An Interview with Sherryl Woods

Today we welcome New York Times Bestselling author, Sherryl Woods!  Good Morning, Sherryl! We’re delighted to have you visit with us today at The Romance Dish. Before we begin, I have to take a moment to tell you how much I enjoy your books. I’ve been reading them since discovering the Adams family through your Silhouette Special Edition series back around 1996. When did you first start writing and how many books have you published?

Thanks so much for having me here, PJ. Believe it or not, I didn't even go into journalism intending to be a writer in that field. I wanted to do graphic design. It fascinates me how plans change. At any rate, when I left journalism in 1980, I intended to experiment for a few months. One of those experiments was writing a romance novel...or two. My first books were published in 1982 and I've since written well over a hundred in both the romance and mystery genres. I'm still astounded.

March 30, 2010

Wow! That's a whole lot of books! And many hours of reading pleasure for me over the past several years.  Your April release, Home in Carolina, continues the Sweet Magnolias series into the next generation. Will you share a bit about the story with us?

Ever since A Slice of Heaven, the second book in the original Sweet Magnolias trilogy, readers have been asking for a story about Ty Townsend and Annie Sullivan. I protested for the longest time that they were way too young, but now they've had time to grow up, live a little and make some real mistakes. In Ty's case, his mistake has cost him Annie's love and respect. Ultimately this is a story about forgiveness and reconciliation between these two lifelong best friends.

I admit to being one of those who had been eagerly anticipating Ty and Annie's story. I'm so glad you decided to write it even though you sure didn't make their journey easy. You don’t shy away from the tough topics in your stories. Do you begin a book with the intent of covering serious issues such as eating disorders, betrayal and spousal abuse or do you follow where your characters lead?

I tend to write with a lot of humor in my books, but occasionally a topic comes along that I feel is so important to women that I have to find a way to share it. In this particular collection of stories I found myself dealing with unfaithfulness, verbal abuse and physical abuse. Hopefully because there's still plenty of humor among the friends, the books won't feel dark at all, but will give women hope and show that people going through such difficult times in their own marriages can do more than survive. They can triumph.

You've done a masterful job of blending the humor with the drama.  While these books tackle serious issues, they do feel hopeful, not dark.  Many of your books in recent years, including the Sweet Magnolias series, have been set in the South Carolina Lowcountry. What draws you to this area?

Years and years ago on my first visit to Charleston, SC, I was walking through the historic district and immediately felt comfortable. At that point I hadn't even considered writing a book, but I had this image in my mind of living in an old carriage house and writing. Ironically -- and believe me with no real planning on my part -- my first book and my 100th wound up being set in Charleston. If nothing else, these books mean I get to go back to that region and visit on a regular basis. I love the charm and friendliness and the old traditions and architecture.

April 27, 2010

While the books of your Sweet Magnolia series are wonderful love stories, the enduring friendship of the heroines is a central theme that carries across all of the books. Is this a reflection of the importance of girlfriends in your own life?

Absolutely. I don't follow astrology all that closely, but I know it's a trait of those born with Cancer as a sign to cling tenaciously to people they care about, and I've done that all my life. I have friends going all the way back to elementary school. I don't see them as often anymore, but the minute we see each other or get on the phone, it's as if the years just slip away. I think friends are an incredibly important part of everyone's support system. I always feel bad when someone gets married or seriously involved with someone and starts letting those friendships slide. I just know they'll come to regret it. I suppose there's a downside to having someone know all our secrets, but I think to the contrary that it's reassuring to have all those shared memories.

The second and third books in this series, Sweet Tea at Sunrise (I love that title!) and Honeysuckle Summer are being released in May and June, respectively. I’m sure all of the fans of this series are just as excited about that as I am! What will these stories be about?

May 25, 2010

As I mentioned earlier, verbal abuse is a part of the plot in Sweet Tea at Sunrise. When Sarah comes back to Serenity, she's lost her self-esteem thanks to a thoughtless husband and some downright mean in-laws. She definitely needs a sweet-talking man like Travis McDonald to show her some kindness and respect. As for Raylene, the physical violence in her marriage has left her afraid to leave the house in Honeysuckle Summer. Tackling the idea of an agorophobic heroine was probably insane, but I think the story works and, of course, she has an amazingly patient hero any woman would be delighted to find.

I'm looking forward to reading both of their stories.  What are you working on now?

