Feeds:
Posts
Comments

Posts Tagged ‘Esperance’

The three book series, Esperance, will soon be joined by a fourth book–Too Many Talents.

How about a little background?

The world I call Esperance was settled during a very disturbed time on Earth. People with a particular remote viewing ability sought new worlds to colonize, as it seemed Earth might not survive. On this new world, these individuals, called Seekers, also helped discover minerals for mining concerns, new food which could be used by the new settlers, and many other things.

As the colony would take time to become self-sufficient, Earth subsidized them with shipments of necessities they couldn’t manufacture yet. Machine parts, medicines and the like were at the top of the list.

Until the shipments stopped coming. The colony struggled to keep going until a mutated virus wiped out over half of the colony. Without the medicines from Earth, they were at the mercy of nature. Many skills were lost, machines broke down with no way to repair them, and the remaining settlers descended into chaos, each man for himself in a bid to survive.

After several decades of this confusion, a few among them developed Talents–psychic abilities such as telepathy, teleportation, telekinesis, and a host of others. Using these new abilities, they got together to impose the rule of law to save what was left of their world.

Dividing the world into clans, each named after one of the original talented men, the colony slowly began to revive. New Talents, which took the place of mechanism and medicines, began to emerge among the people. Some had abilities relating to wood and the forest. Others for various sorts of metal or stone. And those who could heal using energy became the new medical professionals among them, while the herbalists researched various plants to add to the mix. Some had very minor abilities, others became masters in their field.

Until we come down to the time of Jareth and Viviane, several hundred years after the end of the confusion.

Viviane has Talents she should never have developed. Though she has struggled for control, an unfortunate outburst of temper at her brother’s trial nearly takes a life. Now terrified of her abilities, she begins to resist her training, which only makes the outbursts of uncontrolled Talent more frequent. Jareth and her instructor struggle for a way to make her understand how important her training is, as her uncontrolled manifestations of Talent become a daily concern.

Follow her continuing story in Too Many Talents.

We are also introduced to her nephew, Connell.

When the original heir of Viviane’s home clan, Belfort, turns traitor, another heir must be found. He should be of the family line, and still able to access his Talents. The only one who fits the bill is Connell, her sister’s son.

Connell, who is only ten and a half, isn’t sure why he needs Talents to be a ruler. After all, what could go wrong which would require it? And why does he have to come live with his grandparents for this training? But when his friends from home come to the clan center for the Gather, he learns a lesson about jealousy, friendship, and Talent he won’t forget soon.

He also learns how helpful it is to keep control of his thoughts, when he accidentally finds himself in Jareth and Viviane’s study, unannounced and quite confused, after letting his temper get out of control.

Watch for Too Many Talents, coming soon!

Haven’t read the first books in the series?

Go to Amazon or Smashwords for your copies today!

And as always,

Don’t Forget…

…to Share the Romance…

Read Full Post »

Esperance–A fantasy world and a series.

Do you like paranormal romance? With a little fantasy?

How would you feel about psychically gifted rulers? Or regular joes like blacksmiths and lumberjacks with abilities related to their work?

Then you’ve come to the right world.

Jareth, First Lord–Book 1 introduces the ruler of Clan Brannach. One of the most talented of the current first lords, he seems to be able call on and control enough energy to do anything he desires. Unfortunately, that doesn’t include winning his lady’s heart.

He met her in her father’s clan, without knowing of her ruling family ties, and took her as part of the spoils in a dispute settlement. Hoping to win her as his first lady, he moves her into the family manor to get accustomed to being a part of the ruling house.

But she has had enough of ruling houses. As the youngest of five siblings, she married to escape her family, though she grew to love her husband. When he died, her family insisted she move back home. With other options disappearing, she asked for a sign. And what she got was Jareth.

But she wanted no part of the first lady bit.

Viviane, First Lady — Book 2 This book continues the story of Jareth and Viviane. In Book 2, she must gain control over psychic abilities which have suddenly developed, which nobody can explain. But with all the various Talents she now possesses, she is beginning to cause problems when emotions run a little too high. With her brother’s trial for treason rapidly approaching, can she win enough control over her Talents and emotions to withstand the rigors of the trial?

But if her training is frustrating and the headaches a royal pain, at least her nights with the first lord are sizzling, as their combined Talents add to their pleasure.

Morgan–The Pixie and the Green Man–Book 3 Morgan was a minor character in Book 1. From Viviane’s original clan of Belfort, she came from an abusive background. So when Jareth came to town with demands, she was a volunteer in the choosing, welcoming a change of clans and hoping for a change in her life.

But mere months after resettling, she is attacked and nearly raped in her new clan. Fortunately, two young men came to her rescue and got her help. One of them was the tall, sandy-haired James, with those adorable dimples.

In that first moment after seeing Moran, muddy and sobbing thought she was, he fell in love with this petite young woman with hair of midnight and eyes the color of the sea. Biding his time, he waited until she’d had some time to recover before asking her out. But as fearful as she was, it took some time for her to agree to as much as a cup of tea across the square.

