Thursday, July 31, 2014

Cover Reveal for Can't let go by Michelle Lynn




 RELEASE DATE: AUGUST 28, 2014


SYNOPSIS:

Dex is many things, a college senior, the bassist for The Invisibles, a son, a friend, everything but a boyfriend. Everybody knows him as the shallow guy who’s up for a good time anytime. People rarely take the time to see the loyal guy lying just beneath the happy-go-lucky façade.

There are parts of Dex’s life he keeps hidden. Ones he believes no one would understand. Since he gave up on the idea of a dream girl long ago, he thinks he’s finally found the perfect balance of connection without commitment with Sam.

Chrissy used to know everything about Dex. When he left four years ago for college, she was left behind. Four years later, with nowhere else to turn, Chrissy calls the one person she’s always counted on, Dex. One glance at the sad eyes he’s tried to forget and Dex knows it’s out of his control.

With Chrissy's return, lines begin to cross from friendship to something more, but will Dex's secret force them apart forever?

(Can't Let Go is the fourth novel in the Invisibles Series)



MICHELLE LYNN BIO:

Michelle moved around the Midwest most of her life, transferring from school to school before settling down in the outskirts of Chicago ten years ago, where she now resides with her husband and two kids.  She developed a love of reading at a young age, which helped lay the foundation for her passion to write.   With the encouragement of her family, she finally sat down and wrote one of the many stories that have been floating around in her head. 

When she isn’t reading or writing, she can be found playing with her kids, talking to her mom on the phone, or hanging out with her family and friends.  But after chasing around twin preschoolers all day, she always cherishes her relaxation time after putting the kids to bed.




PURCHASE LINKS FOR THE INVISIBLES SERIES:


Don’t Let Go (Book #1)

Amazon ==>  http://amzn.to/1fe4JTm




Let Me In (Book #2)

Amazon ==> http://amzn.to/HbuoSl

B&N ==> http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/let-me-in-michelle-lynn/1117186980?ean=2940148553045


Let Me Love (Book #3)






Cover Reveal Hosted by:

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

A Pirate's Wife is currently on sale at Smashwords. I thought to repost the Interview I had with Falcon back in 2013.


Buy Link: Smashwords

I was fortunate enough to get the villain from A Pirate’s Wife for an interview. Falcon had no last name but was well known in the 1600's. A man who instilled fear over the seven seas through out his time. Cunning and sly, brutal to those around him and …




Falcon: “Now just stop there Missy!”
Me: “Why?”

Falcon: “What do you mean I was the villain?”

Me: “Well, you did do all those horrible things to people and you died at the end.”

Falcon: “I call it survival of the fittest Miss.” and he spit tobacco to the side, sneering at me in disdain.

Falcon: “Who are you anyway?”


Me: “The Author of the book.”

Falcon: “Women cannot write; they are simple minded.”

Me: “No, we are not," I said harshly, "you are a condescending man Falcon," and I glared at him as I point out. "We live in the 21 Century and women can do all things now.”

Falcon: “Imbeciles, never! Women can do nothing. They are only good for one thing.”

He slammed his fist on the table, and I must admit the man had me shaking in my boots.



Me: “We are not in your Century anymore Mr. Falcon.” I reminded him matter-of-factly.

Falcon: “Bha, women are only good for one thing.”

Me: “Must I remind you, Mr. Falcon, that you were killed by a woman.”

Silence fell among us as the beady eyes darted over the restaurant we met earlier on. One of my favorite hang outs and I felt very pleased with myself to get the notorious Pirate here. Even if he was dead.
Falcon: “It is because you wrote the story, you know nothing of honor.”

Me: “It wasn't honorable what you did to the Almaida family or Rosa-Lee,” I pointed out.


Falcon: “She sure was pretty,” and he grinned slyly.

Me: “Yes she was, and married to Roberto. They were happy and  they sure did deceive you.”


Falcon: “I was furious!” his fist hit the table again cursing at the fellow who stared at us and he looked away.

Me: “Easy there, we don't tolerate such bad behavior in public anymore.”

Falcon: “Bha, I still cannot believe she killed me.”

Me: “You did dare her, and you threaten her and her baby’s life,” I pointed out.

Falcon: “If it was my baby she would have felt differently about me.”

Me: “But she didn’t, she carried Roberto’s baby.”