Right now I'm finishing up three new Chesapeake Shores books for spring 2011. Besides loving to write about friendships, I also love digging into family dynamics. If you read the Adams series for Silhouette, you know exactly what I mean, and the O'Briens are just as complex and, hopefully, just as much fun. In fact, those already hooked on this series, will be happy to know that Mick and Megan are set to walk down the aisle in A Chesapeake Shores Christmas, due out at the end of September...unless Connor gets his way.

Being from a large family myself, one of the things I've most enjoyed about your books is the exploration of family dynamics.  You do it so well!  Here at The Romance Dish, we all have our favorite comfort reads – those books that we return to time and again. What book is guaranteed to always bring a smile to your face and a sigh to your heart?

It's interesting that you say that. I have authors I turn to when I want a comforting, quiet read -- Maeve Binchy, Jan Karon and Joan Medlicott come to mind -- but I rarely read the same book twice. Maybe that's because I'm totally daunted by the size of my to-be-read pile and always want to plunge into the next story.

I have one of those mountainous TBR piles too but there are a couple books that I always return to for comfort. Binchy, Karon and Medlicott are all wonderful writers! 

People talk about Bucket Lists, those things that they want to do during their lifetime. What are three things on your list?

Oh my, I suppose they'd all have to do with travel. I want to rent a house in the south of France sometime, I'd love to cruise the Greek Isles, and I want to go back to the Irish countryside. There will be no daredevil stunts for me!

My passions (besides reading, of course) are my dogs, photography, travel and baking. Besides writing, what are your passions?

Movies, theater, baseball and tennis. The baseball aspect probably shows up in my books more than anything else. There are Major League players in many of them, including in this latest trilogy. Ty plays for the Atlanta Braves and Sarah's hero, Travis McDonald, played for Boston.

Sherryl, thank you so much for visiting with us today and best of luck with the new Sweet Magnolias trilogy.  Is there a question you would like to ask our readers?

Thanks so much for letting me stop by. I'd love to hear how they feel about continuing series.

Okay, readers.  What do you think?  Should a series have a natural end or do you think they can sustain stories indefinitely? 

 For more information about Sherryl and her books, please visit her website.

 

Review -- The Rogue Prince

The Rogue Prince
by Margo Maguire
Publisher: Avon
Release Date: April 27, 2010









There is nothing quite like beginning a new novel from an auto-buy author who never fails to bring you hours of pleasure with her creativity. For me, Margo Maguire is one such author. I am never disappointed reading one of her novels. In fact, I have adored her books for years. The Rogue Prince is another gem in her bookcase of jewels.





Revenge is the one and only thing that consumes the thoughts and actions of Thomas Thorne. As a young lad of sixteen, Thomas is wrongly accused of a crime by two young, arrogant aristocrats. Being quickly convicted and transported to a penal colony, Thomas loses several years of his young, innocent life to the harsh realities of a violence dished out by a sadistic commandant. But the thing Thomas mourns the most is the lost time with his family. During his incarceration at the penal colony, Thomas befriended an older man, who while on his deathbed told Thomas of his pirate’s treasure hidden on a Caribbean island he named Sabedoria. Determined to make his accusers pay for the years of hardship endured by Thomas and his family, Thomas returns to England with a well thought-out plan to bring down Lord Shefford and Lord Blackmore. Only this time Thomas is not the son of a country horse breeder. No, he returns as Prince of Sabedoria, a man rich beyond words and resolute in his desire for revenge. While watching the townhome of Lord Shefford, Thomas witnesses a small boy running out the door of the townhome and into the street and directly in the path of a barreling barouche. Dashing to the boy and grabbing him before harm could come to the child, Thomas encounters the boy’s worried mother – a diversion that Thomas does not need.

“Thomas swallowed hard and sat up with the child in his arms. It had been many long years since he’d felt the punch of arousal so quickly, so completely. And it was absolutely unwelcome now. He had to remind himself that it was this spoiled aristocracy that destroyed his life as though it meant nothing.”

After leveling accusations against a distant cousin, Marquess of Chatterton, for attempted molestation at the tender age of nine, Margaret has been at odds with her family. Her family never supports her and, in fact, treats her as the black sheep of the family. Even now, two years after the death of her husband Lord Blackmore, Maggie receives no help from her family. Arriving in London to meet with the solicitor regarding Blackmore Manor’s financial situation, Maggie is reminded how much she dislikes being around her family.

“ . . . wishing that the entire family, her sisters and their husbands, as well as her mother, would all just disappear. She had managed very well in the two years since Julian’s death, in spite of her family’s conspicuous absence from Blackmore Manor. She did not need their advice or disapproval now.”