James had some trouble of his own. His family had a way with wood as part of their talent. They could shape wood, read what flaws there might be in the lumber it would produce, and understand the forest better than anyone else. And this scared a lot of people. One of those people had been a girlfriend of his, who ran out in front of a carriage when he showed her a little of his talent.

Dare he pursue a relationship with Morgan?

And can she open her heart again and accept his love?

Too Many Talents–Book 4 This book is still in editing, but will be out this year. Continuing the story of Jareth and Viviane, we also meet the next heir to Clan Belfort–Connell, a little boy of ten and a half (almost eleven). Viviane’s brother Carl was to have been heir to the house, until he betrayed his first lord and clan. And at ten years old, Connell is getting a late start on his training.

He also doesn’t understand the need for Talents, until some jealous friends harm a little girl who adores him. And then his Talents come out to play to save her from further injury.

Between Viviane’s mishaps in training and Connell’s, it makes for a lively time for a while on this magical, romantic world–Esperance.

If you haven’t read the books in the Esperance Series, you can find them at Amazon or at Smashwords. And as soon as Too Many Talents is out, I’ll let you know!

In the meantime,

Don’t Forget…

…to Share the Romance…

Read Full Post »

Can you believe it?

With the weather we’ve been having, I’m not too sure. A few days ago it was nearly 80 degrees when the Bear and I went walking. Yesterday’s highs were in the 60’s, and it got down to 38 degrees this morning. Glad I didn’t plant anything yet.

Anyway, how is everyone else out there? And more importantly, what are you reading?

I’ve been into cozy mysteries lately, and reading the Knitorious Murder Mystery series, by Reagan Davis. As a knitter, I love the way she weaves the skill into her stories.

But if you’re looking for something more along the lines of fantasy romance, with a little paranormal or magic thrown in, check out my book, MORGAN–The Pixie and the Green Man.

You can check out the video on YouTube!

Let me tell you about Morgan.

In the first book of the Esperance series, Morgan is introduced as a secondary character. When Jareth went to Clan Belfort to demand repayment of stolen goods, part of the penalty for ignoring his previous communications was The Choosing–a tithe of marriageable women to take back to his clan.

Morgan volunteered to go with him in order to get away from an abusive family situation. But shortly after arriving in her new home, she is assaulted by a young man who’s invitations she had declined. Two men passing the area came to her rescue and when she’s recovered, she testifies at the young man’s trial, but she is even more hesitant around the male of the species.

We don’t hear too much more from Morgan after this, but her story intrigued me. I decided to give her a book of her own, and help her find her happily-ever-after.

Here’s an excerpt from MORGAN–The Pixie and the Green Man.


“Morgan? Is something wrong?” Mrs. Kennoway asked.
“No, I was talking with James Ferguson. He came in for
some fruit. I think I need more sleep.”
“Did you have breakfast this morning?”
“Yes. Coffee, and toast with jam. It’s what I usually
have.”
“It’s time you had some lunch, young lady. Take
yourself into the back room and take your break.”
Morgan slowly ate the lunch she’d brought. It wasn’t
much—she didn’t usually eat much—just an apple, some
cheese, and some bread. After finishing her meal, she made a
cup of tea before going back to work.
“You look a little better,” Mrs. Kennoway told her. “Did
James say something to upset you? He’s usually such a polite
boy.”
This “polite boy” had to be a little older than she was
Morgan thought, and she was twenty-five.
“No, he was nice enough,” she answered, looking down
at her hands on the counter.
“Well, then why won’t you look up and tell me about it?”
the older woman asked.
Meeting her gaze, Morgan flushed. How could she tell
this sweet lady that the idea of going anywhere with a guy
scared her to death?
“He asked me out for lunch,” she said, embarrassed
and exasperated all at once.
“And what did you say?”
“I told him I would be busy all afternoon.”
“You needn’t stay in here all day. A break for lunch
might have done you some good.”
“I can’t. I just can’t,” said, nearly in tears.
“You poor girl. You’ll have to take the first step
sometime. I know his father and mother. James is a good boy.
He’d do you no harm.”
“I know. I’ll think about it, if he asks again.”
A few days later, James came back to the market. It
was earlier in the day, but his excuse was the same. Could
she suggest something for a snack? What was good today?
He chose some pears and a little cheese before he
walked back to pay for his items.
“Could I coax you out of here for lunch today?” he
asked. How could his eyes have so much sparkle? And that
smile was so warm and inviting.
“I don’t know, James. I’m not particularly social. Maybe
another time.”
Not to be deterred, he asked, “What about dinner after
work? You have to eat sometime. We could go to the little
place across the square. It’s small and not crowded, but the
food is good.”
“Maybe not today, but thank you for asking.”
He seemed really nice, but she was terrified.
“Are you sure? They have roast chicken worth killing for.”
“Isn’t that normally worth dying for?” she asked.
“Yes, but I’m not planning to die any time soon.”

