My Sweet-Romance Novella, Threat to our Forever was released today by Still Moments Publishing! It is Book 2 in the Moonlight Mysteries Series. Its availabe at Amazon, Smashwords and Still Moments Publishing. http://www.stillmomentspublishing.com/p/ebook-store.html
Yesterday I attended my best friend daughter's wedding. I've written about my BFF but let me give you a quick review. She is an amazingly intelligent, beautiful, loyal woman who in spite of teeth gritting challenges still manages to be funny and positive. I'm a lucky person to have her as my closest friend for 22 years. We've gone through marriages, divorces, births, child rearing to some pretty stubborn but yet wonderful children and yes, there have been deaths.
As it turned out the wedding was scheduled for my birthday. I'd like to think that's why the day was chosen but really, it just happened that way. LOL I had originally planned a trip out of state to do some gambling but I canceled when I found out the date. I always ask myself, In twenty years, where will it matter more where I was? This time, it was "A's" wedding.
As I drove the hour to the town where the ceremony and reception would be held, I sucked down my coffee. After all it was starting at 10 a.m. on a Saturday. When I got closer my memories started flooding in. I recalled driving to the same church when "A" was born to attend her blessing. She wore a pretty white dress and looked exactly like her mother.
As I drove by the local drive in, I thought about the taco cheese dogs, deep fried mushrooms and nachos we'd eaten far too many times at that place. I passed the old turn where my friend had owned a home and remembered spending the night when we thought "A" was in labor with her first daughter and the cranky phone call the next morning as I drove home because I left before my friend woke up and could make me biscuits and gravy. Its some good stuff I promise!!
Other memories floated around my head and I got a little teary eyed from time to time. When I pulled into the parking lot of the familiar church, I remembered attending her mom and dads vow renewals years ago. I did laugh a bit because during a musical slide presentation they showed my friend being walked down the aisle in a beautiful gown....later my BFF whispered that picture was from her first marriage not the one she was currently in...oops!
When I went in, I saw my friends sister. She is such a pretty woman and has one of the sweetest personalities. I've always been fond of her.
I took a seat in the back and watched her mother dispersing boutonnieres and corsages to those who should have them. Then she looked up and said "Why are you sitting there? There won't be that many people, come down front."
I told her I had a great view and smiled. My heart felt warm that she cared where I sat.
With in a few minutes a hear a "hey Aunt "Em"". It was BFF's second son and he looked all neatly shaven with a hair cut. Now keep in mind he has spent the last several years exploring our country and has used some creative transportation methods such as train hopping and hitching a ride etc. He sat next to me and we dove into a catch up conversation. I was happy to have his company.
Pretty soon her brother wandered over and I had a chance to give him my condolences on the loss of a granddaughter last year. He was very kind and we caught up as well. One by one her family said hello or waved.
Then the music started and I turned around. There was my BFF and her daughter. My friend was a single mom for many years and "A" wanted her to walk her down the aisle. I was so proud of "A" for recognizing the rightness of having her mom take on the honor.
"A" was spectacularly beautiful and the dress made her look like a princess, her smile exquisite and everything was perfect.
During the vows, she choked up a bit and next thing I know, I realize the baby I watched so many years ago was now a breathtaking woman committing herself to a man who loves her very much. I wished my children had been able to attend and I thought of them. Of course classes, work and living out of state prevented their attendance.
The reception was as friendly and as welcoming as every part of the church process.
As I sat in a comfortable chair on the deck of her mothers home waiting for the food to ready, I looked around and thought to myself, I belong. The reason I belong is because my best friend of all these years always included me. A funny feeling came over me. More of a warmth really and I couldn't remember a time I felt so content with life or the journey of it.
When my BFF sat next to me and said "thanks for coming, I'm glad you showed up" I almost choked. Where else would I be? The adorable bride mattered enough to me 22 years ago that I came for her blessing, why wouldn't I be here for this happy moment too. I even thought, "its my right to be here" :):)
My only regret is once again, we were all dressed up and didn't get a picture of the two of us! That always happens. Oh and the small incident when I tried to take the macaroni salad from my BFF's plate when she left the table for a minute. In my defense, if you've ever eaten her moms mac salad, you would have done it too. I'm addicted to it and even request leftovers if I know my BFF is going to her moms house for a family get together.
Any way, to sum up how I felt, it was a feeling of peacefulness. Belonging lets you know, you matter even when the day or moment isn't about you, you're still wanted there. Even though it was "A's" day and wedding, it was a pretty good birthday for me too. At least I won't forget her anniversary!
I wish many wonderful days for "A" and her new husband!
Lots of Love
Em
Review by Rebecca Minto!
Are my characters real?
Very Exciting! My suspense story, Threat To Our Forever that is Book 2 in the Moonlight Mysteries series from Still Moments Publishing will release in just a few more days!
Heres a little enticement:
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I'm excited to have Only Because It Was You, Gus McRaidy from Eternal Press releasing today! It took a bit to get this manuscript polished and out. I want to share a little of the back story about it. When I first started writing it, it was mostly for myself to help me with the stories of his sons, Den, Johnson, Mike, Kevin and Sean. The more I wrote, the more his story evolved and Ann appeared.