While visiting her stepbrother’s home, Maggie’s oldest child bolts from the Shefford townhouse into the dangerous street. Saved by a man Maggie has never seen before, Maggie is relieved that a total stranger would throw his body and life in danger for the sake of a child. Her child. No one from her family would have the courage to do that. Maggie’s reaction to the prince is just as unsettling as the thought of her child in danger.

“Her mad dash to the street had been unseemly. Even worse was the stab of longing she’d felt when she looked into the prince’s deep green eyes. Her raw emotions had no doubt given him the wrong impression – and yet she’d been deeply aware of those broad shoulders and powerful male physique. He seemed to
be all strength and dependability, compared to her husband’s continuous irresponsibility and frivolousness – which were the cause of his death, in fact.”

Unable to deny the mutual attraction and fascination with each other, Maggie and Thomas embark on a relationship of intense passion and emotion. It seems that whenever the two are in a room together, they cannot keep their hands off of one another. Maggie soon realizes that her marriage to Lord Blackmore did not reveal all the pleasures a man and woman can share. Even the kisses shared with Thomas are more passionate than she ever experienced before.

“It felt like lightning shooting through her when his tongue touched hers. Julian had never kissed her like this, had never seduced her with his mouth and the low pressure of his manhood against her pelvis. He’d never called her lovely.”

As the relationship between Maggie and Thomas progresses, so does Thomas’ much thought out revenge plan. But as the pieces of the puzzle slowly come together, Thomas realizes that Maggie is the widow and the step sister of his two accusers. Taking down the families will ultimately affect not only the woman he has grown to care about, but also her two small, innocent children. Thomas now has to decide which emotion is stronger – love or revenge.
Margo Maguire has done it again!! This novel had me cheering for the unpretentious heroine who never felt pretty enough and the hero who is determined to avenge his wrongful incarceration. I was quickly drawn into the story and invested in the characters almost immediately. The love and passion shared between Thomas and Maggie is tender, yet fiery. If you are in need of a wonderful diversion, I greatly recommend The Rogue Prince. You won’t be disappointed.

~ Buffie

Review - - Nothing But Trouble

Nothing But Trouble
By Rachel Gibson
Publisher: Avon
Release Date: April 27, 2010




She’s back and better than ever! Another funny, sexy, steamy hockey book from 2009 RITA-Award-winning and NYT Bestselling author, Rachel Gibson hits the stands April 27th and it’s terrific!

Chelsea Ross’s acting career has been a total bust. The closest she ever came to stardom was her brilliant performance as “Pretty Dead Girl #1.” But leaving Hollywood to become the personal assistant to a famous hockey player could be her stupidest career move ever.

Injured superstar Mark Bressler’s glory days are over. The bad-boy ex-jock could at least be civil to the pint-sized, pink-haired bombshell who the Seattle Chinooks hired to be his P.A. If Chelsea didn’t need the money, she’d be running from the world’s biggest jerk as fast as her feet could carry her.

Mark Bressler has spent his entire life working toward one goal: winning the most prestigious award in professional hockey - the Stanley Cup. Captain of the Seattle Chinooks, Mark and his team are well on their way to achieving that goal when a patch of black ice that sends Mark’s car careening out of control leaves him lucky to be alive but ends his hockey career forever. Now, the bitter, brooding man, who more closely resembles an angry, injured bear, secludes himself at home, watching his teammates hoist the cup without him while sending every home health nurse the team assigns to him heading for the hills. Until the day she arrives.

