Review of : Some Enchanted Waltz

I have loved Time Travel Romance novels since I first discovered a Lynn Kurland book years ago, so when I can across this book I instantly snatched it up. I am glad I did.

Tara O'Neill is a graduate student studying history who works at a local radio station. One evening when a violent storm spawns power outages, she must keep broadcasting severe warnings to local residents. Quickly the storm intensifies and the station goes off line forcing Tara must reboot the transmitter . While in the process of doing just that lightning strikes and Tara is hurtled back in time.

Adrian, Lord Dillon, needs a bride, immediately, to escape his enemy’s plan to force him to marry his daughter. He has always respected the Fairy Race. As a boy, he played with them in the secret glen and was warned that one day he would be called upon to shelter one of their own who has lost her way among mortals . . .

Adrian rescues Tara from British soldiers who are prepared to torture her for information. He takes her back to his castle and concocts a plan to protect them both.

When Tara wakes up in Lord Dillon’s castle she only remembers bits and pieces of her life before meeting him, but with little other choice she falls in line with Lord Dillon's plan. However, in her heart she knows that she does not belong in this place. This feeling is only reinforced by her mother-in- law and the other characters she comes in contact me.

As the story progresses Tara and her husband travel to Dublin, and she learns the truth about her husband and his role in the Irish rebellion against England. Tara knows that the rebellion will fail although she can not remember or explain how she does. And that is when the fun really starts.

I truly enjoyed this book. The Tara and Adrian were well developed who I wanted to see succeed. The plot was complex and well thought out. The author did an excellent job of incorporating historical facts without bogging down the story and her attention to detail was great. As a reader I could clearly picture each scene. The secondary characters in the story were well written and added to the story. I would recommend this story to anyone who enjoys Time Travel Romance.

Overall rating 5 stars

Interview With Paranormal Romance Author 

Gemma K. Murray

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

About 15 years ago. I had always written thoughts, poems, ideas, etc. out, but I’d never attempted a book. I was at a loss due to certain crises in my life and my husband asked me what I wanted to do with my life, how could I leave my mark on the world? I said, “I want to be an author.” He said, “So, write.” I bought pens and paper to begin the journey.

How long does it take you to write a book?

It takes me roughly 5 months to write a book, maybe a little less depending on the drama in my life. I try to type up 2500 words per day.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

I argue (out loud) with the characters in my head. It doesn’t matter if I’m driving down the road or having a conversation with my husband. I talk to my characters as if they are sitting right beside me.

What do you think is the best way of publishing a book these days?

I honestly think e-publishing is the best way to go. The smaller publishers are more likely to take a chance with an unknown writer. By giving that unknown author the opportunity to publish their book, an e-publisher could be introducing the world to the next Stephen King, Nora Roberts, or Tolkien.

Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?

I’ve learned my books are considered “gift books.” All of my ideas come from dreams I am given. I simply write what I see. My dreams don’t end when I open my eyes. They will continue from the time I start a book until the time I send it to the publisher. My dreams do take interesting turns.

When did you write your first book?

I wrote my first story in 2003. My first book was a work which was never supposed to see the light of day, but I fell in love with the characters and took a chance. I spent most of 2011 writing it out, testing theories, checking on information, and attempting to believe in myself.

What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

I love to read. I also watch movies with my husband of 19 years, but mainly I read. I love contemporary romance, paranormal romance, and historical romance.

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

People like reading what I write. I mainly began writing for my own amusement, but friends encouraged me to submit my works to publishers. I still get chills when a stranger sends me an e-mail asking questions about the characters and if there will be more books.

How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?

I’ve written over 40 stories, but only one has been published at this point. The second book in the series is sitting with my publisher at this point. We’re hoping for a fall release.

Can you tell me and your readers something about your main characters?

Anastasia is this incredibly strong woman. Her parents died when she was young and she went to live with a family of dragon shifters. As the daughter of a puma shifter and a powerful witch, Ana has both abilities, though her witch powers are unsteady at their best. She has always loved Bowie Golden, the oldest son of the dragon shifters who took her in when she was younger, but never in a romantic way.

Bowie Golden was the “golden” boy in high school. You know the type, right? Quarterback of the football team, could have any girl he wanted, did relatively well in school. He became sheriff of Cedar River, MI and his job in this quiet little town was to keep Ana, the town hell-raiser, out of trouble. When Ana begins to date one of his deputies, Bowie notices feelings he never realized he had for Ana.

It’s such a powerful relationship. The passion Ana and Bowie share is incomparable. Whether they are arguing or making up, there will never be a loss of heat between these two.

Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?

Readers are truly loving this book. I hear from them from time to time. They ask about Ana’s witch powers and why she doesn’t use them when she’s in trouble. They want to know whose story is next (and they make suggestions for who they’d like to see next). They want to know about the upcoming storylines. It makes me smile because my readers are as in love with the community and people of Cedar River as I am.

What do you think makes a good story?

A thought out plot line, consistency, a bit of magic and a whole lot of blood, sweat and tears.

What are your favorite book genres in writing and reading? Why?

I actually never dreamed of writing paranormal books simply because I didn’t think I had the imagination to write that genre. This was a HUGE surprise! Most of my other (unpublished) stories are contemporary romance.

Like I said before, I love to read contemporary romance, Scottish historical romance, Sci-Fi, and paranormal romances.

Who are you favorite authors to read?