It was instant chemistry on the pages. Now the interesting thing was it didn't seem to matter what I thought, they had their own story and whispered in my ear. That's the kind of story I love to write. The characters take on a life of their own and I just type it for them. LOL
I know that sounds a little strange but there are other authors who have the same process happen:)
Gus is the contemporary decedent of Liam McRaidy from Her McRaidy Chieftain. They just seem to have a kindred connection.
Later this summer, Liam's son Conner and his lovely Somer will be meeting you. Also, one of Gus's sons is frothing at the bit to be finished. Over time, the arc between the medieval McRaidy's and contemporary will grown together as it seems to be destiny... or my authorism kicking in. hahaha.
I hope you enjoy Gus and Ann and feel free to drop me a note at EmEpe@clearwire.net and give me your thoughts!
More personally, this month is my grandmothers birthday. She's passed many years ago much to my hearts sadness but she is always with me. This woman made sure I knew that I mattered to her and as equally important Grammie knew that I adored her. Grammie was who got me interested in romance oh so many years ago and she gave me my first romance novel to read. Her bookshelf that I know have sitting right next to my desk was always full of books. I know she'd be proud and would love the stories I create. So today I'm thinking of her and missing her but I'm pretty sure she's stretched out reading my work.
Happy Easter everyone and thank you for loving my characters as much as they love you!
Love Em
My little darling Somer's Rising was contracted by the incredible Eternal Press! The tentative release date is September! It is the sequel to Her McRaidy Chieftain. I think you're going to love Somer and Conner:) Don't forget, Only Because It Was You, Gus McRaidy is releasing on April 7th. I'm a happy girl!
Have to run but I'll be posting soon...
Lots of Love to All
Em
Happy March! It's been a rough last month. My computer gave up on me so now I'm using a borrowed one from my best friend of twenty plus years. It made me stop again and think about the value of friends, not so much what they give or lend but that they are just simply there. Especially one that you've had for many years. It gives a sense of roots so to speak. They are with you good and bad and many times outlast marriages, jobs and a plethora of other life events.
I think for me, it keeps me grounded and calm. Hopefully I do the same for her. If you haven't recently, then take the time to show some appreciation to the friend or friends that can turn the day into something a little more palitable when things seem hopeless. Make sure they know they matter.
I have a release next month from Eternal Press for my book Only Because it was You, Gus McRaidy. I'm excited and can't wait to read it. I know, I know, I wrote it, I know how it goes but there's something different about lazing around and reading a story you love. In May I have a release with Still Moments in their anthology. My piece is called Threat to our Forever. Its a sweet vs spicy romance. Make sure you check out both releases and let me know what you think.
That leads me back to friends. Mine are supportive of my books and writing but most heart warming to me is when I discuss a WIP they can usually tell me when I started it, when I reworked it and when I submitted it for publication. What does that tell me? That I matter:) Who doesn't want, need or love that?
Last I blogged I a new bathroom door was on the to-do list. Well its in but nothing ever goes as simply as one would hope. Had to trim the side and the bottom. I guess that comes from living in a house that was built in the 30's. LOL
Today and for the next couple of weeks I will be working on a manuscript to submit for another anthology. I'll keep you posted!
Well I'm off to let my creative flow begin!!
Much love to you all,
Em
I'm not sure if I mentioned this because it all went very quickly but I submitted for an anthology with Still Moments Publishing for their Moonlight Mysteries to be out in May. Well bless my day I received an offer from them on Tuesday. They are so friendly and helpful, I am excited to be a part of their author team!!! So watch for it. My book is called Threat to our Forever.
It's Friday and I'm going door shopping tonight...I'd love something elaborate but think it will pretty basic. After all, its for the bathroom.
Love you all!
Em
Well, I got Somer's Rising submitted. Now I wait to see if it is accepted. Always a lip biting time but I just move forward with my next manuscript to pass the time. Soooooo, you'll wait with me??
Somer's Rising is Book Two in the McRaidy Clan. I really like her and Conner McRaidy is all man*sigh*
I'm anxious and excited about Only Because it was You, Gus McRaidy. Amanda Kelsey is doing my cover as she did the one for Her McRaidy Chieftain. She is such a gifted artist! Gus and I are in great hands!
I wanted to give a little peek a boo of Gus. He is what you would expect from a McRaidy. Strong, passionate not only in love but family and life. The woman who gives him a challenge is Ann. She is a confident, accomplished woman who is worth the effort. I like her and when I wrote Ann, she had great things to whisper in my ear. Like I've said before, my characters tell their story and I am just the note taker. LOL
Hmmmm, what else am I working on....Just finished writing the first chapter of Book Three of the McRaidy Clan. The heroine is outstanding, I can't wait to see what she wants to have written:) I finished a 13k novella submission that is a sweet romantic suspense. A little different for me as far as romantic heat goes but we'll see what the publisher thinks of it. We'll have to wait a few weeks so add that to our waiting list also:)
A christmas story idea that has simmered in my mind for a while is flowing out also aaaannnnddd I am doing some clean up on my very first manuscript I completed. Editing, polishing, some rewriting, fixing those naughty POV changes in the middle of a scene....this could take a while.
As You can See I am working on several manuscripts at the same time. That's pretty typical of me which is why I have several done at the same time and then a longer period without a completion...Just my style I think. Multi Tasking sounds so much better.
I'll close for now but as soon as I have my approved Blurb and Excerpts for Only Because it was You, Gus McRaidy, I'll be sure to post them!
Take care and Lots of Love
Em
