Excerpt from ONCE UPON A PAINTED HORSE

That's me, to the right, with a friend! Is that not cool? While on vacation with my husband, Bill, I couldn't resist getting a shot with a REAL painted horse!

And with the release of ONCE UPON A PAINTED HORSE only weeks away, I thought I'd give readers a little taste of what's on the way.

So here goes, an excerpt from my new, soon-to-be-published Christian romance novel (which as I said before, has paranormal elements).

Enjoy!

“Welcome to Meridian Amusement Park,” Tom said softly. “Opened in 1908. For many years it was a dream come true. That is, for the first owner.”

“Was that your great-great-great grandfather?” she joked.

He led the way in, shaking his head. “No, it was another man. He sold it to my great-grandfather in 1958. That was the real heyday of this park, 1958 to about 1968. He sold it to my grandfather because he was afraid. He was the first one to say it was haunted.”

“By the farmer who killed his family and then killed himself?”

Turning to her, Tom didn’t seem either annoyed or surprised.

“That, and the little girl who fell out of the roller coaster,” he said. “She wasn’t restrained properly. She was also too young and probably shouldn’t have been on the ride anyway. That was in 1924.”

“How old was she?”

“Five, almost six. Her name was Bridget.”

“Ohhh…”

They were walking past a couple of old-fashioned ticket booths. Seeing the park from behind the gates was different from being inside it. Tom flashed her a kind smile.

“I don’t want you to think it’s always been tragic here,” he explained. “Yeah, there was also a man who was said to be disturbed who pushed another man off the Ferris wheel—and he fell about fifty feet to his death. But all that’s happened here hasn’t always been bad.”

“So there were happy times here, too?”

“A lot of happy times. Like—well, this way…”

Deeper into the park with him. With Tom, a guy she barely knew. Her parents knew him from church. Interestingly, Heather didn’t feel threatened by that at all. She felt safe with him.

And where were the ghosts? The spirits hidden in every shadow in that place?

The park wasn’t as scary as it was sad. Sad, lonely—and yes, a tragic place.

She thought back to all the scary movies she had seen. Now that Heather thought about it, she had seen more than she could name, including “classics”—or at least, a friend of hers at Barton Lamplight had called them classics. Movies like Night of the Living Dead, The Omen, The Exorcist. Lots of those slasher-style films, too, like Nightmare on Elm Street and Friday the 13^th.

The amusement park wasn’t like that. Just an old place, frozen in time. They walked past an old, rusted Himalaya ride. A shop that might have sold baseball caps, T-shirts and plastic cups, other souvenirs, with the park’s logo. An area with games, like the one with the sign that read WIN A TEDDY BEAR, 25¢.

There had been fun there. Once, a long time ago. Heather found herself wishing it was still like that. Wishing the park was still alive.

“From what my grandfather told me,” Tom recounted, tossing out an arm showily at the entrance to the Tunnel of Love, “there were more than a few wedding proposals in this place.”

Heather smiled. “Wish it was still working.”

“Me, too. The water either was drained or they let it all evaporate over the years. Even if it wasn’t,” he told her, “there’s no electricity running through the place.”

“Nowhere in the park?”

“Nowhere.”

“Not even the lights?”

“Nope. I use a flashlight. I try not to come here at night, though.” Tom paused. “Since I was jumped.”

“You were jumped?”

“Yes. That happened in broad daylight, actually. They beat me and they left me there. Made off with my wallet and about thirty dollars. I guess they thought there was more money or something to find here.”

Heather sighed. No wonder he was that way around her the day he’d found her snooping around at the gate.

“Did you ever think about opening it again?” she asked.

“My dad did. He went broke. Not because of the park. He closed it a long time ago, back in ’74. Want to see something amazing?”

“I think the whole place is amazing.” She was being truthful with him. “Sad and old—but amazing.”

Grinning appreciatively, Tom took her gently by the arm and led the way.

“Well, then, you’ll really love this, Heather,” he promised.

