, has the ability to paint pictures of her characters so real that readers would know them if they saw them walking down the street.

Blog This by Cami Checketts
Devastated by the loss of her brother, Natasha Senecot exposes the dangers of Matthew Chrysler's violent video games, bankrupting and humiliating him. Chrysler sends a hit man after her. In a race against time, can Natasha expose Chrysler before his assassin murders her family and shatters her world?
Bestselling author Cami Checketts has been touted as, "A genius! She writes about topics that aren't widely discussed, and she does such a brilliant job of crafting these things into wonderful stories that touch your heart and remain with you for days afterwards."

Sweet Confections Sneak Peek #2 and a Book Spotlight: Spark of a Feudling by Wendy Knight

Let's kick off our weekends on a good note: Chapter Two of Sweet Confections is up for you to enjoy!

Also, today I'm spotlighting a new book that released this week. I haven't read it yet, but it looks fabulous.

Spark of a Feudling by Wendy Knight



Hate can start a war, but a shattered heart can fuel it for centuries. 

Everything Ada does is wrong. She’s the daughter of a Duke but she isn’t proper or formal. She prefers the company of her servants—particularly Christian, the boy she’s loved since she was six years old, and his sister, Charity, Ada’s very best friend in the entire world.

Ada isn’t just the daughter of a Duke. No, she’s the daughter of one of the most powerful Edren sorcerers alive, and no matter how strong she is, it isn’t strong enough. Ada will give up almost everything to earn her father’s pride.

Christian has loved Ada since the day his mother became her governess. But two societies are determined to keep them apart—the aristocracy who say a groom will never be good enough for a Duke’s beautiful daughter, and the sorcerers who say a Carules and an Edren can never be together. Christian will do anything to make Ada his—even drive himself to madness.

When Ada suspects her father of hurting Charity and Christian in his quest for knowledge, she is torn between loyalty to him, and a fierce determination to protect them. The division tears her soul and breaks her heart.

The pieces of her broken heart will start a war that can only be stopped by the death of the most powerful warrior alive by the hand of the boy who loves her.



Bonus Story –Feudlings in Peace
Join  Ari, Shane, Ada, Christian and everyone they love as they chase their happily ever after.
 
Excerpt:

He sprinted down the path, into the forest, leaping over huge rocks and tree roots and through streams he couldn’t see but his magic told him were there. He had no idea where he was going, but there seemed to be a tether from his heart to hers — he always knew where Ada was. He ran straight to them, nearly colliding with her father’s guards as he raced through the thick trees.

“What happened to her?” he bellowed, jerking Ada out of Davis’s bloodstained arms.

“She was hit, saving me,” Harrison answered. “Can you help her?”

If there had been time, any time at all, Christian would have paused at that. How exactly had his tiny little Ada saved the giant Harrison? But there wasn’t time. He laid her on the thick grass, searching for the wound. But there was so much blood.

“There!” Davis snapped, jabbing the air above her stomach.

Flames roiled across Christian’s hands and he held them above her, letting the flames soothe the skin before he tried to touch it. They swirled through the air, seeping and mending the broken, charred skin.

“Does she breathe?” Harrison asked, crouching close to put his face next to her mouth.

Christian ignored him. He didn’t care if she breathed or not.
She would breathe, or he would die with her.

“She does.” Harrison sat back, relieved.

“Can you not heal at all? Stop the blood flow from her shoulder!” Christian snapped.

Harrison gaped at him. “We’re Edren. We don’t heal.”

“I’m Carules and I can throw a lirik if need be,” Christian muttered under his breath, but he couldn’t argue with them now.

She moaned.

They all froze in shock, and then redoubled their efforts. Davis jerked his shirt off and held it to her shoulder while Christian’s blue flames leaped and danced from his hands, fighting the poison eating through her body.

“Christian. I knew—” she whispered as her skin healed, leaving only pink burns behind.

