Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Feature of the Day: The Esposito Series by J.M. Griffin

 
The Esposito Series Box Set

Now you can own the first three books in the sassy and suspenseful Vinnie Esposito Series by J.M. Griffin!

By day, Lavinia (Vinnie) Esposito is a criminal justice instructor at a college in Rhode Island. By night Vinnie is an amateur sleuth, solving murders while trying to avoid getting yelled at by her Italian father, her hunky protective boyfriend Marcus Richmond, and her sexy upstairs tenant, the mysterious Aaron Grant.

For Love of Livvy (Book 1)
 
Vinnie investigates the death of her beloved aunt, and a mysterious box is left on her doorstep.
 
Dirty Trouble (Book 2)

Someone is stalking Vinnie and that’s just the beginning of her troubles.

Dead Wrong (Book 3)

Vinnie is out to save her brother from being framed after a valuable painting is stolen.
 
Excerpt
 
The front door knocker rapped twice after the door bell rang. I hustled from the rear deck of the gargantuan house to answer the summons. Someone seemed impatient, and I was curious as to who it was. My watch read just after eight o’ clock. I swung the heavy door open to find my prospective visitor absent.

It was so quiet, the town ghostly in its seemingly deserted state. Sundays were always lazy days in Scituate, once church was over. With a glance up and down the street of the small historic Rhode Island village, neat colonial homes stretched along the sides of the road in both directions. No one came into view.

On the doorstep, a package addressed to my recently deceased Aunt Livvy sat wrapped in brown paper. Again, I gawked up and down the street, but only empty sidewalks and barren roadway appeared in the waning light. The idea of a jaunt along the main drag entered my mind. I figured it would be senseless since the street was visible for about two hundred yards in either direction. Whoever had left the package was gone, long gone.

An eternity passed, or so it seemed, while my gaze locked onto the square, little box. Reluctant to touch it, I decided to call the local fire company to come take a gander. Call me paranoid, but as a criminal justice instructor, a recent audit of a class on bomb components remained fresh in my mind.

I quickly stepped to the living room and grabbed the phone. I dialed the private number of the fire station up the street. A grunt came across the phone line that could only be Bill MacNert.

Hey Nerd, its Vinnie,” I said. “A package was just left on my doorstep, could you come down and check it out for me?”

Sure, you got a secret admirer or somethin’?” He cackled, as only senior men can.

Not likely, but you never know. This package is addressed to Lavinia Ciano, not Lavinia Esposito and is wrapped in brown paper. Nobody’s here to accompany this little surprise either.”

I’ll be right down, Vinnie, don’t touch it.” He warned.

Okay.”

Anxious, I paced back and forth across gleaming hard wood floors in the spacious living room of my newly acquired colonial. My fingernails tapped the enamel on my teeth as I wandered to and fro. As irrational as it seemed, I finally leaned against the door jamb inside the entry to wait for MacNert to arrive.

It wasn’t long before the limber old guy came into view as he hot footed down the street with a stethoscope in his hand. This particular piece of equipment wasn’t quite what I’d expected, but then he wasn’t a bomb expert either.

When he arrived on the doorstep slightly out of breath, he glanced at the parcel, and then turned toward me.

This was just delivered, you say?” MacNert squinted toward me with wizened brown eyes that twinkled all the time. It was as though there was a private joke going on inside his head.

Yeah, someone knocked on the door, and when I got here to answer, there was nobody around. It didn’t seem prudent to mess with it, so I called you.”

You just finished that bomb class, eh?” He chuckled and then sobered quickly. Since 9/11, everyone took stuff like this with a serious attitude. While he chuckled, I knew MacNert was no different.

The stethoscope ends plugged into his ears, Bill laid its diaphragm on top of the package. Removing it, he gingerly set it against the sides and listened again. I didn’t make a sound as he stood and glanced up.

There’s no tickin’ but that doesn’t mean it’s not an explosive. You should probably call the state police barracks up the road. Have them send their bomb guys down for a lookie see, just to be on the safe side.”

Geez, I hate to do that. I’ll feel stupid if it’s a joke,” I whined.

It’s up to you, but if you were nervous enough to call me, then you should call them. It’s just my opinion, Vin.” He stepped over the box and wandered into the entryway. “Got anythin’ to eat? Wifey’s out of town visitin’ her sister and I’m starved.”

Bill didn’t seem over concerned, but then again, he hadn’t recently taken a bomb class either. My eyes never left the box as I answered him. “There’s food in the fridge, help yourself.”

