Heidi Mason stops by Penny's Tales with Investigating The Heart!

I am very excited to have Heidi Mason on my blog today.  She is the talented author with then new book, Investigating The Heart.  Let's see what Heidi is all about!

1. Tell us all about yourself and what makes you tick and what do you like doing when you aren’t writing!

* I’ve always loved to write. When I was a kid, you could find me in the shade with my nose in a book. As I got older, my love of reading turned into a love of writing. Most of my days are filled with writing, but I also love music, genealogy, and of course, reading!

2.  Tell us about your family – married?   Kids?   Where you live!

     

      *I’m a native Ohio girl, but I now call the Pacific Northwest home. I love being so close to the ocean, and that’s where I go to recharge. I am married to my wonderful husband, and I have three daughters. I’m a homeschooling mama, so that keeps me busy too.

2. If you could travel anywhere in or out of this world, where would it be?

*That’s easy…Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. As I said, I’m a genealogy nerd, and I’ve traced my ancestors to these three places. I’ve always had a deep love for the Celtic culture, and if I could go anywhere in the world, that’s where it would be. The problem would be getting me to come home!

3. What is your favorite all time movie?

            *My favorite all-time movie is Gone With the Wind. I love the romance and refinement, but also the grit that Scarlett shows by meeting any challenge thrown her way.

4. What about weekly TV show?  Why?

            *Hands down, my favorite weekly TV show is Outlander. I could say it’s for the obvious reason of men in kilts, but I think it’s also a beautifully written and acted love story. I’m a sucker for romance.

5. What is the most scared you have ever been?

           

            *I think the most scared I’ve ever been was when I was pregnant for the first time. I was so worried that something would go wrong. I read every pregnancy book I could get my hands on and obsessed about every ache and pain for the whole nine months.

The second most scared I’ve ever been is now, with the release of this book. It is terrifying to open yourself up to people and pray that they like the words you have bled.

6. If you could have any fantasy, what would it be?

            *My fantasy would be living in a stone cottage in Ireland near the Cliffs of Moher with nothing to do but write books all day.

7. Now, Tell us about your book?

            *My book is called Investigating the Heart. It is about Emma, a single mother of three daughters who has had a terrible experience with love. In order to make sure she never gets hurt again, she has sworn off of men. When a handsome stranger comes into her coffee shop one day, he is very hard to resist, despite her wish to remain unattached. The stranger, Liam, pursues her and she feels her resolve crumbling. What she doesn’t know is that Liam is connected to her past in a way that could jeopardize their future. There is also a bit of suspense thrown in when Emma discovers that she has a stalker.

8. Where did you come up with the idea for your story?

            *I feel like I constantly have stories running around in my head. This story is obviously fictional, but the characters are based on bits and pieces of people I know. Emma, my main character, is very similar to me. I understand her.

I started out with the idea of a single mom, alone and trying to juggle her busy life. I wanted a happy ending, but of course, there had to be a struggle to get there. The story just sort of made itself up as I wrote. I often say that I just do what the voices in my head tell me to, but to anyone other than another writer, that just makes me sound insane.

What is your favorite thing about writing?

            *My favorite thing about writing is the surprise I always get when a story takes an unexpected turn. I don’t always have a definite idea of where I’m going when I write. As I wrote Investigating the Heart, so many things changed and ended differently than what I had thought they would. I could honestly hear the characters talking to me, telling me their stories. I love that I don’t always know what to expect, and that I can’t plan everything out.

9. What is your biggest pet peeve about writing?

            *My biggest pet peeve about writing is my lack of time. Between maintaining a house, homeschooling three girls, and carving out time for my husband, there never seems to be enough hours in the day.

10. Where can people find you? (give all your links)

www.heidireneemason.wordpress.com

@heidireneemason on Twitter

And Heidi Renee Mason on Facebook

11. Most important – where can we buy your story?

My books are available at amazon.com in both print and e-book versions. They are also available on my website, www.heidireneemason.wordpress.com, or my publisher's website, www.solsticepublishing.com.

They will soon be on Barnes & Noble's website as well.

Back of the book!

After the death of her husband in a plane crash, Emma McCoy, a single mom of three, has given up on love. When she meets Liam O’Reilly, an FBI agent who is new in town, the chemistry is immediate. Emma tries to keep her distance, but Liam is determined to win her over. As the two navigate their feelings, Emma’s resolve begins to crumble. What Emma doesn’t know is that Liam is connected to her past in a way that she could never have imagined, and this connection could put their future in jeopardy. In the small town of Beckland, Ohio, danger is the last thing that Emma expects. However, since Liam’s arrival, it seems like peril is waiting around every corner.

Heidi Renee Mason always knew she would be an author. Heidi is passionate about writing, and writes fiction, as well as poetry. In her spare time, Heidi enjoys music, genealogy, all things Celtic, and chick flicks. A native of the Midwest, Heidi now resides in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and three daughters. Investigating the Heart is Heidi’s debut novel.