He’s like the park.

Where had that thought come from? But it was true. Tom Clayton, though not old, was sad and rather haunted. Heather clasped her hand over the one he had on her forearm.

August 2015 Updates

A couple of updates for readers today, to keep you abreast of what's happening on my end:

* ONCE UPON A PAINTED HORSE -- First draft will be finished TODAY. Although, for editing purposes, as well as preparing this baby's paperback version, I'll be pushing back the "official" release date to September 2015, the book will be ready for pre-order as early as THIS WEEK. I'll keep you updated so that you can reserve your copy!

* GOODNIGHT MY LOVE -- This one's in the works, and like many of my books has a little backstory that I'll be sharing shortly. This is a never-before-published sweet romance novel, historical (1960s), an old-fashioned, touch-your-heart tale! Again, like with CRYSTAL WAVES, I don't have the original and it almost made it to publication, so I will be rewriting it from scratch. For old-fashioned romance story lovers, I really think you'll like this one. Anyhoo, more on that later. Tentatively scheduled for an October/November release, with more info to follow.

That's it so far, but more news to come. Check back!

October 2013 Release

Coming next month: THE VAMPIRE'S MERMAID BRIDE, a paranormal romance, my first since DIMENSION. Here's a sneak peek at the cover, with more info on the way!

Time for a BEACH READ!

Welcome to summer!

Here in North Carolina--at least the western part, where my husband and I live--it took a long time for the spring weather to come breezing in. With the Fourth of July right around the corner, summer is definitely upon us. Time for barbecues, vacays, backyard pools, swimsuits, sandals, summer dresses (hello to my good friend Linda, who has a collection of those!) and last but not least, the beach.

It's also time for a beach read...and mine is finally out! GREETINGS FROM MY SANDY DREAMS is now available at Amazon and Smashwords. More distributors, including Barnes & Noble for your Nook lovers, to come.

Please note that GREETINGS FROM MY SANDY DREAMS is a women's fiction/contemporary romance that, although still generally a sweet romance, does contain a higher level of sexual tension, as well as adult situations. All in all, it's a fun, easygoing read to pop into your ereader or phone.

More news, though, to follow!

So have fun this summer & don't forget your sunscreen!

Soundtrack for a Book

FOREVER IN MY HEART is now available!

And this is funny, but I actually compiled its "soundtrack," songs that are mentioned in the book. Music often pops up in books, and certainly in mine. Speaking of which, this new novel contains no less than FOUR musicians, not including the Maranatha Assembly of God Choir. Because this is inspirational fiction, many of the songs are Christian, with some secular songs that belong to that era of the mid- to late 1960s, with a little of the '50s mixed in. The secular songs usually somehow apply to the character/scene and belong to the era.

I thought it would be fun to include them here. One more note: It's interesting because Christian music has really evolved in these last few decades. In the 1960s, people mostly sang the traditional hymns, which really are timeless and beautiful. Today we still have them--but we also have Michael W. Smith, Third Day, Casting Crowds, MercyMe, Chris Tomlin and so many terrific other artists and groups. Enjoy!

Forever in My Heart Soundtrack (!)

"Secret Agent Man" (Johnny Rivers)
"Jean" (Donovan)
"My Girl" (The Temptations)
"O Happy Day" (many artists, though I listened to The Edwin Hawkins Singers for inspiration during that scene. I believe that's the same version that appears in the wonderful movie Secretariat)
"Here Comes the Bride" (traditional)
"Good Lovin'" (The Rascals)
"There is Power in the Blood" (traditional hymn)
"Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus" (traditional hymn)
"Just as I Am" (traditional hymn)
"This Little Light of Mine" (many artists)
"How Great Thou Art" (traditional hymn)
"You Belong to Me" (The Duprees)

Some Background on My New Book

Something that I love about writing (well, I love everything about writing, except those aggravating times when you’re staring at a blank screen with a cursor flashing incessantly at you) is that no two books are ever the same. Not even your experience while writing is the same.