Falcon: “Do not mention that traitor’s name in front of me,” he hissed.

Me: “But he was your son.”

Falcon: “Imbeciles! Do not mention his name, I will kill you!” His glare made me shiver and I took another sip of my water, just to calm my nerves.

Me: “So much violence. You died just as you lived.” I couldn't help myself as I continued to point out the facts.

Falcon: “I had a noble profession.”


Me: “No, you were a villain, thief and murderer.”

Falcon: “There is that word again, how dare you! I had mouths to feed.”

Me: “There were other ways to feed them!”

Falcon: “Bha, typical woman, know nothing!”

Me: “If I know nothing, then inform me so that I can understand why you became a Pirate?”

Falcon: “It is a long story.”

Me: “I have time, would you like some tea?”

Falcon: “What do I look like to you, a woman?”

Me: “No, but I thought tea would help you to calm down.”

Falcon: “I do not care for tea, I need rum!”

Me: “Tea and coffee, nothing else. This is a family restaurant. What about a nice Espresso, which would calm you down definitely.”

Falcon: “What is that?”

Me: “Very strong coffee. Drink.” I smiled at him as the waiter placed the small cup in front of him with trembling hands. 

Falcon: “Nice and strong,” he said, smacking his lips, twirling the dark liquid in his small cup.

Falcon: “What did you call this drink?”

Me: “Espresso.”

Falcon: “Espresso. Hmmm,” smacking his lips again and gave me a grin as he waved the waiter closer, ordering another cup.

Me: “Please tell me why you chose the Pirate’s life?”

Falcon: “I ran away from home when I was only a lad of twelve. My father used to beat us with out reason; always drunk and in a bad mood. My mother, a pretty little thing was broken and had no more life in her.” I swear I could saw a tear forming in the corner of his eye but he brushed it away quickly, and I decide not to say anything.

“She could not defend herself against the onslaught, and finally he beat her to death, when I put her in the ground I disappeared never to return home. I found myself work in an Inn, but that was no work for me. All that cleaning and scrubbing just did not sit well with me. I wanted to explore the world. I listened to all the stories from the sailors who passed through the Inn, watched as they told in great detail about their ventures and I was hooked.” Taking another sip, he smacked his lips once again.

Falcon: “I met Brutus,” he chuckled looked at me and said, “now there was a villain, the devil personified,
that one. He let me work on the ships he owned. Every thing I knew I learned from him and I learned what hard work was, he was merciless. Tolerated no disobedience from anyone and I would get a swat against the head often, but I didn't mind. I was where I wanted to be, on a ship having my own adventures.”

Me: “How long did you work for him?”

Falcon: “I was a grown man by the time he died. Brutally, I might add. His second-in-command finally got to him and whacked him with an ax. Now that was a bloody mess.” His toothy grin showed ugly black stains and I shivered in disgust. 

Me: “If you do not mind, spare me the gory details.” 

Falcon: “Bha, women!”

Me: “Please go on.”

Falcon: “To my surprise the men chose me to be their new Captain. The task was overwhelming but I have learned to be tough. Trained by Brutus, I ruled with an iron fist. Tolerated no nonsense from my men. We sailed the seven seas, conquered everything that came in our sight. Including women. Now those were the days.” and he cackle his appreciation. 

Me: “Today they will hunt you down.”

Falcon: “Who?”

Me: “The authorities.”

Falcon: “I am not scared.”

Me: “I know, because you are dead.”

Falcon: “Will you stop rubbing it in, imbecile!”

Me: “I will not tolerate that tone with me, and I must remind you that you have been dead for centuries.”

Falcon: “Bha!” he sneered once again.

Me: “Tell me your thoughts about Rosa-Lee.”

Falcon: “She was a pretty little thing.”

Me: “You said that before, what else?”

Falcon: “Brave, very brave. I would have loved to have her for myself but at the end the best man won.”

Me: “So you do not mind that Roberto…”

Falcon: “You are a dim wit, of course I mind.”

Me: “Sir if you don't mind.”

Falcon: “What! Will your authorities capture me?” he sneered once again with an ugly grin.

Me: “It is impolite to talk like that.”

Falcon: “Impolite! Bha. That Rosa-Lee was the same. Annoying b…”

Me: “Falcon Sir!” My patience was dangerously low, so he continued to answer after another glare.

Falcon: “She was brave, and a good fighter with the sword.”

