Waiting on Wednesday #2


July 1st 2009

Product Description
In 1860s Seattle, a man with a wife could secure himself 640 acres of timberland. But because of his wife’s untimely death, Joe Denton finds himself about to lose half of his claim. Still in mourning, his best solution is to buy one of those Mercer girls arriving from the East. A woman he’ll marry in name but keep around mostly as a cook. Anna Ivey’s journey west with Asa Mercer’s girls is an escape from the griefs of her past. She’s not supposed to be a bride, though, just a cook for the girls. But when they land, she’s handed to Joe Denton and the two find themselves in a knotty situation. She refuses to wed him and he’s about to lose his land. With only a few months left, can Joe convince this provoking–but beguiling–easterner to be his bride?

From the Inside Flap
From A Bride in the Bargain Mr. Asa Mercer placed his pen back in its holder and looked at Anna. “A cook, you say?” “Yes. I prepared the menu and all courses for the morning, noon, and evening meals, having only Sundays off.” Mercer leaned back in his chair. “Well. We aren’t taking any passengers on credit, but there is one man who wanted a br–, err, a woman who could feed the men who work for him.” She straightened. “Well, I daresay he’d be very pleased with me.” Mercer gave her a quick appraisal. “I daresay he would.” “How many men does he employ?” “He’s a lumberjack. I’m not sure how many men are involved in his operation. No more than a dozen, I’d say, if that.” A lumberjack. The word conjured up visions of pine forests, fresh air and wilderness–something far removed from the bustling city, the aftermath of the war. “Goodness,” she said, a flicker of anticipation whisking through her. “I could feed a dozen men with one hand tied behind my back.” He rubbed his hands against his legs. “Well, he was very specific that he would pay for the fare. You would then have to work off your debt for him.” “I’m agreeable to those terms, if he is.” Mercer said nothing. She could see his inner struggle. Was he worried she wouldn’t measure up to her new employer? Sitting a little straighter, she forced herself to not squirm. Finally, he turned again to his desk and retrieved his pen. “Very well, Miss Ivey. I will draw up your papers and award you passage to the Washington Territory on the S.S. Continental.”

Wicked Wednesday #8


Wicked Wednesday a place to be wicked to other book readers and make them get those TBR piles growing. The concept is simple. Pick a book or two and tell s about them. If its one you read tell us what you liked. If its one you found tell us about that to. Than leave a comment to let us know where to find your Wicked Wednesday titles. Make sure to link back in your posts for other people to follow Wicked Wednesday.


She dreams of a quiet life with her beloved George, but war looms…

Though still a young woman, Martha Custis is a widow. But she is not without means and has no desire to remarry. Not, that is, until a striking war hero steps into her life and she realizes she is ready to love again. Yet she wonders whether this man, accustomed to courageous military exploits, can settle down to a simple life of farming and being a father to her children. Even as she longs for domestic bliss, Martha soon realizes she will have to risk everything dear to her and find the courage to get behind a dream much larger than her own. Known for moving first-person novels of Nannerl Mozart and Jane Austen, Nancy Moser now brings to life the loves and trials of the First First Lady of the United States.

Author Interview: Candice Hern

Another fantastic Author took some time out of her busy schedule and answered a few questions for me. I enjoy Candice Hern’s work immensely, and I have to say my favorite so far has been the Merry Widow Series. I hope everyone enjoys the replies as much as I did!

AJ: What drew you to Historical Romance as a Genre?

CH: I’m a history person. Always have been. Even before I discovered historical romance (rather late in life, I confess) I read a lot of straight historical fiction. Not to mention lots of history and biography. I guess I am just fascinated by the past, or at least certain specific periods, eg ancient Egypt, Tudor England, Revolutionary France, Regency England, and early Hollywood.

As for what drew me to write historical romance as opposed to some other genre … I’d have to say that it’s the characters. I’m more interested in character than plot (as a writer), and romances are by nature character-driven stories. Plus, I love a happy ending. So romance was the logical choice for me as a writer. I love reading mysteries and thrillers, but I wasn’t born with the plot gene and I can’t imagine coming up with an intricate mystery plot. I have enough trouble coming up with my simple romance plots!

AJ: When did you begin to really study the history aspect of the genre?

CH: I was into history well before I read a historical romance. I had a solid grounding in English history before I began to write romance. But once I started writing, I found there was much more I needed to know. The detail stuff, like carriages and fashion etc. I never stop researching. There’s always something new I need to know more about for each book.

AJ: How old were you when you wrote your very first book (even if it wasn’t published) ?

CH: I vaguely recall writing short book, with pictures, when I was about 10. I remember it was about a boy named Ernest Higgenbotham. And that’s all I can remember about it. 🙂

AJ: What attracted you to writing was it through school, or some other avenue like fan fiction?