Stop by for a visit!
Readers may contact me at jaderayne02@yahoo.com, via my website, www.heidireneemason.wordpress.com, on Facebook at www.facebook.com/HeidiReneeMason, or on Twitter @heidireneemason.

Paranormal Romance Thursday - Starts October 1!

I am very excited to be part of this blog hop - Paranormal Thursday Romance!  Every Thursday, from October 1 - December 17, an author will present their story on Penny's Tales.  There will be everything from werewolves to vampires.  

Take a look at the fabulous books involved in this great hop!

Mel Massey's new book, Servant of the Blood

Blurb:

The Servant of the Blood, Allatu, will always come when called and has for generations. She will fulfill wishes - for a price. Set in Tunisia, an ancient creature is called to do her master's bidding but nothing comes without a price.

Release date:

September 15, 2015

Buy link:

http://www.amazon.com/Servant-Blood-Mel-Massey-ebook/dp/B014JMYW5S/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8

Excerpt:

Prologue

            Two covered figures, one bent with age and the other a child, quietly made their way from the main house into the night. The older of the two pulled the smaller one along in the dark by the hand as they walked further and further into the shadows.

            This was the night of the new moon. It was the perfect chance to see the deed done. If what her son, Samir, told her was true, this would be the last chance she would have. She could not let her son and his family fall to ruin. She would not allow it. They thought her an old and feeble woman. True, the years have taken their toll on her body – but not her mind. Her mind was as keen as it ever was.

            She remembered many things. Many lost and forgotten things handed down to her by her own grandmother. For many years, she had forgotten them all. Her marriage, her duties as a wife, and then motherhood whisked those tales away as if a hawk swooped down and carried them off. Only as she lay in her birthing bed, laboring to bring her sons into the world, did pieces of the tales return. They gave her strength. She was a wife, mother, and now a grandmother – but once she was Luja who knew the family’s secrets.

            Now, after so many years had passed, she turned once again to those memories of her grandmother. The new moon was when one did this sort of thing, she remembered. Her granddaughter, Hala, was her ever-present shadow and she meant to share this thing with her. She pulled the sleepy child along in the dark, headed for the farthest corner of the gardens.

            “I’m tired, Grandmother.” Hala whispered.

            “Hush, child. We have things to do, you and I.” She looked once more over her shoulder and pushed on, past the unkempt and dying gardens to the farthest corner beside the stone wall. “I think this will do.”

            She handed Hala a small bundle wrapped in cloth before kneeling on the ground. She felt around until she found a stick big enough to suit her needs.  With more force than she knew she still possessed, the old woman began to dig a hole beneath the olive tree. Her arthritic hands ached, but her spirit soared. She would see this thing done. It had to be done. No one else knew what she did. She would save her family.

            Hala sat heavily on the ground, her head resting in her hands as she watched her grandmother dig. That was good. Let her see each step. Let her understand there are ways beyond those of the modern world to get what one needs. Tonight, she was herself again. She imagined herself the young and beautiful Luja who had a wild spirit and a quick temper.  In the morning, she would be Grandmother again… but not yet.

            Satisfied with the size of the hole, Luja reached for the bundle in Hala’s arms. She snatched it from her and anxiously unwrapped the contents.  The girl’s curiosity roused her from her fatigue. She leaned forward to see the objects of the bundle laid out in the dirt. A precious bowl of honey and two figs sat beside another, longer item.

            Luja carefully began unwrapping linen from around it. It was sacred to her family, her grandmother told her. It was only to be used in the direst of circumstances. How to use it was only taught to the daughters of the family, for men were not permitted to touch such things.

            “What is that, Grandmother?” Hala whispered.

            “Our salvation, sweet girl.” From the folds of aged linen, a statue emerged. It was carefully made. The age, Luja did not know. She knew it was delicate and priceless. It was made from clay but held together by a thin layer of gold. It was the image of a woman, naked but for carvings on the body. She did not know what they meant but she showed Hala the statue reverently. It was as shiny as the day Luja’s own grandmother showed it to her. She remembered her voice shook as she told Luja of the power in the statue and how it worked.  Luja asked her grandmother if she would ever use it. “I would not dare,” she told her. Well, Luja dared.

            “Who is it? Why is she naked?”

            “She is the one who will help our family.” Luja told her.

            “How? Papa says we have no money and soon we’ll be living on the streets.  Are we going to sell this, Grandmother? Sell it to pay the money Papa owes?” Hala’s words drove a knife into her heart. No child should know of the woes of her parents. Samir was foolish and selfish to say such things where the children could hear. But his foolish and selfish ways were the reason they were in such dire straights. He gambled what they had and risked everything on dreams that never came true.

            “No, my child. We will not sell her. She is priceless and too powerful to sell, but she can help us in other ways. Give me your hand,” Luja carefully placed the golden statue in the hole and reached for Hala. “It will only hurt for a moment.” Before the child could understand, Luja pulled a knife from the folds of her dress and made a small cut in the palm of her hand.

            “Ouch, Grandmother!” Hala tried to pull her hand back but Luja kept it firmly grasped over the gold statue.