Me: “Yes I know.”

Falcon: “How will you know, you are so young?’

Me: “I wrote the book.”

Falcon: “Bha!”

Me: “Why didn't you like women? I would have thought after the way your father treated your mother that you would be better?”

Falcon: “Women cannot think for themselves and needs a firm hand from a man.”

Me: “I am sorry sir, but women can think for themselves. In this century, they have good professions, trained to do any work. There is no limit anymore to what a woman can do.”

Falcon: “Bha! I don't believe you. A woman need to know who is in charge, who is the better man.”

Me: “That doesn't make you a better man.” I was truly annoyed with this old geezer.

Falcon: “I do not have to listen to this anymore!”

Me: “Fine, I don't talk to ghosts either.”

Falcon: “Bha!” and he was gone.

Just like that.

Me: “Well there you have it, even in death he is impossible to talk too.”

Falcon: “Imbeciles!”


Pictures used from

Friday, July 25, 2014

Important announcement: American Recall Center, a brand new site wants to raise awareness for all women: What is Power Morcellator? How does it effect you as a woman?

Thursday, July 24, 2014

Trust by Mia Fox is on tour. Book 2 in the Chasing Shadows Series. With a wonderful giveaway to enter.

Trust - Tour Banner  

BOOK INFORMATION

TITLE – Trust SERIES – Chasing Shadows AUTHOR – Mia Fox GENRE – Paranormal romance/contemporary romance PUBLICATION DATE – July 20, 2014 PUBLISHER – Evatopia Press PHOTOGRAPHY - Cathleen Tarawhiti MODEL - Melanie Bevan DIGITAL ART - Consuelo Parra TYPOGRAPHY - Eden Crane

  Trust - Book Cover  

BOOK BLURB / SYNOPSIS

Ella’s struggle... After losing Nate, trusting her heart to love again seems impossible for Ella. In spite of her family’s desire that she move on with her life, it’s the last thing she wants...especially since she has a connection to Nate’s ghost.

Ethan’s resolve... Ethan knows about grief. Not only does he counsel people suffering from loss, he’s also lost a loved one. When he meets Ella, he makes it his mission to heal her broken heart. With time the boundary between patient and doctor blurs as Ethan finds himself falling in love. Yet he must suppress his feelings for fear of crossing a line that is based on trust.

Nate’s determination... Being without Ella while in Afghanistan was hard. Having to say goodbye again is even worse. Although now a ghost, Nate can still make Ella happy when he visits. Their time together is precious, yet fleeting. Although being with Ella again is life’s sweetest gifts, Nate is desperate to heal her troubled mind and broken heart.

An unbreakable bond... When Ella becomes increasingly reckless and sets off on a dangerous journey into the rugged wilderness, it’s up to both Nate and Ethan to find her. One man represents her past and one her future. One will use his marine training and the other his knowledge of psychology to keep Ella safe and help her...Trust.

 

BUY & TBR LINKS

AMAZON KINDLE USBARNES & NOBLES - GOODREADS

Book 1 – Believe (Chasing Shadows)

  Trust - Teaser 1    

EXCERPT

I loved Nate with all my heart and the tragedy of losing him became somehow manageable when his ghost visited me. I never would have believed, if it hadn’t happened so many times. But it’s real. It’s possible for me to still be with Nate -- even if nobody else believes me.

Lily things I’m nuts, which is why she was so in favor of my being counseled by Ethan. If my work hadn’t insisted, I would never have agreed to it. And if I had known that being near Ethan would lead to even more heart ache, well...

At least he doesn’t make me feel as if I’m going crazy for saying that I can see Nate. He’s been through something this side of horrible as well. Maybe that’s why he’s the only one who doesn’t look at me with pity. Yeah, I could fall for him.

But in doing so, I would lose Nate. I just know it. I lose a bit of him every day and it just tears me apart to betray his memory, even when he tells me to go on with my life. The only way to figure out this mess of my life is to spend time away from both of them. So that’s just what I’m going to do. Looking out into the distance, I can see the high peaks of these mountains that encompass the National Parks Recreation Area. They extend for miles from inland valleys, up and over the passes, to the ocean shore. One could spend hours and days, weeks and months, and never have the chance to explore every inch of them. It was a perfect escape.