CH: I didn’t start out wanting to be a writer. I’ve always been a voracious reader and had a love of language. Over the years I did a lot of writing at work — proposals, newsletters, etc. But fiction never occurred to me until quite late in life. I had just discovered Regency romances and was reading dozens and dozens of old copies discovered at used bookstores. I already knew a lot of the Regency period, and one day a friend said that since I knew the history so well, I should write my own Regency romance. And all at once ten ideas popped into my head. I sat down and started to write. And 15 books later, I’m still writing.

AJ: Of all of your works who is your favorite character?

CH: This question is always so hard. I love them all! But if you put a gun to my head and forced me to name a favorite, I’d have to say Edwina from ONCE A SCOUNDREL. I like her because she is a strong woman, very self-possessed. And though she is not the typical Regency heroine, she is very much a woman of her time. Her character was inspired by several real women of the late 18th century who believed in the ideals of the French Revolution, and whose lives were not dictated by social convention.

AJ: And along that same trend, which character is the most like you?

CH:I suppose there is a bit of me in every heroine and even every hero. But I honestly can’t think of one character who embodies all of me. Just a bit here and a bit there. As an example, I gave the hero in JUST ONE OF THOSE FLINGS a love of Indian sculpture, which happens to be one of my loves, too.

AJ: What attracted you to the Regency time period? Why have you chosen that for your main period for your settings?

CH: As I mentioned, it was a period I already knew well, even before I read a romance novel. I suppose it is all tied to Jane Austen. Her books led me to other books of the period, and then to a lot of general history books to help ground my understanding of the period. Also, I collected antiques from the English Regency (as you can see on my website, here: http://www.candicehern.com/collections/index.htm) and like any serious collector, I needed historical and social context for the items I collect. So, besides the general history, I had a knowledge of a few specific areas, like jewelry and scent bottles and fashion plates, etc. I was only natural that I would write about the Regency. Fortunately for me, that happens to be a very popular setting!

AJ:What your feelings about love,and romasnce, and how much of it should be shown and how much inferred?

CH: Nothing satisfies me so much as a good love story. That’s what drew me to romance … all those hopeful, happy endings. Romance is so universal. I think we all need it. As to the second part of your question, I assume you are asking about how explicit the love scene should be. Right? Well, I think it’s great that there are all levels of sensuality available in romance, something for everyone’s taste. I am personally not much of an erotic romance reader, and will never write erotica because that’s just not me. But I don’t want to have the bedroom door closed in my face. I find that I miss the sex scenes when I read a book without them. Sex is an integral part of a romantic relationship, so I definitely want to see that part of the romance as it develops. But I don’t need all the graphic details. I’m more interested in what the two people involved are thinking and feeling, before, during and after sex.

But that’s just me. I think each writer has to approach a story’s sensuality in her own way, in her own voice, in whatever level of explicitness is comfortable for her, and is right for the story.

AJ: And lastly because you mentioned you just moved to the lovely state of Minnesota from California, How did you enjoy your first brutal Minnesota Winter? We had a tough one this year.

CH: If this was a tough one, then I’m going to be fine. I didn’t think it was so bad. In fact, I quite enjoyed it. Most people think I’m nuts when I say that, but I came from California and had never lived through a real winter in my life. So it was all a grand new adventure for me. Ask me in a few more years, though, and see if I still love it. 🙂

Asbestos the Bad.

Asbestos was one of the most common industrial materials put to use in the twentieth century. It has also proven to be one of the most lethal, as inhaling asbestos fibers can lead to a wide range of pulmonary problems such as asthma and asbestosis – and can also be the direct cause of mesothelioma.
What is mesothelioma? It is a lethal cancer that attacks the membranes around the lungs, the heart and the abdominal cavity. Mesothelioma cancer of the lungs is by far the most common form. Perhaps its most unusual characteristic is that mesothelioma diagnosis usually occurs decades after the initial exposure to asbestos.
It takes years for the asbestos fibers to work their way into those membranes; after an extended presence they begin to cause fluid accumulation and tumor development. However the first mesothelioma symptoms are such afflictions as a persistent cough or shortness of breath – symptoms that are often mistaken for evidence of more common lung problems, which delays the mesothelioma diagnosis even further.

We as people need to be aware, and keep ourselves knowing about this deadly cancer. We need to donate, to show we care for research. Help those who are afflicted. Don’t let those who have this terrible affliction be left behind thinking no one cares. Only we as a people can help.

Washington’s Lady

The carriage drew to a halt, and I watched George steady his shoulders, raise his chin, and take a deep breath-as tho prepareing to go into battle.

It appeared my trepadation was catching.

We were getting close.

I could tell by the speed at which we traveled, and the many times George looked from left to right out the windows. He was like a little boy with something to show.

“Who teases you george?” “Henry, Mason, Jefferson”

While we were introduced my mind moved to our next obstacle: George.

“We voted to have a day of prayer and fasting to showcase our solidarity with Boston’s sufferings.” “That is a laudible idea” I said. “Was it yours?” “Not mine. But that of Thomas Jefferson, Richard Henry Lee, and Patrick Henry.”

