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Music Monday: Fall into Me (Emerson Drive)

PUBLISHED TO YOUTUBE BY KATIE DOUGLAS ON DECEMBER 6, 2011.

I thought it might be time to delve once again into my Spotify “My Kinda Country” playlist. I mean, it has been at least a month since I last shared a country song with you. Emerson Drive is a Canadian group, and I like a lot of their music. A. Lot. (I know I have shared some of their music before, and I will probably share some in the future, too. 😉 )

When I was scrolling and listening in search of a song to pair with Mary: To Protect Her Heart, it was the title of this song that first grabbed my attention because Mary needs to learn to trust Gabe. (And then, the first few lyrics of this song… perfection.)

Growing up with the admiral was not pretty and has coloured Mary’s view of men. And, to be honest, her choice of friends up until now has not helped her with that view of men. However, Gabe it the complete opposite of the admiral and her friends, which Mary has come to know and appreciate.

The chapter below is the one where Mary finally realizes that she trusts Gabe, and it contains Gabe’s promise to her at the end that he’ll never let her “take on water.” (He was a privateer so taking on water is a significant thing to him.)

One more thing before you jump into this chapter, Mary: To Protect Her Heart is free until 11:59 PM PST today, Monday, March 30, 2020. So, if you don’t have this book yet, now is the time to get it. I’ve also got the first two books in this series (Henry: To Prove Himself Worthy and Charles: To Discover His Purpose) marked down to $0.99 until today as well.

Mary: To Protect Her Heart, Chapter 8

“You look lovely,” Gabe whispered as he and Mary approached the theatre’s entrance. “All will be well.”

He had been telling her that for the past two days – ever since Henry’s invitation to join him at the theatre had arrived during one of Gabe’s daily calls on Mary. The calls were not all made during regular calling hours. Gabe’s schedule did not always afford such luxuries, but Mary was happy to see him at any time of the day. Today, she had not seen him until now, and she had missed having him sit in the chair near the hearth, telling her about his day and inquiring after hers.

“Did you get the lace you needed?” he asked as they entered the building.

“No, Margaret and I were otherwise occupied today with a bit of knitting that the cat unravelled. We will get it tomorrow.”

“I will be unable to call tomorrow. There is still a matter to argue about concerning the new letter of marque, and then I am engaged with another matter after that.” He pulled her closer to his side as they reached the top of the stairs leading to the saloon where the private boxes were. “I will miss you.”

Continue reading Music Monday: Fall into Me (Emerson Drive)

All the good stuff: cover reveal, free books, $0.99 books…

I hope this email finds you safe and well. Below you will find information about what I got done in my writing life this week and links to two books that are on sale and two books (one that is mine and one that is a friend’s) which are free this weekend. Oh! And there is also a first look at the cover for Cherishing Kitty.

Writing News

I pushed myself to complete a long list of items this week, and as soon as I get this blog post and my weekly email written and scheduled, every item on my to-do list will be done! I’m a little excited about that, and I must admit that my brain is tired! 🙂 

Here’s an update on my writing projects with a short excerpt from a couple of them. 

His Irreplaceable Belle: I am up to chapter 14, and I am not sharing a clip from this as no matter what I choose, it will be a spoiler. Sorry. You’re going to have to wait to find out what happens in this chapter.

Continue reading All the good stuff: cover reveal, free books, $0.99 books…

Billiard Room at Lupton House, Devonshire


Interior of the billiard room at Lupton House, Devonshire, designed by George Wrightwick for Sir J.B.Y. Buller. Artist listed as Reid Turner. Date 1838. Metropolitan Museum of Art / CC0. Via Wikimedia Commons.

~*~*~

“…I do not wish to speak to you about courting her.”

Darcy leaned against the table with his cue resting against his chest and his arms folded around it. “You do not?”

“No, quite the opposite.”

“I am not sure I understand.”