Trust - Author Photo

AUTHOR BIO

Mia Fox is a Los Angeles-based novelist who writes across varied genres including Contemporary Romance, Paranormal Romance, Steampunk, and Chick Lit. She received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communications from U.S.C.

Before writing full time, she worked as an entertainment publicist, a career she chronicles in her novel, “Alert the Media.” However, she is happy to leave that world behind her, preferring that any drama in her life is only that which she creates for her characters. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband, three children, Casey, the Wonder Westie, and Bean, his brother.

 

AUTHOR FOLLOW LINKS

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGEWEBSITE / BLOGFACEBOOK TWITTERGOOGLE+ - PINTERESTTUMBLR GOODREADSINSTAGRAM

  Trust - Teaser 2  

GIVEAWAY

One “Believe” necklace (“Believe” is book one of the Chasing Shadows series) One “Trust” paperback

a Rafflecopter giveaway

  Tour Organized By:
myfamilyheartbutton

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Blog Tour: Christmas Fantasy by Siren Allen. Do not miss this great giveaway.

Christmas Fantasy - Tour Banner  

BOOK INFORMATION 

TITLE – Christmas Fantasy SERIES – Fantasy Diary Series AUTHOR – Siren Allen GENRE – Paranormal Romance PUBLICATION DATE – 6/13/14 LENTH (Pages/# Words) - 263 pages/ 75,000 words

  Christmas Fantasy - Cover  

BOOK SYNOPSIS One bite was all it took.


It’s that time of year again. Alyssa Blakely is busy writing in her fantasy diary, filling it with all her forbidden, sexual fantasies. The star: her very sexy boss, Devin Jordan. Too bad for her, he’s never given her a second glance.

Or so she thought…

After a steamy kiss under the mistletoe and a night of wild sex, Alyssa has the bite to prove just how wrong she was.

Devin Jordan has found his mate. The only problem: she’s human. He’s not. Can he prove to her that his inner beast can be both naughty and nice? Or will her fear of the unknown and a threat neither of them saw coming keep him from claiming her?

**This is the re-release of Christmas Fantasy! It includes new scenes, new characters and new love connections.**


  Christmas Fantasy - Teaser 3  

BUY & TBR LINKS AMAZON KINDLE USAMAZON KINDLE CAAMAZON KINDLE UK SMASHWORDSGOODREADS


  Christmas Fantasy - Teaser 2  

Erotic Excerpt 1 ~Christmas Fantasy Excerpt~ #TeamDevin

Devin took a deep, calming breath. Alyssa was off limits. Even if she were single and interested in him, he still couldn’t have her. It was too risky. She made him feel things he wasn’t used to. He didn’t know if he could handle touching her without hurting her.

Hurting Alyssa was something he would never do. He would just have to endure her presence. He would take pleasure in the shy smiles she cast his way every now and again. He would enjoy the laughs they shared while working late some evenings. He would maintain the professional relationship they had, even though he yearned for a taste of her.

Devin turned and placed his back against the window. He stared at the door that separated him from the woman he desired. A piece of metal and space was all that separated his body from hers. It would only take a couple of strides for him to reach the door.

One pull on the door knob and he could send it flying across the room. Then he would be face to face with the one woman in this world that made him wish he wasn’t a beast with a conscience. If he had no conscience, he would take her, now, against his desk, against her desk, against the wall, on every damn hard surface in this building.

He would make sure she enjoyed it. He would make sure he pleased her so thoroughly that she wouldn’t even think of leaving him, even when she found out that he was not the man he pretended to be. Devin sighed, but that would never happen. Because though he was a beast, he did indeed have a conscience

That conscience kept her safe from him… for now.

Christmas Fantasy - Teaser 1  

AUTHOR BIO: Siren Allen is a writer and lover of all things erotic and romantic. She resides in southern Mississippi where she writes steamy romances that are guaranteed to make you blush. When she’s not listening to the characters in her head and jotting down their adventures, she’s busy working as a Clinical Laboratory Technician. Her weekends are spent writing and having sleep-over’s for her wonderful nieces and nephews. She loves to travel, preferably with her husband, so he can do all of the driving. She enjoys time with her family, who are just as silly as she is. She doesn’t have any children…yet! Her hobbies are reading, writing and shopping, though she hates trying on clothing. If she wasn’t a writer or a Laboratory Professional, she swears she would be a Secret Agent. But that’s the beauty of being a writer; you can create your own world and be whoever you want to be. In her imaginary world she is Queen and her siblings are her minions.