I’d known the homely man and his family for years and respected his opinion. Tapping my fingers against my lips, I called after him, “You’re right. I’ll ring the state police now, but stick around okay?”

Unwilling to be nailed as over-dramatic by the staties, I reluctantly punched in the numbers. It was bad enough that the local cops had bugged the shit out of me for the first month after Aunt Livvy’s death. They still stopped by now and then, annoying me even more with stupid questions. Questions to which I had no answers.

After the trooper covering the desk answered, I explained what I’d found on the doorstep. He seemed unconcerned until I mentioned my name and address, and then he stated someone would be down momentarily. The swift change in his manner piqued my curiosity. I wondered why he’d suddenly capitulated when his initial response had been of disinterest.

In the living room, I paced while awaiting the arrival of the state police. Within minutes a sleek, grey Crown Victoria pulled up to the curb out front and a tall, lean trooper got out. Broad shouldered and well built, he walked with assurance and a certain amount of swagger. I stepped into the open door entry and watched him saunter through the front gate onto the walkway. He stared at the package and then at me.

Did you call about this box, ma’am?” Keen hazel green eyes traveled over my face and down my body.

Craggy features, sculpted from granite, faced me and I felt my blood run hot as the breath caught in my throat. What was this about? I gazed at him admiring the neat package wrapped in the trim uniform.

I did. Bill MacNert from the fire station thought it would be a good idea since it was mysteriously left on the doorstep. He checked to see if it was ticking, but it isn’t.”

Are you Lavinia Ciano?” The trooper’s glance strayed from the name on the wrapper to me as his eyes showed a glint of humor and his mouth twitched.

Could that humor be over the name? I wondered, as I said, “No, my name is Esposito. Livvy was my aunt.” Our eyes held and my heart pounded. I licked my parched lips and then glanced away.

An oversized van idled up behind the patrol car and the trooper glanced back. Two men stepped from the vehicle dressed in heavy gear and acknowledged him. He turned to the lead man, mumbled a few words and then stared at me again. If this was an action film, I would have expected Bruce Willis to jump out of the truck announcing he was about to kick someone’s ass. This wasn’t an action film, but a real life situation instead.

The two guys angled through the front gate and hitched their gear as they hauled a peculiar looking lidded barrel toward the front door. By this time, a few neighbors had taken notice of the activities. Several people straggled along the sidewalk across the street to watch.

You’d think it was a freakin’ sideshow. I smiled and waved. Nobody responded, they just continued to gawk. A little excitement for them on an otherwise dull Sunday, I guessed. The trooper stood aside and watched the crowd, but said nothing.

The overdressed bomb guys corralled the box between them. With delicate finesse they lifted and stowed it into the metal container, loaded it into the truck and drove off. I stared in disbelief. Hell, I wanted to know what was in the package. I had a right to know, didn’t I?

The trooper turned to leave and I stepped forward.

Uh, I’d like to know what’s in the box, if it’s not too much to ask.” My hand snuck up to my hip as my cocky Italian attitude slid into place.

Tall and Curious stiffened at my tone and turned to stare at me. It seemed he wasn’t used to being spoken to in this manner, which wasn’t any big surprise. Women tend to respond differently to men in uniform, especially a man such as this luscious creature. Well, not this chick. I teach guys like him all year long and the “I’m so wonderful” thing gets old fast.

I’ll be sure to let you know, Miss Esposito. If we have any questions, you’ll hear from us right away.”

I gawked a moment and my eyes narrowed. His opened wide in contrast and he waited, his body tense. Maybe he thought I’d pitch myself off the steps onto his perfectly toned frame and pummel the daylights out of him or something. It was a thought, but I really wanted to know what was in the package. Besides, his muscles were bigger than mine.

In an effort to change tactics rather than be handcuffed and dragged off to jail, I smiled and spoke in as nice a manner as I could muster.

I’d appreciate any information you could give me officer, since the package was left in such an alarming way. Should I call headquarters tomorrow?”

His look narrowed. I suspected he was unsure of where this was headed. There was a moment’s hesitation before he answered the question.

Sure, that would be a good idea.” He gave a nod of the stiff brimmed campaign hat that covered cropped brown hair.

All right then. I’ll call the colonel first thing.” My voice remained light and sweet, and the smile was charming, at least I hoped it was.

The colonel runs a strict police force and is a tough disciplinarian with an intense dislike for any impropriety, implied or otherwise. I’d gleaned that much from the cops in my criminal justice classes.