     “Have you eaten lunch?” 
     He moved across the marble floor to the stainless-steel refrigerator. He opened it up and pulled out a bottle of water. “No.” Short and perky had never been his type. “Have I met you before?”
     “Do you watch The Bold and the Beautiful?”
     “The what?”
     She laughed. “If you’re hungry, I could make you a sandwich.”
     “No.”
     “Even though I don’t officially start until tomorrow, I could manage soup.”
     “I said no.” He tilted the water to his lips and looked at her over the end of the clear plastic. The bottom of her hair really was a weird shade. Not quite red and not quite pink, and he had to wonder if she’d dyed the carpet to match the curtains. A few years ago, a Chinooks’ fan had dyed her pubes blue and green to show her support. Mark hadn’t seen the woman up close and personal, but he had seen the photos.
     “Well, you just turned down a once-in-a-lifetime offer. I never cook for my employer. It sets a bad precedent, and to be totally honest, I suck in the kitchen,” she said through a big grin, which might have been cute if it wasn’t so annoying.
     God, he hated cheerful people. Time to piss her off and get her to leave. “You don’t sound Russian.”
     “I’m not.”
     He lowered the bottle as he lowered his gaze to her orange leather jacket. “So why are you dressed like you’re just off the boat?”
     She glanced down at her dress and pointed out, It’s my Pucci.”
     Mark was pretty sure she hadn’t said “pussy,” but it had sure sounded like it. “I’m going to go blind looking at you.”
     She glanced up and the corners of her blue eyes narrowed. He couldn’t tell if she was about to laugh or yell. “That’s not very nice.”
     “I’m not very nice.”
     “Not very politically correct either.”
     “Now there’s something that keeps me awake at night.” He took another drink. He was tired and hungry and wanted to sit down before he fell down. Maybe nod off during a court TV show. In fact, he was missing Judge Joe Brown. He pointed toward the front of the house. “The door’s that way. Don’t let it hit your ass on your way out.”
     She laughed again as if she was a few bricks short. “I like you. I think we’re going to get along great.”

From the moment Chelsea enters the story, the electricity between her and Mark leaps from the page.  First adversaries, then so much more, watching them face off against one another is the most fun I've had in ages.  With banter that is witty, snappy and non-stop, I found myself glued to the story from beginning to end.

In Chelsea Ross's life, it's all about the boobs and she's tired of it.  Tired of the sore shoulders and aching back.  Tired of being cast in roles based on her cup size rather than her acting ability and of being hit on by her employers.  After explaining to her latest boss that blow jobs are not part of her job description, she leaves LA for Seattle where her twin sister lands her the job as Mark Bressler's personal assistant, a position Mark neither requested nor wants.  But Chelsea is determined to convince him that he needs her services because, no matter how arrogant, condescending or downright obnoxious he is, Chelsea is there to stay for the agreed-upon three months.  At the end of that time, she'll collect her $10,000 bonus from the Chinooks, have the breast reduction surgery she's wanted for years and head back to Hollywood where, finally, she hopes to be taken seriously as an actress.  But plans change, feelings grow and now Chelsea must figure out a way to explain the bonus to Mark without him thinking that she's stayed with him solely for the money...just like his ex-wife.

Although I'm an admitted sports junkie who loves football and hockey, you don't have to be a fan of sports to be a fan of this book.  Anyone can relate to someone who is facing the loss of their life's dream. I adored the pairing of Mark and Chelsea.  To throw this short, spunky, slightly off-beat whirlwind into the life of a grouchy, down-in-the-dumps, injured jock and acknowledged womanizer is pure genius...and pure pleasure.  I also appreciated the fact that Gibson didn't tone down the language or the realities of a professional athlete's life in deference to gentler sensibilities.  She accurately reflects the locker room talk between athletes (anyone with sons or brothers will recognize the juvenile humor they never seem to outgrow) without overdoing it or making it gratuitous and the acceptance of the sexual favors that are theirs for the taking (only the singles accept).  While our news headlines are filled with stories of professional athletes who cheat on their wives, Gibson's heroes reflect the other side of the coin:  those athletes who have a respectful, protective, all-consuming love for the one special woman who holds their heart.  Fans of the Chinooks will enjoy catching up with characters from previous books as well as meeting new ones who I fervently hope will one day have their own stories told. 

Now is the perfect time to step onto the ice and take a spin with one of Rachel Gibson's hot, sexy hockey heroes.  I highly recommend Nothing But Trouble!

~PJ

A Breath of Spring

Typically, when I'm asked to name my favorite season, my answer is Autumn.  I love the colors, the smell of wood smoke, the crisp, clean scent of the air, and football.  Especially football!






This year, however, I'm more than ready to embrace the wonders of Spring.  Winter has been long, dark, brown and cold - much colder than normal here in the Carolinas - and I'm tired of being bundled up and closed up.  I'm ready to break out of my cocoon and throw my arms open to the warmth of the sun.   So it has been with great enthusiasm that I have, over the past few weeks, welcomed the first signs of the Earth reawakening from her long slumber. First came the daffodils with their sunny yellow color, gently dancing in the breeze.

They were followed by the beautifully flowering Bradford Pear and Cherry trees.

Then last week, seemingly overnight, the dogwoods burst into bloom with their delicate white and pink flowers.

This week it's the azaleas, with their large blossoms of vibrant pink, white, red and purple.