 

AUTHOR FOLLOW LINKS: AMAZON AUTHOR PAGEWEBSITE / BLOGFACEBOOK TWITTERPINTERESTGOODREADS

   

GIVEAWAY PRIZES 1 – EBook – Christmas Fantasy by Siren Allen 2 – Ebook – Christmas Fantasy by Siren Allen 3 – Ebook – Christmas Confusion by Monica Garry-Allen 4 – Ebook – The Makeover by Monica Garry-Allen 5 – Ebook – Lovers Unchained by Siren Allen 6 – Ebook – Lily’s Naughty Christmas by Siren Allen 7 – Ebook – Yours, For Now by Siren Allen 8 – Ebook – What Goes Around by Anne Bikov

a Rafflecopter giveaway

  Tour Organized By

myfamilyheartbutton

Book Tour for Project Lexi by Lisa Survillas. Easy Giveaway can win you some wonderful prices.

Project Lexi - Tour Banner

Title – Project Lexi Series – The Lexi Series Author – Lisa Survillas Genre – NA/Contemporary Romance Publication Date – June 19, 2014 Publisher – Lisa Survillas Cover Artist – Cover design by Kimberly Knight Photographs for cover - Geanette Trumbull of www.TLCbyG.com

Project Lexi - Cover

Book Blurb/Synopsis

Lexi Crandall’s, world is turned upside down junior year of high school. Her confession tears her family apart and leaves them broken. Looking for escape, she heads out of town for college. Wracked with guilt and shame, she keeps to herself, befriending only her roommate, Paige.

Derek Fressen experiences one tragedy after another. After learning to cope with being raised by a single mom, he and his sister, Tiffany, become closer than ever. When Tiffany escapes Seattle for college, Derek takes the opportunity to leave his past behind as well.

San Francisco State University is where Lexi and Derek find themselves junior year, thrown into the most uncomfortable situation possible, a group project that requires each to open up about their past. Their grade depends upon the ability to prove to the professor through a class presentation that they truly learned about one another.

Painful memories and terrifying tests of courage propel Lexi to learn how to take baby steps in the healing process and give her hope of one day feeling normal. Although he feels he’s pretty well healed from the horrible events of his past, Derek is lonely and longing for a life of more. Will they be able to share enough of their lives with each other to pass this class? How much will Lexi let Derek help her in the process? Are their tragic pasts too much to overcome, or will love be in their future?

BUY & TBR LINKS

Amazon USAmazon CAAmazon UK - Barnes & Noble NookiTunesGoodreads

Project Lexi Teaser 4

EXCERPT

I can’t get her to look at me, I think she’s ashamed that she has no experience to go with. When I’m finally begging, she looks up and I can’t help it. She looks so lost, so sad. I know that she just needs the courage, but how will she ever find it if she doesn’t know what the reward is like? So I lean over, I place my hand on her cheek, and my lips on hers. She doesn’t freak out, so I use my tongue to entice her. I run it along her lower lip. I feel her breathing pick up and I’m nervous she’ll push me away, but when she doesn’t I try to coax her lips apart so I can really kiss her. When she opens them, her tongue meets mine and I have to keep repeating to myself, “Slow, slow, slow,” or my body might take over and try to push her past her limits. She’s not ready for more than this.

I don’t let myself linger too long. I would love to kiss her all night, but she needs baby steps. I need to give her that or this won’t work. “I’m sorry. I couldn’t help myself, but I should’ve made sure it was okay first.” I say it knowing that she needed the surprise of it or it would’ve never happened.

Her response takes me by surprise, “Don’t. Be. Sorry.” She is breathing hard and can’t form a sentence. I love it. That means she loved it. When she brings her hand up to touch her lips, I know I can make this better for her. I stop her hand with mine and leaving the other on her cheek, I lean back in for a deeper kiss. She responds immediately. I make this one longer, but not much. This time when I pull back, we are both panting for air.

“Wow.” A simple statement from her confirming that she liked it.