A tight lipped smile crossed his face. I figured he couldn’t decide whether I really knew the colonel or if this was a ploy. To be truthful, I lied by omission. I hadn’t said I knew the colonel, I just said I’d give him a call.

That won’t be necessary ma’am. As soon as there’s any information, I’ll get in touch with you.” With a nod of his head, he turned and left.

Don’t you hate that ma’am thing? It makes me feel old. I know I’m thirty-something, but really.
 
Want to Read More?
About The Author
 
As a humorous, cozy mystery writer, J.M. adds a touch of romance to every story. She believes in fairies, doesn't believe in coincidence, and feels life is what you make it. Believe in yourself and look at the positive, not the negative, to bring about success. AND. . .never stop trying.

J.M. lives in rural New England with her husband and two very mysterious cats.  She can be found at:
 
 
Be sure you leave be sure to leave a message for J.M.  J.M. will be awarding Tea and Chip Nuts to three randomly drawn commenters (US/CANADA ONLY) during this tour and her Reviews Tour
 
To increase your chances of winning visit her other stops which can be found here.  http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2013/06/virtual-super-book-blast-tour-esposito.html
 
 
 
 


 

Monday, June 24, 2013

Book Feature and Interview with Carley Bauer and Lynette Willows




Young, adventurous and widowed in a new land, Cassandra Courtney Brooks finds her dream of raising a superior breed of saddle horse slipping away with the death of her husband. Left with four horses, living in a tavern attic, and her scant savings depleting, she resolves to see her vision through to fruition by accepting the scandalous position of steward at Varina Farms.


Born in the image of his native ancestry, Colton Rolfe’s savage blood runs through his veins. Scorned by his father, Colt grew into a man of ill temperament whose only interest is the wild equine beasts on his plantation. His desire to breed his horses with the superior Thoroughbreds of the newly widowed Cassandra Brooks leads him to abandon societal rules. Colt’s growing resentment toward the Crown and his assistance to Sons of Liberty missions is complicated by the discovery that Cassandra’s father is a titled English nobleman.


Cassandra is soon forced to question the wisdom of her decision when she finds herself enamored with her employer. As fiery passion grows between them, Cassandra realizes her own spirit of independence, love of the land, and the savage man who is so much a part of it.

As the threat of war comes ever closer, wills are tested through gunfire, treachery, danger, and kidnapping. Does Colt dare trust Cassandra with Sons of Liberty secrets? More importantly, can he trust her with his heart? And will Colt ever trust Cassandra enough to love her as she longs to be loved?
Sound like something you might enjoy?  Check out the excerpt below and then read my interview with the authors.
Excerpt from No Gentleman Is He
 
Jackson looked around and spotted a length of rope hanging on the wall at the opposite end of the stables. He went over and snatched it up. “Got a rope,” he said, holding it up.


Good,” Colton murmured as he removed his coat and flung it, and his shirt, over the stall door. He took the rope from Jackson and laid it aside, knelt by the mare’s hindquarters and moved her tail aside.
Jackson followed suit, removing his coat but only loosening his shirt around his neck and rolling up his sleeves. “You will frighten the girl if you stay half naked, Colt.”


If she is that delicate, she should not have horses. Where is the wench, anyway?”


She has only been gone two minutes. Give her time.”
 
Just then, Cassandra rushed in, a bucket of water in one hand, its contents sloshing down her skirts, soaking them. She clutched a pail of grease in the other. “I could not find a rope,” she huffed, out of breath.

We found one,” Jackson assured her.
Cassandra looked in the stall as the men worked. To Colton’s amusement, the woman suddenly flushed when she noticed the state of his undress. Apparently disturbed by her own reaction, she busied herself getting the soap from her apron pocket, almost dropping it from her noticeably shaking hand.
 
Book Available at:
 
 
 
Interview with Lynette Willows and Carley Bauer
 
When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
Carley: Sixth grade. I won a writing contest.

Lynette: A wonderful history teacher who encouraged me to continue writing, which I was doing since a young child to battle social and verbal awkwardness and shyness.
 
How long does it take you to write a book?
Carley: We wrote the equivalent of three to four books in 5 months. Add another couple of months for editing.

Lynette: Depending on what other projects I have on the go, anywhere from three months (as Carley mentioned) up to 5 years, which is the time I’ve taken for my thriller due to the intensive research.
 
What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
Carol: I overdo the research and am never able to get it all in.