By now it’s pretty clear that I’m an author of mostly stand-alone novels/novellas/short stories. Book series are something I don’t do as often. A series is a commitment. Your readers may or may not read the whole series, but you, as the author, are going to be in that town with your books’ “people” for months, maybe even longer.

Throughout my career I’ve only created two series. Well, three, now that I think about it. The first published series, which I wrote as Consuelo Vazquez for Kensington’s Encanto line, about three Cuban-Dominican sisters. The second, and most recent, published series is The Larkspur Valley Series (with Book 3 waiting in the wings).

Just for fun: There was also a third (and unpublished) series, The Ladies. Targeted to a middle-grade audience, that was a fun little series about a group of kids who form an all-girl singing group. Back then, as a new—and green—unpubbed author, I thought I had to have a series all set and ready to go, so we’re looking at about 8 books that I wrote for the series. That's a whole lotta writing that never saw the light of day.

Lord knows, it came thisclose a few times, including with Simon & Schuster. With The Babysitters Club at the height of its popularity, no publisher wanted to take the chance on an unknown series or author. That was how it was in the “dark ages” of publishing, when authors were basically at the mercy of publishers. They called all the shots. Yay for today! Unfortunately, I’ve since lost all of The Ladies books, both the hard copies and the MultiMate files (yes, it goes back that far!).

But who knows? Maybe I’ll revive and rewrite it in the future…as a much shorter series this time.

Ah, but all that was then, and this is now. The Larkspur Valley Series has seen the light of day, I’m happy to say. That said, both More Than Sparrows and The Christmas Waltz were books that seemed to write themselves. Forever in My Heart was a harder book to write.

The thing is, even though it was tough getting through that first draft, it was also challenging and rewarding as a writer. As we all know, characters make the story. There comes a point, almost instantly, where it’s evident that the characters are in the driver’s seat and the author is their first passenger.

That was the case with me, for sure. Book 3 sees the return of familiar characters, one in particular who experiences both loss and growth as a person and in his Christian walk in this book. There are new characters, too, including Kyle and Lauren Jamison. Kyle is a complicated man. Besides having some secrets that bring intrigue to the book and a painful childhood, he struggles with issues pertaining to faith.

Through his wife Lauren’s eyes, we get a peek into the mindset of a “trophy wife” (though I don’t believe that term was used, at least not widely, in the 1960s when the book takes place). Lauren is a few years younger than her husband; she’s attractive and absolutely loves miniskirts and other sexy clothing. Otherwise, she is a traditional homemaker. Lauren also deals with her own self-worth issues.

I didn’t really expect her to become a favorite character of mine in the book, but during the course of writing her story she did. I loved her vulnerability and, by contrast, her strength, and the love she and her imperfect husband had for each other. Especially, I liked her childlike faith in her Savior.

There was one more surprise character. He’s not seen very much, yet he had an important role. I liked him so much, that young guy almost got his own book! Because, after all, I couldn’t close out an inspirational series set in the 1960s without touching upon what became known as “The Jesus Movement.” Chris Lampier seemed like a character with so much yet to be said about him. Where would he have been in the 1970s? Or now?

But with Forever in My Heart, this series is concluded. However, who knows? That’s one of the wonderful things about being an indie author/publisher. Since I hold all the rights, I own all the characters. Maybe, in the future, we’ll catch up with Chris and see where his walk with the Lord eventually took him.

So that is some background on the last book of my mainstream inspirational series. As I said, it was a challenge, but it was also rewarding. It’s my hope that it will also be rewarding, as well as a blessing, to readers.

And now that the editing process is underway, I can announce that Forever in My Heart will be released on April 19. Before then, I’ll have an excerpt up on this blog. A little something to stir up your curiosity and interest!

Happy Reading!

Writers Write & New Cover

What's that they used to say about women? That it's our prerogative to change our minds?