The grass is greening, the yard is a riot of color and I LOVE IT!  I feel happier, more energetic.  I smile more, go for longer walks and revel in the miracle of Spring.

So, how about you?  What's your favorite season?  What makes it special?  Have the first signs of Spring arrived in your neighborhood yet?  Are you as excited about their arrival as I am this year? 

~PJ

Guest Review - Accidentally Demonic

Accidentally Demonic
By Dakota Cassidy
Publisher: Berkley
Release Date: February 2, 2010

The last thing Casey Schwartz remembers from the previous night is rushing to the rescue of her two spoiled, self-centered socialite charges. What she cannot remember is how she came to be arrested for assaulting and verbally threatening a police officer. With this one incident, her neatly ordered life and quiet persona are gone forever.


After Casey's sister, Wanda and her friends, Marty and Nina bail her out they demand answers. With growing horror, Casey struggles to contain a new, highly confrontational self who takes great pleasure in baiting the uber-scary Nina, and in the ensuing struggles finds herself equipped with strange new talents like being able to shoot fireballs and levitate. Equally mystifying to her is the fact that Wanda, Marty and Nina are unfazed by these abilities and take them in stride. They soon welcome her to the world of the paranormal--werewolves, vampires and other strange entities.

Just as Casey believes they are all straight jacket bound, Clayton Gunnersson enters the picture and Casey’s libido comes to life with a roar!


Clayton was an attractive man. No, attractive was downplaying the reality. His lickability factor was high -- from head to toe, he was the bomb-diggity.


And come to find out, he has the answers they are searching for. The previous night Clay accidentally spilled a vial of demon blood on Casey. Thus she is now, he assumes, half demon, and it is the demonic part of her with the excitable emotions, super strength and raging libido that he wants to help her master. The only problem is they both are fighting their mental attraction to each other which is complicated by a secret Clay has shared with only a few of his paranormal friends. Hilarity ensues as Clay and Casey fight to find an answer to Clay’s problem, their sizzling attraction to each other, and a powerful adversary.

This is the fourth installment in Dakota Cassidy’s ACCIDENTAL series, and although I usually prefer to read a series sequentially, it is quite capable of standing on its own. Never having read anything else by this author, I was pleasantly surprised with this novel. It had all of the prerequisites I usually look for in a “good read”-- the paranormal and steamy attraction between characters; however, it offered me so much more. This is one of the most humorous books I have read in a long time. I literally giggled and chuckled my way through it. I also think the by play between the female characters was well written and added to the depth of the story. I look forward to reading the previous novels in this series.


~ Cyndi Murphy

April's Hot Dish

Believe it or not, sometimes I have a hard time finding a hottie to spotlight in my monthly Hot Dish blog. I know, I know! It shouldn’t be that complicated. I mean, really, look around this world and you are bound to find several worthy specimens that can (and should) be spotlighted here. But this month, for some unknown reason, I was having a difficult time. As is usually the case when I am thinking on a problem too hard or too long, the answer to my dilemma was staring me right in the face. Only this time it was staring back at me from my television. Actually, THEY were staring back at me. This month I’m thrilled to say the Hot Dish has multiplied :-)

May I present to you two of my favorite professional male dancers from Dancing with the Stars.

First, let’s talk about the obvious Hot Dish on this show. You know who I’m talking about. Yes, Maksim Chmerkovskiy. The man is the epitome of tall, dark, and deliciously handsome. He plays the bad boy roll very well. And to be honest, I wouldn’t mind hearing his sexy Russian accent as he whispers in my ear. Maks knows how to use his assets, and boy does he use them well!!










Now, let’s talk about the kinder, gentler professional dancer and my favorite of the entire show. Tony Dovolani. Yes, Tony! He is also tall, dark, and handsome, but he just seems to be a nicer guy. Not that Maks isn't nice, but Tony is more like the boy next door. Personally I think Tony is hotter than Maks (just by a smidge!!) just because I can see him being the guy who is a little quieter. The guy who actually blushes. The kind of guy who squeezes your heart and never lets it go. *sigh*




There’s no doubt that both of these gentlemen are worthy of the Hot Dish title. You know what they say about a man who can dance, don’t you??!! ;-)


So, ladies, if you watch Dancing with the Stars please tell me who your favorite professional dancer is. If you just HAD to pick between Maks and Tony, who would you choose?



~ Buffie

Review - Darker Than Night

Darker Than Night
By Kim Lenox
Publisher: Signet Eclipse
Release Date: April 6, 2010










The Shadow Guards--a mysterious order of immortals entrusted with the destiny of the living--have been called upon to reclaim the souls of the most wicked and depraved of Earth's mortals.