Project Lexi Teaser 5
Project Lexi - Author Photo

AUTHOR BIO

I'm Lisa. I live in sunny southern California with my wonderful husband and two teenage children. Hubbyis a high school PE teacher and is the coach of three different high school sports. With two kids in high school and involved in activities both inside and outside of school, I have a lot to juggle. When home, I lock myself inside the office to write. I've always loved to write, but life always seemed to be too busy. When inspiration finally hit, I made the most of the time hubby and kids were busy and published my first book in February 2014. It's a teen/young adult book and the first in a series. I'm currently working on a New Adult/Contemporary Romance series with the first book due out end of June 2014. Be on the look-out for more.

STALKER LINKS

Amazon Author PageWebsite/BlogFacebookTwitterGoodreads

Project Lexi Teaser

GIVEAWAY PRIZES

$5.00 amazon gift card e-book keychain postcard – signed bookmark - signed

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Project Lexi - Teaser 1
Project Lexi - Full Wrap

Tour Organized By:

myfamilyheartbutton

Tuesday, July 22, 2014

Book Blast and Giveaway. Lottie by Jeanetta Britt

lottiebanner

@wnlbooktours #LOTTIE
One winner will receive: an autographed copy of all three books in the Lottie series: Pickin' Ground (The Lottie Series Book 1) In Due Season (The Lottie Series Book 2) Lottie (The Lottie Series Book 3)

Publication Date: May 31, 2014 Book Title: Lottie Genre: Christian Fiction Print Length: 235 pages Publisher: Twelve Stones Publishing LLC (May 31, 2014) ASIN: B00KP1IJSO

About The Book

  lottiecover

Oh, no! Rose is back! If Lottie isn’t having enough trouble being a newlywed and taking on her duties as the first female African American Senator in her native state of Alabama, her sister Rose is trying to make the moves on her husband, Chaney. Rose has had a crush on Chaney since high school, and it looks like she’s not done yet. And in spite of her love for her community and her political pursuits, Lottie has to learn to open her heart and fight for her family. Family, however, is not always what it seems—family is the people who love us. Lottie, the third book in the Lottie Series, follows the murder mystery in Pickin' Ground, and the story of personal and community redemption in In Due Season. Lottie explores the fulfillment of marital love that overcomes selfish ambition, political corruption, and family pain. “There is no love like married love!”

About The Author
jeanetta
Award-winning author, Jeanetta Britt, graduated Magna Cum Laude from Fisk University and Top Ten from The University of Michigan. She completed a successful executive career that spanned over three decades in Dallas, Texas, before returning to her native Alabama. "But," she says, "my faith in Jesus Christ means more than anything, and it has proven to be the most valuable asset in my life." She also says, "That's why I write Christian Fiction novels and Gospel poetry . . . to share the love!"

Grab a copy!

  amazon barnes

Social Links:
Email: brittbooks@msn.com Website: http://www.jbrittbooks.com/ Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/JBrittBooks
Tour Hosted by: wnlbooktours.com 

jpg 

Book review: 5 Stars for Crosscurrents by Jane Jackson.



Crosscurrents is set in 1830's Cornwall when the battle between steam and sail was gathering strength.
Having taken control of the packet service which delivered mail from the Cornish port of Falmouth to ports all over the globe, the Admiralty wanted to replace sail with steam. Their plan was to increase profits by shortening journey times through removing reliance on fair winds.
However, most naval officers of the day had little mechanical knowledge, and no desire to learn about dirty engines. Neither had they any understanding of, or sympathy for, the engineers who in most cases were civilians provided by the engine manufacturers. 
To many deck officers, the sign of an efficient and attentive engine-room staff was plenty of smoke billowing from the funnel, and steam constantly blowing from the safety valve.  But engineers knew these signs indicated all kinds of problems. 
These early steam ships were powered by paddle wheels – one on each side - driven by a pair of engines supplied with steam from two or more boilers.
Side-mounted paddle wheels worked well on the American river boats such as those carrying cargo and passengers up and down the Mississippi because rivers are usually calm. But ocean-going paddle-wheel steamers were appallingly uncomfortable.  Wave motion caused the paddle wheels to dig into the water at different times and different depths.  This resulted in a jerky waddling motion that made even hardened sailors seasick.
          These early steamships were constantly running out of coal, because the Admiralty hadn't organised enough refuelling ports.  With no sails to fall back on, this meant burning spars, bulkheads, even furniture to raise enough steam to get back to port. These ships also suffered frequent mechanical breakdown due to heavy wear in the engines. But the greatest danger was boiler failure. When a boiler failed the resulting explosion destroyed the ship, killing everyone on board.