Teaser Tuesday #16

To have this hulk of a man kneel at my feet, his large hands engulgfing mine, his blue-grey eyes peering up at me..imploreing me with their sincerity.
“I would, could and will.” I said “Yes, I say yes.” I added just to make sure he understood my affirmation. ~ Page 56 Washington’s Lady by Nancy Moser

E-food Dept

Alright this website I came across seemed pretty different to me. I mean honestly very different, I have heard of food delivery like Simon Delivers. But while I was looking around I stumbled upon, you guessed it online groceries. You got it you can buy your groceries online. It’s interesting to be sure. But I have to say that E food Depot has a great selection of foods. They claim over 4500 various ethnic food products and they say they are getting more everyday. They also offer a fantastic Flat Rate Shipping rare of a very low $4.99.

E food Depot carries foods from just about everywhere in the world that you can dream of. Asia, Indian, European, Middle Eastern, South American fantastic! They also have a fanatic array of recipes that they offer, well over 4000 of them. Which is fantastic who can’t use a new recipe to try to keep everyone in the house happy right? They have some very hard to find ethnic food products in the ranges of snacks, sauces, spices, cooking mixes, sweets, cookies, beverages, etc. I have to say that while the idea was new to me and maybe even a little bit odd I am now fully curious.

The website itself is very easy to navigate with foods sectioned off into their easy to find groupings. They also have some kitchen accessories and other hard to find items. And as if that wasn’t enough reasons to go over and check it out, they also have away to make cash referral program. So you can get your groceries and make a little bit of money by having your friends order some too. At least that’s what I would do! So hey in these times why not look for some new and interesting ways to save money. This certainly goes right up there.

Musing Monday #15 – Reading Time


Today’s MUSING MONDAYS post is about reading time…

Do you have a set reading time (before bed, perhaps)? Do you read more at night or during the day? Is there a day of the week, perhaps, that you set aside to catch up on reading?

I read any time I can possibly read. I do most of my reading at night however. When my husband is asleep and the day is mostly done. I can cuddle up with my book and read. I am a night owl so it also gives me something to do. I try to read everyday, but if I fall behind Sunday is the day I use to try to catch up. However once Renn fest starts for those weeks my catch up day for reading will be Tuesdays.


The Gift of Time

Watches are a great gift for just about any time, and for anyone I think the best time for me to give one to someone I loved though would be an anniversary. I think a good watch is a fantastic gift for any occasion but really for an anniversary, maybe just so they can watch the time pass as they spend time with you and in love. Just kidding of course. So head over and check out Citizen Eco Drive for watches.

My grandfather once told me that a watch was a very good gift to give. That it meant something. And when you gave a gift that meant something you should make it serious, and put thought into it. He said don’t just get any watch. Get a good quality watch that will last. His idea was that it should also be something that could be passed down in the generations. Something that a son could give a father, and than the father could pass it back o to the son. And see it go down through the years. I personally liked that advice and I think while the time has passed since his day the words are sage and still stand. So take a look around, find a watch you like and find a watch that would be good for someone special in your life. And pass on the gift of time.

Quotable Sunday #12

Welcome to Quotable Sunday! I can’t wait to get around and read your quotes today. The rules of course are never changing but in case this is your first time joining in, I would like to welcome you and let you know the basics:~Post one or more of your favorite quotes on your blog in a post.~Come back here and link your post in the mister linky below(on http://www.juststopscreaming.com/ ).~Check back throughout the day and go read some awesome comments and leave some luv!
It is time to say hello to one of my favorite men in History again this week..
Hello Thomas Jefferson.

Rightful liberty is unobstructed action according to our will within limits drawn around us by the equal rights of others. I do not add ‘within the limits of the law’ because law is often but the tyrant’s will, and always so when it violates the rights of the individual.
Thomas Jefferson

So confident am I in the intentions, as well as wisdom, of the government, that I shall always be satisfied that what is not done, either cannot, or ought not to be done.
Thomas Jefferson

Sometimes it is said that man cannot be trusted with the government of himself. Can he, then be trusted with the government of others? Or have we found angels in the form of kings to govern him? Let history answer this question.
Thomas Jefferson

Speeches that are measured by the hour will die with the hour.
Thomas Jefferson

Taste cannot be controlled by law.
Thomas Jefferson

That government is best which governs the least, because its people discipline themselves.
Thomas Jefferson

That government is the strongest of which every man feels himself a part.
Thomas Jefferson

The advertisement is the most truthful part of a newspaper.
Thomas Jefferson

The boisterous sea of liberty is never without a wave.
Thomas Jefferson

The care of human life and happiness, and not their destruction, is the first and only object of good government.
Thomas Jefferson

The Creator has not thought proper to mark those in the forehead who are of stuff to make good generals. We are first, therefore, to seek them blindfold, and then let them learn the trade at the expense of great losses.
Thomas Jefferson

The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not.
Thomas Jefferson

The earth belongs to the living, not to the dead.
Thomas Jefferson


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