Well, I'm taking advantage of that privilege! Here's my new cover for my new title, FOREVER IN MY HEART, which has definitely been pushed back to an April 2013 release, my first book of the year. More info to follow very shortly.

PLUS a tease for my summer book, which may be on its way to your Nook and Kindle by June!

And I know it's been a while since my last post, but FOREVER IN MY HEART has been my priority, writing-wise. Since it's the final book in The Larkspur Valley Series, I'm devoting my time to crafting and polishing it. We writers spend so much time promoting--tweeting, Facebooking, blogging, and all that other good stuff. In a matter of the last decade or so, things have gotten so high tech. An author can do most of their promotion while wearing their PJs, as my granddaughter calls them, and their feet up on the living room coffee table. Amazing.

At the end of the day, though, we're writers. We write. Our stories, our characters, our craft comes first. There has to be a book for there to be promotion, and the focus has to be on writing a book that speaks to the reader and is worth their time in reading it. A book that brings the reader pleasure and, in the case of an inspirational book, touches their hearts.

So you like the new cover? I'd love to share a little bit about the summer beach read, but...nah! Better to leave a little suspense!

News From Larkspur Valley!

Book Three of THE LARKSPUR VALLEY SERIES, Forever in My Heart, is underway. Here's a peek at its cover, with more info to come in the next few weeks! Tentatively, it will be released in late March/early April 2013.

And in more news, More Than Sparrows, Book One of the series, is now available on Nook and soon to be out with other distributors. Enjoy & may the Lord bless you!

Currently working on...

1. Doing the final edits on SEA SIREN, which *may* be getting released in June versus July, but only if it's edited & polished by then, and

2. Working on the first of a 4-book Christian romance series set in the 1940s.

Also in the meantime, my first Christian inspirational romance, GLIMMERS OF HEAVEN, has held steady on THREE Amazon bestseller lists! I am both pleasantly surprised and honored, especially considering the book was my first indie title, published in October of 2011. Hope it blesses and brings pleasure to its readers, and I'm looking forward to bringing out the series, which is tentatively titled THE SONGBIRDS SERIES.

Not to be a tease, but more info to follow!

COMING IN SUMMER 2012

Never say never! :D

Recently I told an old friend and fellow author that I didn't know if I would ever really revive my old pen name of Consuelo Vazquez. That's all changed, because of course, you should never say never.

I'm happy to report that SEA SIREN, originally published twelve years ago in 2000 under the Encanto imprint, will be released for the very first time in ebook form. Tentatively scheduled for a July 2012 release, SEA SIREN is a sensuous romance with a hero who hails from Spain and a Puerto Rican heroine. In the coming weeks, be sure to drop by for more news, plus an enticing excerpt, of a haunting story that is sure to heat up your ereader!

Coming in Spring 2012

This has been a mild winter, it seems, for the whole country. Ah, our home state of North Carolina is no exception. Still, it's been cool enough that it's kept us close to home, so I've been working on my newest WIP, CHAMPAGNE TASTE. More info to follow, but my release for spring of 2012 will be a sweet romance with a touch of fun chick lit. And I hope to have a short romantic story out to tide readers over before its release!

Upcoming Release

Here's a preview, because I'm such a tease! Coming in January of 2012 is my upcoming release, DIMENSION, right now in the works. As you can probably guess from its cover, DIMENSION is a paranormal romance with a heroine who travels into another dimension. That's where she meets a strong, soft-spoken, hunky hero, who also happens to be a sexy rancher. More info to follow on this new book, which hopefully finds its way into many a reader's Kindle & heart!

New Christmas Release

Coming very soon to a Kindle (or Nook) near you: 'Twas the Spy Before Christmas. A short romance, fun and sexy, to curl up with a mug of hot chocolate in front of the fire!

And coming soon to my blog is more information, plus an excerpt. So bookmark this site and fire up your ebook reader! I guarantee you'll love this romance, featuring a mature hero and heroine.

So I'm wishing you an early Merry Christmas!