Excerpt:
The heat in the steam packet’s engine room was stifling. Santo had shed his coat and waistcoat soon after the ship left Falmouth. His cravat had followed, stuffed into the pocket of his trousers, and his shirtsleeves were rolled up.
At the sound of a groan, a muffled curse, then the thump of a falling body, he glanced round and saw the stoker had collapsed.
Will McAndrew heaved a sigh. ‘Here, boy, soak rags in the water bucket and wrap ’em loosely round his head and throat. Then see if you can get a pint of small beer down him.’
Boy. I’m twenty-eight. But he knew Will used the term in fondness, not as an insult. Following the chief engineer’s instructions, Santo dragged the semi-conscious stoker into a corner away from the boiler’s heat. After draining a tankard of small beer himself, he poured another and offered it to Will who swallowed it without pause for breath.
‘I’ll go and ask Lt Hellings for another stoker.’ Leaving Will anxiously studying the gauges Santo climbed the wooden ladder. As he reached the deck he breathed deeply, glad of fresh air after the heat and acrid reek of soot and hot metal below. He thought of Bronnen, her shy smile, rosy blush, and those amazing eyes, greenish-brown with glints of gold.
He had seen them spark in anger, widen in amazement, and soften in trust as she allowed him past the wariness she wore like a protective cloak. But last night in the lantern’s glow they had been bottomless pools.
Her passionate response to his kisses had ignited a desire as complex as it was powerful. He wanted her with every fibre of his body. But he also wanted to protect her, even from his own hunger. She had kissed him with searing honesty, holding nothing back. Afterwards he could see she was as startled as he was by her response to him.
Recognising her naivety, he had also recognised the responsibility this placed on him. He could have taken what he so badly wanted. She would have let him. But the aftermath would have been devastating for her, and he would never have been able to look himself in the eye again.
Instead, drawing on strength he didn’t know was in him he had stepped back. Still lost in the feelings he had stirred she had gazed up at him, her eyes wide, dazed. Looking into the limpid depths he had felt himself falling.
He wasn’t good with words, not like Richard Vaughan. But holding her hand, fighting the fierce desire she aroused in him, he had seen both her strength and her fragility. It made her trust in him a gift all the more valued.
He had known her only days yet couldn’t get her out of his thoughts. Nor did he want to. Watching her suspicion of his engine change to astonishment then fascination had given him more pleasure than he had felt in a long time.
In the brewhouse he had seen exhaustion etched on her face – the physical cost of completing the brew on her own. Yet she had not spoken a single word of complaint. It was plain as day she knew her job. So why did he feel this powerful need to protect her?
Glancing aft he saw two officers leaning miserably over the side in the throes of seasickness. Three seamen sprawled by the forward bilges in similar straits.
He sighed, unsurprised. For the first hour he had felt unpleasantly queasy himself. Only through fierce concentration on the machinery had he overcome it.
The change from sail to steam power was intended to shorten voyage times by removing dependence on erratic winds. But looking at the suffering seamen Santo wondered how many crews would survive this so-called progress.
He glanced skyward. When he had stepped aboard, a speedwell-blue sky had been reflected in the sparkling sea. Now a blanket of high cloud patterned like a mackerel’s side covered the sky, and a stiffening breeze curled the tops of the waves into foam.
He returned to the engine room. ‘It’s just you and me, Will.’ Santo unbuttoned his shirt. ‘There isn’t a man to spare.’
‘Sick, are they?’
Santo nodded. ‘And two of the officers.’ Stripping down to his drawers, he borrowed the stoker’s canvas trousers and started shovelling coal into the fiery mouth of the ever-hungry boiler.
Four hours later, the muscles of his back and shoulders ached like an abscessed tooth. He wondered how much longer he could keep going, and thought of Bronnen doing the work of two.
He straightened, wincing. Leaning on the shovel, waiting for his heartbeat to slow, he pulled a filthy rag from his waistband. As he wiped sweat and coal dust from his face he glanced across at the engineer who looked a decade older than his fifty years.
Will gestured helplessly. ‘I gave Lt Hellings the extra speed he wanted. He must’ve known it would use up more coal. If Annear’s had delivered what I ordered – ’ Will shook his head. ‘We’d still be short.’
Santo eyed him, careful to keep his tone free of accusation. ‘You took a hell of a risk holding down the safety valve.’ As Will’s furrowed cheeks flushed brick red with shame, Santo wanted to shake the lieutenant until his teeth rattled.
‘You weren’t s’posed to see that.’
‘I’m not blaming you. If I was in your place I might have done the same.’
‘Before we left Falmouth,’ Will said, ‘the lieutenant told me if we didn’t reach speed today he’d have to put it in his report. What choice did I have? But I tell you straight, boy, I didn’t like it. Not at all.’ Shaking his head he turned away, rubbing his haggard features with a filthy rag as if that might wipe away his guilt.
Santo was furious with the Admiralty whose demands for speed and economy were contradictory and unworkable. Lt Hellings demanded results but took no account of the dangers involved. And Hall’s, who had built the engine, had put Will in an impossible position.
Sweat trickled down his face and chest leaving pale tracks through the grime. As he inhaled, the hot dust-thickened air caught in his throat making him cough. Refilling the pewter mug Will passed it across. Santo gulped down the weak beer and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand.
‘I’ve met some fools in my time but the lieutenant is one of the worst.’ He handed Will the empty mug then peered into the coalbunker.
‘How much is left?’ Will asked.
‘Less than a quarter.’
Will blew out a breath. ‘Not enough to get us back to Falmouth.’
Dropping his shovel onto the gritty floor Santo started for the ladder. ‘I’ll go and tell Lt Hellings. Any crew still on their feet had better find us something to feed the boiler with before it goes out, or God alone knows how long we’ll be stuck out here.’