Lynette: I can’t listen to music since it’s too distracting, but instead put on headphones and listen to real time wildlife cameras, the sounds of nature inspiring me. Also, I often have the TV on for while noise.
 
What do you think is the best way of publishing a book these days?
Carley: I don't think there is a best way, although I love the far reach of an e-book.

Lynette: Both ebook and print simultaneously, so readers have the best possible choice out of a wide range of media.
 
Where do you get your information or ideas for your books?
Carley: Internet, Amazon e-books and Barnes and Noble print books.

Lynette: From my rather overactive imagination. I can’t keep up with it.
 
When did you write your first book?
Carley: Our first book was released in March of this year.

Lynette: Three years ago. It was finished but largely forgotten until I resurrected it a few months ago. I’m currently editing and changing the location, readying it for submission. I also have several novels in different genres that are almost finished.
 
What do you like to do when you’re not writing?
Carley: Lots of weekend traveling with my husband. We're empty nesters, so we now have the freedom to come and go as we please. Music, dancing, rigorous exercise and some of my best ideas come to me when I am in the throes of spring cleaning.

Lynette: Camping, fishing, chasing storms, gardening, reading of course, and taking walks with my recently retired husband before he rots on the couch and stinks the place up. We discovered we like holding hands while we explore with the dogs; I think he’s discovering he has a romantic side, late in life.
 
How many books have you written? Which is your favorite?
Carley: This is our launch book! We're working on book two in the Sons of Liberty series.

Lynette: As Carley said, No Gentleman Is He is our debut novel. I have also completed one other romance, a Christmas story. Whatever I’m working on at the time tends to be my favorite.
 
Can you tell me and your readers something about your main characters?
Carley: Cassandra is adventurous, despite being raised in a lavish English estate. I love her ability to change with the circumstances, to have the courage to be who she is and chase her dreams. She adapts quickly to the colonies and it soon becomes home to her.

Lynette: Colton is embittered by his rejection by his father and his peers because of his Native American appearance. His only friend was Jackson Lee, his practical joke playing neighbor. He learned to be cautious around people and suspicious of his own emotions. He is sometimes socially awkward and is gruff to disguise his own perceived inadequacies. Cassandra not only accepts him for who he is, but prefers him that way, as he does her independence and strength. He realizes they make up an unusual couple for those times, and that perhaps he is worthy of love. He is also fiercely loyal if he feels the person has earned it.
 
Do you hear from your readers much? What kinds of things do they say?
Carley: Surprisingly good things! Considering this is our launch book. Most believe we were raised on horse breeding farms, and mention the true to life scenes, the historical accuracy and realistic characters.

Lynette: We have a mixture, some saying they love the aura of the old fashioned romance books and others saying they love the research and the rather unorthodox inclusion of plot in a traditionally character driven genre.
 
What do you think makes a good story?
Carley: A combination of an intriguing plot and strong characters.

Lynette: Yes, agreed.
 
What are your favorite book genres in writing and reading? Why?
Carley: I love reading non-fiction, and I would cite my love of research. Doris Kearns Goodwin is an amazing author. I always learn so much from her unique perspective. Historical Fiction tends to grab me more than Historical Romance, only because it has so much more history in it. As much as I love writing Historical Romance, I suspect I'll scoot over to Historical Fiction in upcoming novels.

Lynette: Historical Biographies, thrillers, cozy mysteries, historical literature.
 
Who are you favorite authors to read?
Carley: John Jakes, Doris Kearns Goodwin, Margaret Mitchell and Lee Harper. Dan Brown, Charlene Raddon, Khalil Gibran, Mark Twain, Stephen King, John Grisham.

Lynette: Janice MacDonald, Pierre Burton, Harper Lee, Agatha Christie, James Herriot.

Want to learn more? Read on.
 
More About The Authors
 
I’m Lynette Willows. I live in rural Alberta, Canada. My debut novel, “No Gentleman Is He”, the first in the Sons of Liberty series, is co-written along with my partner in romance, Carley Bauer.
Some have mentioned I have a very interesting past. Not only was it unusual, but some would even say reckless. I’ve lived on an Indian reserve in a teepee with my young son for three months in the winter, I’ve chased storms, and worked as a social services aide on one of the most troubled and dangerous reserves in Canada, where I met great friends as well as made a few enemies.
I enjoy camping, movies, especially historical bio dramas, strange dogs, stranger cats, exclamation points, coffee mugs with stupid sayings, friends, the crazier the better, family, as long as they are crazier than I am, and I have a huge collection of shiny, outrageous earrings. Yes, I’m a magpie. I’ll only play chess with my husband because he’ll let me win.
If you’re curious about my favorite reading material, it’s very eclectic and varied. I’m extremely picky about what I read, so check out my “to read” list on Goodreads. You can also follow me and Carley, my talented, patient, and illustrious co-author at our fan page on Facebook at “Lynette Willows & Carley Bauer”. I’m also on Twitter under @LynetteWillows, as well as Pinterest, though I’m still figuring that out. You are welcome to also visit me and chat at “Lynette Willows, Author” at http://lynettewillows.blogspot.ca/.