Countess Selene, daughter of Cleopatra and sole female Shadow Guard, lies sleeping under a spell in the Tower of London. She made the ultimate sacrifice to save her twin brother, Mark (see So Still The Night) by absorbing the evil that was beginning to consume his soul. Placed under a spell to ensure everyone's safety, she is being watched for any signs of Transcension--the madness that possesses the evil mortals of Earth. Selene is being guarded by the Raven warriors and the enigmatic Ravenmaster, Rourke, Lord Avenage. One night, she awakens in a dark alley in London, a blade in her hand and a dead prostitute at her feet. Fearing that she has succumbed to the pull of evil, she is stripped of all power and authority as a Shadow Guard and is sent to the country to be watched over by Rourke.

Rourke is less than pleased about being ordered to continue to guard Selene. But what annoys him the most is his attraction for her. She occupies his every waking thought and haunts his dreams each night. Even though he wants nothing more than to give in to the burning need to possess Selene, Rourke will not let himself. He is tortured by the secrets of his past; secrets Selene is determined to uncover. Because Selene's thoughts are also consumed by Rourke as his are by her. As they fight their growing feelings while they are sequestered at Swarthwick, Rourke's estate, evil is watching them, ready to strike. If Selene and Rourke are to prevail in the battle, they must open up to each other and learn to trust. Their immortal souls and the fate of mankind are at stake.

In this third installment of her Shadow Guard series, Ms. Lenox ups the ante as danger stalks Selene and Rourke at every turn. I've been a fan of this series from the beginning, and I've been waiting for Selene's story . While Darker Than Night can be read on its own, readers will enjoy it even more if the series is read in order. Selene and Rourke have great chemistry, which they fight, and thank heavens they lose that battle! Rourke is my favorite kind of hero: dark, sensual, tortured and full of angst. He's just waiting for the woman who can make him whole again. *sigh*


"I'll break you." The softly spoken words touched her. They indicated that despite the pain he had inflicted on her, he cared.

"If this immortal life has not broken me by now, Rourke, it cannot be done."

After a long silence, he shook his head. "I won't make my pain your own."



If you're a fan of stories with a gothic feel, an emotionally tortured hero, a strong heroine and great secondary characters, Darker Than Night is definitely for you.


~ Gannon

Making a Difference

More Than Words,  Volume 6
An Anthology by Joan Johnston, Robyn Carr, Christina Skye,
Rochelle Alers and Maureen Child
Publisher: Harlequin
Release Date: April 1, 2010

More Than Words, Volume 6 is an anthology by five well-known romance authors that honors women who have made a difference in their communities. Part of Harlequin’s philanthropic More Than Words program, the stories in this sixth annual collection have been inspired by the five dedicated women who have been selected by Harlequin as the winners of the 2009 More Than Words award. All proceeds from the sales of this book will be reinvested in the More Than Words program which, according to the Harlequin website, aims to enhance the well-being of women through the following goals:

• Raise awareness about worthy causes that are of concern to women
• Provide financial assistance to these important charities
• Engage employees, authors and readers and the general public in worthy causes and provide opportunities for them to make a difference

To learn more about this program and how you can make a difference in your own communities, visit Harlequin’s More Than Words website.

These stories are not true accounts of the lives of this year’s award winners but, rather, are heartwarming and deeply emotional fictional romances which have been inspired by the selfless actions of these five dedicated women. Each story includes a tribute to the woman who is its inspiration and information about her particular charity. I’m not going to talk about the individual stories in the anthology except to say that some parts will make you laugh, others will make you cry, but all of them will touch your heart. Instead, I’d like to tell you a bit about each of the five women who provided the inspiration for this year’s anthology.  The information about each of the individuals has been taken from More Than Words, Volume 6. 

“Almost Lost” by Joan Johnston: Shortly after 9/11, and while still a student at Brown University, Katherine Chon was at a dinner party where the conversation turned to the abolitionist movement and courageous people who battled to end slavery. Katherine was stunned to discover during the conversation that slavery is far from dead and that human trafficking is the third largest criminal activity in the world today. She wanted to do something but when research failed to turn up organizations where she could volunteer or intern, she and a friend decided to start their own. They named it the Polaris Project, after the North Star which was used to guide slaves to freedom more than 100 years ago. Today, the Polaris Project has a staff of 40, many volunteers and interns and more than 8,000 members. They provide resources and support for the victims of human trafficking and have assisted hundreds of women and children in escaping slavery. They also oversee the National Human Trafficking Resource Center which runs the United States’ central 24-hour hotline. To learn more about the Polaris Project, visit their website at http://www.polarisproject.org.