“Shhh. Don’t speak. You’re still very weak.” He moved from her stomach to her shoulder, pushing Davis’ shirt out of the way. It was stiff with dried blood and she shrieked when he ripped it from the wound. “Forgive me, dear one,” he whispered, his mouth near her temple, kissing the pain away. “Forgive me.”

“I knew… you would come. I knew you… could heal me.” Her eyes fluttered open, dazed with pain, dark orbs barely reflecting the moonlight.

“Always, Ada. Forever.”


About the Author



Wendy Knight is the bestselling author of the young adult series Fate on Fire and Riders of Paradesos. She was born and raised in Utah by a wonderful family who spoiled her rotten because she was the baby. Now she spends her time driving her husband crazy with her many eccentricities (no water after five, terror when faced with a live phone call, no touching the knives…you get the idea). She also enjoys chasing her three adorable kids, playing tennis, watching football, reading, and hiking. Camping is also big—her family is slowly working toward a goal of seeing all the National Parks in the U.S. 

You can usually find her with at least one Pepsi nearby, wearing ridiculously high heels for whatever the occasion. And if everything works out just right, she will also be writing. 

Social Media Links:
Blog: www.wendyknightauthor.blogspot.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorWendyKnight
Twitter: https://twitter.com/wjk8099
Instagram: http://instagram.com/wendyjo99


Book Review: Luminescence by Braden Bell and a Giveaway

Today's post is by my daughter, MJ.  =)

This series was non-put-downable! Lexa, Melanie, Connor and Pilaf are lovable and fun--and it was interesting to see how they reacted in challenging and exciting situations. It's hard to believe the series has already ended. The Kindling series is AWESOME!

Braden Bell is one of my most favorite authors ever. I can't wait to see what his next book will be - and really hope it will be as awesome as the Kindling series.

More about Luminescence:

 “He’s alive!” she yelled. “He’s alive!”
As Lexa spoke the words, she knew they were true. She knew with total certainty.
“Dr. Timberi’s alive!”

When Lady Nightwing kidnapped Dr. Timberi, everyone assumed their teacher had been killed. So when Lexa discovers that he isn’t dead, Conner can’t believe his ears.

Determined to rescue their favorite teacher, Conner, Lexa, and Melanie confront their worst fears and use their powers in unexpected ways to defeat Lady Nightshade, the treacherous Darkhand leader. But when the trio makes a terrible choice to save Dr. Timberi, their powers may not be enough to keep everyone alive. A thrilling conclusion to the Middle School Magic series!

Your favorite characters return in this satisfying conclusion of the Middle School Magic series! Filled with plenty of twists, humor, and adventure, Luminescence will keep you guessing until the last page.

Study hall? Definitely. Substitute Teachers? Absolutely. Rescuing people from brutal villains? Bring it on!




About the Author Braden Bell 

During his middle school years, Braden Bell was the least-stable, lowest-achieving student in the history of the world. He shocked every former teacher by graduating from high school and college, and then going on to earn both a Master’s degree as well as a Ph.D. A teacher by day and a parent by night, he is around teenagers 24/7. He teaches music and directs plays at a private school, much like Marion Academy in The Middle School Magic series. Whether he fights evil after hours is something he cannot disclose.

Braden Bell holds degrees in theatre from Brigham Young University and a Ph.D. from NYU. A committed educator, he has been directing plays and teaching school now for over twenty years. Braden lives with his family on a quiet, tree-lined lot outside of Nashville, TN, where he teaches theatre and choir at a middle school. The author of The Road Show, The Kindling, and Penumbras.

Lean More on his website* twitter* facebook* goodreads* publisher


Giveaway $25 Amazon giftcard or Paypal cash!

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sweet Confections Sneak Peek #1

It's count down time!

Only 3 weeks to go until Sweet Confections is released. To celebrate, I have a fabulous new website AND the 1st chapter of Sweet Confections is up! Over the next few weeks, I'll post additional chapters (two per week) until we reach chapter five. I'll announce when new chapters are available here and on my Facebook author page.