I have enormous respect for the reader. They are able to take symbols from a page that an author has invented, and turn them into images in their minds that create an enduring story. If that’s not artistry, I don’t know what is.”-Lynette Willows
You can find Lynette at the following links:
 

Carley Bauer
Carley Bauer enjoys life on the eastern seaboard of the U.S. with her husband and their blue eyed feline, Noelle. After 30 years as a state contractor in a self employed capacity, she decided to try her hand at her first love, writing.

She loves being an empty nester, free to travel with her husband. Still involved with her children and grandchildren, Carley loves big family events. Some of her other hobbies are home decor, fashion, graphic arts, and the occasional bite of the Big Apple where the excitement feeds her natural love of city life.
You can find Carley at the following links:
 
 
 
 Before you go be sure to leave a comment for the authors and be entered into the authors' giveaway.  There will be two winners drawn at the end of the tour. Winner 1 will receive a lovely pair of colonial era  earrings (U.S. only please due to shipping constraints); Winner 2 will receive a $100 Amazon GC.
 To increase your chances of winning visit the other stops on this tour.http://goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com/2013/04/virtual-book-tour-no-gentleman-is-he-by.html
 


 
 


Sunday, June 23, 2013

Help Me Name My Next Book

Once again I need your help picking a title for the 4th book in my contemporary romance series The Sherbrookes of Newport.  To do this I set up a survey.  I just checked the results and so far there is a tie for 1st place between "The Billionaire's Best Friend" and "For the Love of A Good Marine" while second place belongs to "The Billionaire or The Marine" 

If you have not voted yet stop on by and cast your vote.
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/NS5Z593

Sunday, June 16, 2013

My Summer Reading List



Although many consider Memorial Day in May the start of summer (at least here in the US), according to the calendar it does not officially begin until June 21.  With that date just around the corner I decided to start putting together my summer reading list because it doesn't get much better than sitting outside in the warm sunshine with a good book.  Not to mention that since I have been so busy working on the 4th book in my romance series, The Sherbrookes of Newport, I have fallen way behind on all the books I own and want to read.  So far this is the list of books I own, either in paperback (I grabbed a few author signed books at the NEC conference in April) or on my Kindle. 

The Bridgertons Happily Ever After by Julia Quinn
The Billionaire's Fair Lady by Barbara Wallace
Rev It Up by Julie Ann Walker
One Night in London: The Truth About The Duke by Caroline Linden
Spellfire by Jessica Andersen

I know what you are thinking, the list is short.  Well, I certainly have purchased more books that I want to read, however, these are the ones that I want to read first. 

What about you?  Do you have a summer reading list?  If so please share, I am always looking for great books by authors I am not familiar with.

Monday, June 10, 2013

Romantic Suspense: THE DESCENT FROM TRUTH





Alex Bryson is patrolling Rocky Mountain backcountry in his job as a security guard when he discovers a woman with a baby wandering alone in the snow far from the nearest road. He takes them to shelter in a weekender cabin and sees a newscast that suggests the woman, Pia Ulmer, kidnapped the baby from its rightful parents and that it is the sole heir of Peru’s wealthiest and most corrupt family. Pia claims that she is the baby’s mother, and Alex doesn't know what to believe. After turning her in, he continues to struggle with his budding feelings for her and remains unsure of the true story. He becomes more and more involved until finally there is no turning back—lives are on the line. He helps Pia get free from a brutal world that values money over life, and together they devise a plan to reclaim the baby. Just when it looks like they might succeed, they discover an international conspiracy that changes the game entirely.



EXCERPT



Please,” she said, her voice as rough as sandpaper and barely above a whisper. “Please, do not give my baby to those people.”

 
Are we back to that? First you're his mother, then you're his nanny. Now you're his mother again?”

 
They took him from me. Look at him, Alex. Both Mr. Koenig and his wife are blondes.”