“Sheltering Hearts” by Robyn Carr: Rhonda Clemons was a well-educated, financially stable woman with a good career, a loving husband and three children. Life was good, but in 1997 that all changed. Her husband was diagnosed with cancer and a few months later she miraculously became pregnant. When her husband died eleven months later, she was left with four children, including a newborn baby. It was overwhelming, even with all of the family, friend and church resources available to her. She began to wonder how women without those resources were able to manage. Those wonderings led her to form the Zoë Institute, a “faith-based, long-term support agency” for single women and their children. Rhonda’s goal was to help 100 single-mother families during the institute’s first month but it wasn’t long before 200 to 300 women per month were contacting them for assistance. Today, that number has jumped to 300 to 400 per month. The institute offers educational programs through support groups in areas such as parenting, boundary setting and life skills. They also offer mentoring and operate the “Hands of Grace” warehouse, distributing clothing, furniture and other items to struggling families. To learn more about the Zoë Institute, visit http://www.zoeinstitute.com.

“Safely Home” by Christina Skye: The number of elderly people in my country is increasing and, with that increase, comes a number of challenges – one of which is how to get people where they need to go. Family members don’t always have time, or can’t take time from their jobs, and taxis, if they’re even available, are expensive. Barbara Huston realized this was a problem in her community and figured out a way to help by founding Partners in Care Maryland, a service-exchange organization designed around the concept that everyone has something to contribute to their community. Each member of the exchange can log time by making a contribution and can then “withdraw” from their time account when they have a need. Says Barbara; “For example, a seventy-five-year-old woman with 20/20 vision could read letters to a sight-impaired member and then ask yet another member for a ride to the doctor’s office or help repairing a leaky faucet. This network of care helps older adults feel as if they’re part of the solution rather than the problem, or, worse, a charity case.” For more information about Partners in Care Maryland, please visit http://www.partnersincare.org.

“No Limits” by Rochelle Alers: Imagine being a student and not having access to a computer in today’s world. It’s unthinkable, yet many high school students are left behind for want of a piece of equipment that most of us take for granted. Lara Tavares is the founder and CEO of Sky’s the Limit Youth Organization in Toronto, Ontario. Lara’s organization raises money to purchase refurbished computers which they then distribute to students from under-resourced communities. They also provide tutoring and mentoring programs to teach the students how to use the computers to their full potential. Says Lara; “This final step is important. You don’t want to just give them a computer and say, “Have a nice day.” You want to be sure they know how to use it and know how to surf the Internet in a safe, responsible way.” For more information about Sky’s the Limit, visit http://www.stlonline.org.

“The Princess Shoes” by Maureen Child: Roni Lomeli is the executive director of Shoes That Fit, an organization that operates with no government funding, that provides shoes for children in need. It’s been shown that shoes are critical in creating the self-esteem that children need to succeed in school. Shoes That Fit has been helping children into new footwear and clothing so they can attend school in comfort and dignity since it began in 1992. The organization’s story started with another little boy at a school in Pomona, California, found crying on the playground and saying his feet hurt. When the school nurse examined him, she pulled off his shoes and discovered that his parents had curled his toes under and stuffed his little feet into shoes at least three sizes too small. The nurse rubbed his feet, stuffed them back into the shoes and sent him on his way. When she was asked why she didn’t do more, she responded, “We have so many kids like this, I don’t know where to start.” Today, Shoes That Fit provides shoes to more than 1,200 schools in 35 states. For more information about Shoes That Fit, please visit http://www.shoesthatfit.org/.

I commend these five women for seeing a need in their communities and finding solutions and Harlequin for recognizing them with their 2009 More Than Words award.  The stories they inspired in this anthology touched my heart and inspired me to make a difference in my own community. 

How do you make a difference in your community?