Not since he had been taken to task by his father over the moving of his brother’s clothing which had led to Edmund’s forced betrothal, had Alfred witnessed such an intimidating look as the furrowed brow and scowl Darcy was currently wearing. Alfred had made it a goal to not be put in such a position again if it could at all be helped, and until this moment, he had succeeded.

[from Protecting Miss Darcy, Marrying Elizabeth book 6]

~*~*~

Marrying Elizabeth, books 1-4

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Music Monday: Dulce Mirada (Michael Ortega)

PUBLISHED TO YOUTUBE BY MICHAEL ORTEGA ON NOVEMBER 3, 2019

When I heard this song on a day when I was working on finding music to pair with stories, I knew I wanted to share it, and when I turned my mind to what story might pair well with this song, His Beautiful Bea came to mind first. I just think that the song has the same sort of feel that His Beautiful Bea has. It’s soft and lovely with a touch of sadness that is lifted up and turned into something far better than what was lost by true love. Hopefully, that explanation makes sense to more people than just me. LOL

Just a note before you read: His Beautiful Bea is a novella of 8 chapters. I am sharing chapter 6. Those facts should let you know that there may be some spoilers in here for those who have not read this story already. 😉

His Beautiful Bea, Chapter 6

Touches of Austen Book 1

For two long and tiresome days, Beatrice was confined to either a sofa in the sitting room at Heathcote or a bench in the garden. Her mother was not known to coddle her children, but she was not the sort who foolishly flouted precautions, especially when it came to Beatrice. Having nearly lost her daughter to a fever when Bea was just eleven, Mrs. Tierney stuck firmly to all prescribed restrictions, and a turned ankle that showed signs of bruising required, according to Bea’s mother, a full two days of rest with little walking. Mrs. Tierney would not confine Bea to her bed, but she would not have her hobbling about ─ not even with a cane. Bea was to rest with her foot on a pillow.

It was, therefore, a happy morning on the third day when Bea could rise from bed and take a walk around the garden — a short walk around the garden, one that would not aggravate her injury. Her mother’s words and expression when giving her directives had been stern, and Bea knew better than to disobey.

So it was that Bea was in the garden near the hedge when her brother, Graeme, and Shelton returned from their ride.

“Miss Tierney!” Shelton doffed his hat and greeted her from where he sat on his horse. “I missed our rematch. I am confident I could have been victorious today.”

Continue reading Music Monday: Dulce Mirada (Michael Ortega)

It’s an Anniversary Sale!

In March 2015, I published my first book, Oxford Cottage. In May of that same year, I published For Peace of Mind. These two books are on sale this weekend (March 21-22, 2020).

Here is a bit about each book and a link to find all the stores where they are currently available.


Click image to find where to buy this book

On a rainy day in April, Fitzwilliam Darcy and Charles Bingley stop to ask a gentleman for directions to Netherfield since the ones they have been given appear to be faulty. At the gentleman’s insistence, Darcy and his friend seek refuge from the rain at a nearby cottage. The young woman who greets them captivates Darcy with both her beauty and character.

Elizabeth Bennet possesses a quick mind and a determined spirit. She is resolved to complete the challenge her father has set before her at Oxford Cottage. However, she does not expect to be met by a handsome stranger and fall in love, nor does she expect to find herself thrust into a situation where her quick thinking may be all that can keep both herself and her young companion safe.


Click image to find where you can buy this book.

Elizabeth Bennet has thrown away her one and only chance at marriage, or so her mother laments over and over again until finally, to restore a measure of peace to his house, Elizabeth’s father sends her to London to stay with relatives.

Fitzwilliam Darcy has fled Netherfield and its enchanting neighbour, hoping to hide away in town until his heart is no longer in danger of being lost to Elizabeth.

Neither expects to see the other. In fact, after having been so harshly insulted at the Assembly, Elizabeth rather hopes that with Darcy’s departure from Netherfield, she has seen the last of the arrogant man.

However, it is not to be.

When a chance meeting throws the tantalizing Elizabeth and haughty Darcy together, how will each respond to the other? Will her opinion change? Will Darcy get a second chance? Or will the plans and desires of others keep them apart forever?