 
Koenig’s an old man. His hair's white.”

 
Study Frederick's face. Do you not see me in his eyes? His chin and his mouth?”

 
The similarities were uncanny, he'd grant her that. Good enough to get away with claiming to be the kid's mother if Alex hadn't learned the truth. The way she had attacked him, trying to kill him with that skillet, she clearly didn’t want to go back to civilization and prove who she was. He turned away, tossed Frederick in a maneuver that brought a cry of delight, and stuffed the boy's blanket-clad feet through the leg holes in the backpack. With his parka snapped around both of them and the diaper bag tied to his waist, he gripped his rifle in one hand, his snowshoes in the other, and headed for the porch. At the door, he turned for a final glance at Pia.

 
She had set her mouth in a stubborn line. The eye that had been plastered shut was closed. She stared at him with the other. When she saw him looking at her, she spoke again. “Watch over him, Alex. Someone wants to harm him. Don’t let them.”

 
A new tack, another lie. He stepped onto the porch and strapped on his snowshoes. That should have been the last he saw of her, but the specter of her ravaged face and defiant expression stayed with him as he trudged across the sunlit expanse of glistening snow that sloped gradually toward the Warrior River Gorge.

Want To Read More?  The Descent From Truth is available at Amazon and B&N

MEET THE AUTHOR
 
Working with traveling carnivals and itinerant farm labor gangs during his teen and early adult years took Gaylon Greer up, down, and across the U.S. and introduced him to a plethora of colorful individuals who serve as models for his fictional characters. After several years as an Air Force officer and then a university professor with a Ph.D. in economics, Greer developed an interest in writing fiction and attended workshops at the University of Iowa, the University of Nebraska, and Bryn-Mawr College. He also studied with the U.C. Davis Extension program and the Algonquian Writers Group. His most recent novel, THE DESCENT FROM TRUTH is available at www.Amazon.com and other e-book retailers. Please visit Greer at http://gaylongreer.com/
 
Before you go be sure to leave the author a comment.  A randomly chosen commenter will receive an autographed hardcover version of the author's previous book The Price of Sanctuary.  To increase your chance of winning visit the author's other stops on this blog tour.  goddessfishpromotions.blogspot.com

Saturday, June 8, 2013

On Sale June 8th and 9th Only

She was raised as an American Princess

Following the betrayal of a former lover, Sara Sherbrooke swore off relationships, too afraid she would be used again. Instead she has devoted all her energy to succeeding in politics without relying on her family name. That is until one night in Hawaii with her brother's best friend Christopher Hall.

He is a self-made billionaire

Technological genius and CEO of Hall Technology, Christopher Hall first met Sara Sherbrooke when he and Jake Sherbrooke were college roommates. While attending Jake's wedding in Hawaii, Christopher is reintroduced to Sara, a beauty who was once way out of his league. But now as the most eligible bachelor in Silicon Valley, the only thing stopping Christopher from pursuing Sara is the thought of betraying his best friend.

As they work together to promote a new education initiative, neither can deny the attraction between them. But will their growing romance be worth all of the consequences?


Amazon
iTunes
NOOK
KOBO

Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Stress, Writing, and Selling a House Part 3

Today marks the 3rd week since my home here in Massachusetts went on the market.  I must admit the stress is piling up and flowing over into other areas of my life.  Physically I have started having anxiety attacks, I am not sleeping well at night and my patience with my children is low.  To top it all off it is starting to flow over into my writing too.  Many of you know that I am working on the 4th book in my series The Sherbrookes of Newport.  Since my twins are still at home all day, I do most of my writing at night after all 3 children are in bed.  Over the past week I have failed to get any work done on 2 separate occasions.  Both nights I just could not concentrate on the work and get into my characters' heads.

Even though I  know it sometimes takes months even years to sell a house, I had not expected it to be so hard for several reasons.  First of all the last time we sold and moved it was a quick process.  Secondly and most importantly we live in a nice town, with good schools and have a nice house.  In October it will only be 3 years old.  It has a master suite with a full bathroom, and 3 more good size bedrooms.  In addition to the bathroom in the master we have 2 more full baths, central AC, central vacuum and a 2 car garage.  Granted our yard is on the small side but it fits the big swing we have just fine.  Finally, it is in a great commuter location.  From here you can easily get to Providence, Worcester, Boston, Framingham, and Shrewsbury.

Unfortunately, for now there is not much I can do but keep trucking along as my mother in law would say.  Lets see what the next week brings.

Happy reading everyone