For now, enjoy my new website and Sweet Confections' first chapter!

Sweet Confections - Full Cover Wrap is Here!

I just got the final version of my cover - the front, back and spine. What do you think?



I personally absolutely adore how it turned out. I'm so excited to get the print copies in my hand so I can touch it, drool over it, and love it all up.  =) Only three more weeks until release day. It's coming fast!

Interview with Mystery Author, Marlene Bateman

Today, I'm chatting with the fabulous Marlene Bateman about writing suspense/mysteries and her new book, A Death in the Family.



Which authors inspired you to write suspense?
I haven’t read a lot of modern suspense novels, but back in the day, I read a lot of books by Phyllis Whitney. She’s masterful and has a way on keeping you turning pages as you wonder what will happen next. Many years ago, I read a lot of Victoria Holt’s books. She’s a great suspense writer. Both Holt and Whitney tend to mash-up romance with their mysteries and that’s fun.
One author that I adore and who is more of a purest in regards to mysteries is the renowned Agatha Christie.  She has an uncommon way of having surprising twists and turns at the end. You never know who the murderer is going to turn out to be.  When I grow up I want to be like her . . .

Give us a little summary of the book . . .
Meet Erica Coleman—a gifted and quirky private investigator with an OCD-like passion for neatness and symmetry, a penchant for cooking, (ten terrific recipes are included), and a weakness for chocolate.
In A Death in the Family, the second in the Erica Coleman series, private eye Erica Coleman and her family happily anticipate Grandma Blanche’s eighty-first birthday celebration in the picturesque town of Florence, Oregon. But when the feisty matriarch, a savvy businesswoman, suspects wrongdoing and asks Erica to investigate her company, things get sticky.
Before the investigation can even begin, Blanche’s unexpected death leaves Erica with more questions than answers—and it is soon clear Grandma’s passing was anything but natural: she was murdered. When another relative becomes the next victim of someone with a taste for homicide, Erica uses her flair for cooking to butter up local law enforcement and gather clues.
Erica’s OCD either helps or hinders her—depending on who you talk to—but it’s those same obsessive and compulsive traits than enable Erica to see clues that others miss. When she narrowly escapes becoming the third victim, Erica is more determined than ever to solve the case.


Tell us about Erica Coleman and her love for food . . .
Many years ago, I read a book by a southern author who included recipes in her book and thought that was so cool, so decided I would have Erica love to cook and include recipes.  As for cooking, Erica is the antithesis of me, because not only do I hate to cook, I am nowhere near as precise as Erica. If I have an extra fourth cup of some ingredient, I just throw it in anyway. I substitute, cut back, add stuff to my heart’s content—something Erica could never do!

Give us a short excerpt from A Death in the Family.
“It’s hard to believe she’s gone,” Kristen said dolefully. “When I moved here, I thought I’d have years with Grandma. She was always so active—I thought she’d keep going for years.”
“And all the time, her heart was getting weaker,” Trent said glumly.
Walter commented, “The last time I saw her, Blanche said the doctor told her she had the constitution of a mule.”
There were a few smiles at this, but Martha’s brow furrowed in confusion. “But Mom’s death didn’t have anything to do with how healthy she was.”
“What are you talking about?” Trent’s impatient voice billowed out and filled the small room.
Martha squirmed but fluttered on, “Well, after what Mom said when she came to visit me, you know—about how something wrong was going on in the company—I worried that something might happen.”
Her response reverberated around the room. Everyone went very still—as if they were holding their breath. 
Martha’s eyes went from one to another. “I didn’t mean—oh, I shouldn’t have said anything,” she stammered. Her voice was pure distress. “It’s just that . . . well, we’re all family here, so it’s okay, isn’t it? I mean, no one else knows.”
“No one else knows what?” Trent said brusquely.
Visibly flustered, Martha’s hands twisted in her lap. “And . . . and Mother was very old and—and the police haven’t even come, have they?”
Erica wondered what Martha could be getting at. Everyone darted quizzical looks at each other, trying to make sense out of Martha’s confused chirruping.
After meeting blank looks all around, Martha blurted, “I mean, that’s good . . . isn’t it? For the family?”
The room remained deadly silent as Martha’s cheeks flamed red.
There was a rumble as Walter cleared his throat. “Why would the police come?”
“Why, to arrest someone.” Martha sounded surprised—as if he had asked something that was completely and absolutely self-evident. She stared at Walter, as if he and he alone could straighten everything out. “Isn’t that why they’re doing an autopsy? I mean, don’t they always do an autopsy when someone has been murdered?”