            “She only requires a little blood, child.  When you come of age, you will bleed every month. Blood is nothing to women. Men like to think they know of blood and pain but we are the ones who truly know.  Now, you know the power of your blood. It is precious because you are a virgin, unspoiled by men. Mine would not do for this. There,” she released her grip on the girl’s hand and watched as the crimson droplets painted the gold surface. “That is enough.”

            “Who is she?” Hala asked, holding her injured hand close to her chest.

            “She is the servant of the blood. She is the giver of desires and the force of the Mother. I do not know her name. She is what she has always been to our family – our salvation and our curse.”

            “What do we do now?”

            “We bury her, Hala. Then leave the offerings. If they are pleasing, if we are pleasing, she will hear them and come to answer our prayers.”

            “Is it right what we are doing, Grandmother? I’m not sure Papa will approve,” Hala said as she stood.

            “Certainly, he wouldn’t. If he did, I should question my actions.”

            “I don’t understand–”

            “Never you mind, my dear. Come, help me cover her and set these offerings to right.”

            “How will we know? How will we know if she will help us or not, Grandmother?” Hala asked as she scooped dirt back into the hole.

            “I am not certain. We women must do what we can to save those we love. Here, hand me that bowl.” Luja placed the bowl of honey directly above the buried statue. “There, we have done what we can. It is out of our hands now.”

            Luja and Hala covered their heads once again and silently made their way back through the garden toward the house. The girl still held her injured hand close to her chest and her grandmother pulled her along in the dark. It had been years since Luja felt so alive. She committed a great sin tonight. This sin was one she would not apologize for. She was a woman and women must do what they can in the shadows to see their families prosper in the light of day.

Social Media Links:

www.melmassey.com

@melmmassey

Amazon author page: http://www.amazon.com/Mel-Massey/e/B00ID9Z9D8/ref=dp_byline_cont_ebooks_1

Raegyn Perry stops by with her new book Lavender Fields

“All I can tell you is this. When love is right, it’s true.

When it’s true, it’s forever.”

Torrential rain spikes. A scream pierces the dark night.

Shattered glass, and a wash of blood.

The haunting dream came upon Greye yet again as it had in years past. It was a nightmare a child could never fully comprehend, and remained as unsettling as an adult. Always set in a faraway place and time; yet there was something more. Under its surface hinted at an unknown that should somehow be familiar. It was like an ending that wasn’t quite finished.

What if love found the right people at the wrong time?

Raegyn Perry, Author

     FB Author page: http://facebook.com/authorRaegynPerry

Twitter: http://twitter.com/RaegynP

Website: http://raegynperry.com

Affiliations: PNWA (Pacific NW Writers Association)

Publisher: Solstice Publishing/Summer Solstice

Email: raegynperrywrites@gmail.com

Bio: Raegyn Perry is thrilled to soon (fingers crossed this summer!) share her debut novel, Lavender Fields, with readers. This is the first book in the Eternal Journey Series. It asks the question, 

‘What if love found the right people, at the wrong time?’

As an actor, Raegyn’s been in various productions over the years onstage in Ohio, then Seattle and even Everett. She played a doctor in front of the camera with Ned the Cactus in a Taco Time commercial, as well as other fun spots. Raegyn wrote a full length play, she hopes to one day see performed onstage. When not writing, Raegyn has been known to turn into a T.V. and movie-watching junkie, and is just as happy going to a movie, happy hour, concert, or theater show. She’s perfectly content either curled up with a good book, or on a fun travel adventure. Anyone who knows her knows she loves to dance (a lot!) wherever and whenever possible! In addition to romance, Raegyn proudly claims to be a geek fan of most Sci-Fi, paranormal, or comic-book related media. She also recently wrapped a teaser video for Lavender Fields, which she scripted and starred in with friends down in Portland, Oregon. She is currently working on edits for Lavender Fields, as well as the second book in the series. Raegyn has called the beautiful Pacific Northwest home since 2001, and has one son she’s quite proud of.

Lynn Mullican shares her thriller - Blood for Blood

Crystal Bouchard AKA Crystal Dragon is re-united with her family after spending five years imprisoned as an underground fighter for the vampire/werewolf community. As her familial ties are woven, Crystal’s prior kidnapper, vampire Jace "J.T." Templeton and his henchmen seek revenge on her, forcing her to make a decision that could kill her and her family. Only this time she brings a new breed to the fight.

Buy links -
http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00VOG9JRO/ref=mp_s_a_1_2?qid=1442703227&sr=8-2&pi=SY200_QL40&keywords=Lynn+Mullican&dpPl=1&dpID=51OZaPtrc-L&ref=plSrch

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/mobile/w/bad-elements-lynn-mullican/1122104505?ean=9780985547127

Bio -
LYNN MULLICAN was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, where she currently resides with her husband and her three adult children. She has woven her fascination with the paranormal into written works including short stories, dramatic plays, poetry, and full length novels. In Crystal Dragon and Blood for Blood, of the Bad Elements series, she incorporates years of extensive knowledge in self defense and martial arts as well. Lynn began writing in her childhood, and to this day, her family has continued to support her dream.