Book Blurb:

Santo Innis  is developing a revolutionary new engine to counter the lethal effects of high-pressure steam. His backer is Richard Vaughan, heir to Frederick Tregarron, owner of Gillyvean estate.
          Following the tragic deaths of his wife and baby son, Richard immersed himself in work. But his world is turned upside down by the unexpected arrival at Gillyvean of Melanie Tregarron, a talented artist and Frederick’s illegitimate youngest daughter.  
Desperate to prove the viability of his invention, Santo persuades Richard to let him fit one at Gillyvean’s brewhouse. 
But when Bronnen Jewell - worried about her mother's suffering at her father's hands - arrives to brew the harvest beer she's horrified, fearing loss of the income on which she depends.
As the lives of these four become entwined, a shocking revelation shatters Bronnen’s world; desperate for money Santo makes a choice that costs him everything; Melanie fears she will never be free of her past; and Richard has to face his deepest fear. 

5 Star review

I received the book from the touring host for an honest review. 
This was such an awesome read. I have never read Ms. Jackson's books before, but now I am definitely making a plan to add them to my TBR list and read more. If this book was any indication, I will love to read more from her pen. 
The plot, the characters, every scene, even the topic was masterly crafted into the 1830's period. When all technology was relatively new, and many were skeptical of any new changes. Because of this skepticism many lives were lost. It took courages men to stand up and fight for what they believed was the right thing to do, that changed the minds of the people.
We get to know four people, Bronnen, Melanie, Santo and Richard. Each battling with their own fears, turmoil and mistakes as the story unfolds. But I must say that I was really impressed with the two women's strong characters, facing obstacles, standing their ground as they tried to come to grips with who they were, accepting themselves and moving on. Despite what people might say or men treated them they stayed true to themselves, giving themselves only to the men that really mattered. They were stubborn, willing to proof themselves, gifted and not afraid to work hard at their respective crafts. The one very talented with her sketchpad and pencil always at hand; for the other, to make the perfect beer, learned from her mother when she was still very young. 
A beautiful and supportive friendship formed between them, with their lives so much a like, even though it seemed they were worlds apart. A fast paced gripping story that was told with so much emotion that takes you on a wonderful journey as you enjoy the wonder of a great historic romance. Experiencing the pain and laughter with these four made the book believable and the story realistic. A great asset for any bookshelf or Kindle.



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Author bio:
Jane Jackson has been a professional writer for over thirty years, and twice shortlisted for the Romantic Novel of the Year Award. Crosscurrents is her twenty-eighth published novel. 
Happily married to a Cornishman, with children and grandchildren, she has lived in Cornwall most of her life, finding inspiration for her books in the county's magnificent scenery and fascinating history.
She enjoys reading, research, long walks, baking, and visiting Cornish agricultural shows where her husband displays his collection of 28 (and counting) restored vintage rotavators.





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