Who would you cast in the role of your characters if your book was optioned for a movie?
I would probably cast Julianne Moore in the role of Erica. Julianne has the reddish hair, and she is sensible, intelligent, and can be courageous—just like Erica.

I would cast Kathy Bates as Martha.  I just loved Martha, she’s so frank and refreshing and child-like. I think Kathy would do an amazing job.

As for Shaun, I think Robert Downey Jr. would be excellent. I think he could portray Shaun as he changes from a meek, shy person who is thrown into a situation he never expected and turns into someone who is confident in himself and in his abilities.  

It would have to be Emma Watson for Shawn’s romantic interest. Emma would be perfect because Kristen is from England and besides having an English accent, is also bright and perky,

Charlie Sheen would be perfect for playing the ultra-confident and often underhanded Trent Coleman.  

What are you currently working on? Do you have any other releases planned for 2014?
My publisher said they might, or might not release my latest novel, A Home for Christmas this fall. This book is a really fun, romantic novel.
To summarize it; When, Kenzie arrives in Lake Forest for Christmas vacation, she has big plans—the only problem is she hasn’t told anyone about them. One of her plans is to buy the house she grew up in—the home her brother, Tom, owns and recently put up for sale. Kenzie is shocked to find that Tom has just accepted an offer on the house she desperately wants to buy.  Kenzie tries to wrest the house from the handsome widower, Jared Phillips, who made the offer but no luck.  Although they are attracted to each other, it’s impossible for Kenzie to even think about a relationship with the man who is taking away the house she so desperately wants.  Then, a surprising revelation works a Christmas miracle. As a special bonus, seven delicious cookie recipes are included.

I have another book, Crooked House, which will be out next year. This is another book in the Erica Coleman series.
To summarize it; Someone is trying to kill Liz Johnson, and it is up to quirky private investigator, Erica Coleman, to find out who it is. With an authentic setting in Dover, Delaware and against a background of NASCAR racing, Erica works to stop the killer who has already survived two murder attempts. Then, the murderer kills an innocent bystander. It’s up to Erica to pinpoint the killer before he can succeed on his fourth try. Crooked House is a thrilling mystery that will keep you on the edge until the last page. As always, ten delicious recipes are included.

I am also working on another mystery, Murder in the Black Hills, which has a real life setting (as all my books do) and is set in Porcupine, South Dakota.

Author Bio

Marlene Bateman Sullivan was born in Salt Lake City, Utah and graduated from the University of Utah with a BA in English. She is married to Kelly R. Sullivan and they are the parents of seven children.  Her hobbies are gardening, camping, and reading.  Marlene has been published extensively in magazines and newspapers and has written a number of non-fiction books, including:  Latter-day Saint Heroes and Heroines, And There Were Angels Among Them, Visit’s From Beyond the Veil, By the Ministering of Angels, Brigham’s Boys, and Heroes of Faith.  Her latest non-fiction book is Gaze Into Heaven, a fascinating collection of over 50 documented near-death experiences in early church history. Marlene’s first novel was the best-selling Light on Fire Island. Her next novel was Motive for Murder, which is the first in a mystery series that features the quirky private eye with OCD, Erica Coleman. 

Find out more about Marlene on her website.

Add A Death in the Family to your reading list: Goodreads, Deseret Book, Seagull Book, and Amazon