Diana Gabaldon, Nora Roberts, Tolkien, Hannah Howell, Lora Leigh, Jill Shalvis, Christine Feehan, Laurell K. Hamilton, Virginia Nelson, Karen Cote, James Herriott…the list could go on and on.

Gemma loves to hear from readers.  Visit her at:

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Interested in purchasing Gemma's Book?

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Coffee Time Romance and More

For the past several years I have been part of the Tell Harlequin Reader Panel.  Everyone once in awhile they will send me books to read and a survey to complete regarding the book.  Other times they will simply send out a survey asking if I have purchased certain books or read certain books.  Sometimes I like the books they send other times I don't.  The same is true for the surveys they send, sometimes I have purchased and read the books other times I have not.  Most often these surveys are in regards to books published by Harlequin.  Last week I received one of these surveys about "50 Shades."  It wanted to know if I had read the book.  When I answered no, it asked if I planned on reading.  When I once again answered no, it asked why. 

So anyway this survey got me thinking.  Is Harlequin thinking about adding a new line?  If so I hope they do not terminate any of the current ones.  I know these are a few of their lines that are my favs such as the Special Edition, American Romance, and Romance lines.  I have tried some of their other ones but those 3 are by far my favs.

Interview With Judy Teel Author of Cinderella Heiresses Series

When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?

I’ve always loved creating stories, but when I was fifteen and bored to tears while my tenth grade English teacher covered Bill Budd, it hit me like a bolt of lightening – I want to write fun, fast-paced romantic fiction for a living! I’ve held onto that dream through all life’s ups and downs and am now living it. Moral of this story: Never give up on your dreams! 

How long does it take you to write a book?

It takes me four to five months to write a 55,000 word book. I hope to get faster as the years roll by, but no luck so far.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?

Not too quirky, but I like to write to Jazz music. I wish I could say I have a special writing hat, but I don’t. Now that I think about it, maybe I should get one.

What do you think is the best way of publishing a book these days?

I’m loving the indie publishing trend. My books are outside the norm of the traditional short contemporary market because they incorporate action and comedy along with the romance. It’s my belief that readers are looking for that kind of variety now, but traditional publishers aren’t ready to take the risk. Enter indie pubbing. With the trend of eBooks, writers can get their novels directly into the hands of readers and readers can decide who they want to support and what they want to read.

Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?

The ideas come out of the blue. I’ll have some little thought like, “Gee, wouldn’t it be fun to shake up the Cinderella story this way and that, maybe with heiresses.” Next thing I know, in comes another idea and another and I’m off and running. For research, the Internet is a fabulous tool as well as my local library. Interviewing professionals who are doing the job one of your characters has is helpful, too.

When did you write your first book?

I wrote Seducing an Heiress two years ago while I was still working my day job. When a Harlequin editor loved it, but couldn’t use the story because of the non-traditional elements, I realized I wanted to go indie pub, so I released it last year.

What do you like to do when you’re not writing?

I’m a voracious reader. I also like to spend time with my family and sometimes I get in a few TV shows or movies. (Big fan of The Vampire Diaries. Loved The Avengers.)

What was one of the most surprising things you learned in creating your books?

Oooo, good question. Hard one, too. Let’s see…every book teaches you something about yourself. I think for me it’s about becoming more authentic with how I express my emotions. Digging into your character’s feelings makes you dig into your own and that’s helped me be more open. Growing up in a family with brothers, I tend to be one of those “stiff upper lip” types. I can throw a good right hook, though.

How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?

I’m currently working on the third book in the Cinderella Heiresses series. I think Instructing an Heiress is my favorite completed one, so far. (Shhh…don’t tell the others!) I had a great time with the cast of quirky secondary characters in that book and CK and Ryan’s journey was a lot of fun to create. It’s also full of hot men, which is always a good day!

Can you tell me and your readers something about your main characters?

CK is her grandfather’s only heir and has devoted her life to the family business. She has no social skills because she’s never really had the chance to get out there and mix it up in the dating world. When her grandfather tells her she has to get married or she’ll lose everything, she decides the best way to hit the ground running is to hire her best friend and womanizing marketing expert, Ryan. She reasons that Ryan has enough experience for both of them and knows better than anyone what guys want in a woman. Who better to teach her how to market herself so she can find a husband? CK is a determined, smart woman with a unique, snarky innocence that makes her the perfect foil to Ryan.

Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?

I don’t hear from readers nearly as much as I’d like to! So far, though, comments have been very positive and encouraging. Lately, most people have been asking when book three is coming out. LOL

What do you think makes a good story?

Imperfect, lovable, engaging characters is number one. If readers don’t like the people they’re spending time with, then what’s the point of having adventures with them? Number two is conflict. Boring is not entertaining. Number three is, of course, a happy ending. Nothing is more satisfying than seeing two people you’ve come to care about find their happily-ever-after together.

What are your favorite book genres in writing and reading? Why?

I love all kinds of books from mystery/suspense to paranormal to contemporary and historical romance. No surprise that I like mixing different genre elements in my books. Any story well told with characters I care about is something I’m interested in.

Who are your favorite authors to read?

I’m all over the place with my reading. I love Jim Butcher’s, The Dresden Files series, Gail Carriger’s, Parasol Protectorate series, Janet Evanovich’s, Stephanie Plum series and a big favorite is Ilona Andrews’, Kate Daniel’s series. I wish she’d write more of those!

Judy Loves To Hear From Readers

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Happy 4th of July Everyone