~PJ

Guest Review - - The Irish Duke

The Irish Duke
By Virginia Henley
Publisher: Signet Eclipse
Release Date: March 2, 2010

When nine year old James Hamilton, Marquis and future Duke of Abercorn, first laid eyes on the beautiful and fiery Lady Louisa Russell, daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Bedford, he forfeited his heart. He was so taken by her that he immediately asked for her hand, and Lady Louisa dismissed him like only a seven year old could. Her heart belonged to dance and the stage. Marriage was certainly of no interest to her.
Ten years later, Louisa is on the cusp of her introduction into society and being the image of her beautiful mother, she certainly has no shortage of suitors. None of whom she could care a fig about. Even though she has resigned herself to the fact that a future career as an actress and dancer is wholly impossible for someone of her rank, she refuses to relinquish the freedom she so enjoys to any man. Lady Lu’s desire to be her own woman is not the only thing that keeps her as far from the altar as possible. Beneath her dark beauty and resolute assuredness lies a deeply rooted fear - a fear that will surrender her to a life of spinsterhood despite what emotions the devilishly handsome Abercorn might stir in her heart. When a scandal erupts, Louisa’s loyalty to her family forces her into the arms of Abercorn, where she must face and conquer her personal demons or lose the one man she might ever truly love.

Ten years has done nothing to douse the torch Abercorn has carried for Lady Lu. Her beauty and innocent grace utterly captivates him, and when he finds himself at Worburn Abby for summer, he sets on his quest to claim her for his bride. He slowly but surely infiltrates her defenses, discovering Louisa's true inner beauty and falling more deeply in love than he had ever imagined. Despite the shock and disappointment of the scandal that forces Louisa to marry him, he takes it as an opportunity Louisa would never have afforded him otherwise and is determined prove their love could be one for the ages.

Personal Notes: One of the main reasons I chose The Irish Duke was because of the historical connections. I am a huge history nerd and nothing attracts me more than fiction based on actual people. I have a deep respect for Virginia Henley for taking on this task, if for nothing else than the sheer amount of research it must have taken to write this book. In this respect, she did not disappoint.

That being said, I felt the story only scratched the surface of the characters and never really delved into the depths of their psyches, which made it difficult to truly invest myself in them. I have no doubts that Virginia Henley is a fabulous writer and that she poured a lot of love and emotion into The Irish Duke, which with the level of historical fact involved was surely a monumental task. However, it unfortunately fell short of my expectations. It has not, however, turned me off to her other books. I still look forward to many of her stories to come!

~Jenn Colman
 Guest Reviewer

Review -- Dark Deceptions

Dark Deceptions
by Dee Davis
Publisher: Grand Central
Release Date: April 1, 2010






“So do you think we’re ever going to feel like a normal couple?” Annie asked as they stumbled back into their hotel room, Nash’s hands cupping her breasts, his breath hot against her cheek.

“Trust me, angel, normal is overrated.” He pushed her back against the wall, his thumbs rubbing heated circles through the soft silk of her halter top. “And anyway I kind of like what we’ve got.”

“Right,” she sighed, shivering as he kissed her neck. “Sex on the run.”







Annie Gallagher thought her past would never catch up with her. After all, it has been years since she left the CIA and her life as a covert operator. Living a seemingly quiet life in Colorado with her young son, Annie’s calm world is shattered one dark night when her beloved son is kidnapped. Almost immediately, Annie receives a ransom call. The price for seeing her son alive again is the assassination of the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations. Having experience as a sharp shooter definitely has its draw backs! But as any mother can relate, Annie is willing to do anything to get Adam safely back in her arms. Yes, anything.

As second-in-charge of the A-Tac team, an elite team of covert operators, all of whom are tenured professors with expertise in both academia and espionage, Nash Brennon has seen his fair share of sticky situations. Only this one was different. Very different. It involves a former partner, who also happens to be Nash’s former lover. Unable to consider the woman he cared for long ago is capable of killing in cold blood, Nash is determined to find the mastermind behind the plot to assassinate a U.S. Ambassador. But as the clues are gathered, the evidence piling up against Annie Gallagher looks dire.

After reading the first paragraph of this book I knew I was in for a very intense read. You know the kind – it keeps you up at night, with your fingers clinched around the book, turning the pages as quickly as possible to find out what in the world is going to happen next. This book literally has everything – international intrigue, espionage, murder, secrets, passionate love scenes, and sweet, tender moments. It kind of reminds me of a movie from years ago – True Lies with Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jamie Lee Curtis. The plots are not the same, but the intensity and the range of emotions are the same.

While I would love to give more details about this book, I really don’t want to spoil it for anyone. I suggest you go out and grab a copy quickly!!

Dark Deceptions is the first of the A-Tac series. Dangerous Desires will be out July 2010, and Desperate Deeds will be out August 2010. Needless to say, I’m looking forward to reading these too!!



~ Buffie