So if you’re looking for a sweet little romance, with a bit of spice and magic, check out MORGAN–The Pixie and the Green Man.

Who says the Green Man is a myth?

Ciao for now!

And as always,

Don’t Forget…

...to Share the Romance…

Read Full Post »

At least, that’s what the calendar says. Mother Nature is still trying to make up her mind. But at least the storms have stopped for this week, even if the temperatures are a bit chilly again.

If this is your first visit, let me introduce myself and my worlds.

I write paranormal fantasy romance.

What is that?

My worlds are fantasy worlds, on other planets, or alternate timelines of this one. Some contain elements of psychic abilities, like mental telepathy, telekinesis, and other Talents. This is the main theme in the Esperance Series.

Some are stories about shifters. The Gambler’s Folly Series has shifters of all sorts–leopards, panthers, wolves, bears. And more to come!

Some have characters with magical abilities. In Master of the Fleet, our MC, Richard, has command over the elements wind and water. Others can control earth, fire, wind or spirit. Most of these are published under my pen name, Sultonna Nadine.

The next magical book to come out will be Whisky Jug Genie. One of our characters dabbles in white magic. And of course, there is the genie, wielding his own form of magic.

And there is always an element of romance. Some spicier than others, granted, but romance of some sort. The shifter series is a little spicier than the Esperance series is, though it does have its moments.

Want to see a little more?

I have trailers up on Vimeo.

Or you can watch them on YouTube!

So, go check it out, find something you like, and settle back into another world.

And as always,

Don’t Forget…

…to Share the Romance…

Read Full Post »

What!?

Don’t panic.

The Book Sale over at Smashwords is almost over. But don’t worry. There ‘s still time to go shopping. The sale ends tomorrow, March 12.

So, what do I have on discount there this week?

Everything!

The first two books in each series are FREE.

The rest of the books, including Master of the Fleet written as Sultonna Nadine, are $0.99.

But the sale is just about to wrap up, so don’t wait too long.

I’ve been working on taxes all week, so I’m about done in. But I’m going to try to take a walk with The Bear here in a bit. It seems winter is still not finished here in the Southeast, but I’m about done with winter…

Anyway, have a great weekend. Don’t forget the sale! I’m going to work on Gregor Thayne after my walk. Wish me luck!

Gambler’s Folly

Esperance

Master of the Fleet

And as always,

Don’t Forget…

...to Share the Romance…

Read Full Post »

Yes, here it is the last Friday of February. Wasn’t it just the first of February a few days ago?

Of course, I’m sure the crazy weather around here hasn’t helped much. Just last week we had one night where the temperatures dipped down into the 20’s. Last night? Mid-60’s. My body can’t adjust to this.

But enough of the weather. Let’s talk books!

Here’s something to put on your calendar!

Read an eBook Week is coming to Smashwords March 6! And that means a whole lot of books will be on sale!

What’s not to like about that?

But it only lasts for a week, so make sure to head over there early.

Yes, all my books will be in the sale, from Gambler’s Folly, Esperance, and Master of the Fleet! If you haven’t tried my books yet, or if you need to add to one of the series, now would be a good time.

I’ll remind you and post a link to the sale as soon as it is available, so keep an eye out for it. I don’t know about you, but I love book sales.

But to continue what I started last week…

Where did I get the idea…

…for Jareth, First Lord?

This book began as a dream which kept repeating, night after night. Not the beginning, but partway through what became the second chapter. Just the one scene. And every time I would wake up and go back to sleep, it would come back.

Finally, to get it out of my head, I sat down and wrote out the scene that was on repeat in my brain, only to have it pick another scene with the same cast of characters, at some other point in the book.

In order to get a little sleep, I sat down and tried to piece together how these characters came to be where they were in the first scene. Why would they find themselves in this situation? And where would they go from there?

And Jareth, First Lord was born, followed by the continuation of the story in Viviane, First Lady.

The third book in the series is inset into the story flow. Morgan is a character introduced in the first book. I loved her character and wanted to explore who she was and why she had come to Clan Brannach.

The story will continue in the fourth book of the series, which will be out later this year–Too Many Talents.

But what started the whole thing? Let me give you an excerpt!

JARETH, FIRST LORD

In the gray light of dawn one week after the postings,
the women for The Choosing gathered on the parade grounds
of the Belfort estate, nervous and frightened.
Striding up to the podium, First Lord Jareth addressed the
crowd. “Custom dictates older daughters marry first. With this
in mind, I will accept volunteers. Some of you who are
younger, with long waits ahead, may wish to try your chances
in Clan Brannach. Once the volunteers are accepted, we will
choose from those left to make up the tithe.”


While his men recorded the names of the girls who came
forward, Jareth once again felt the strange spider on his brain
which he’d sensed in the village. Searching the group before
him, he was drawn to cascades of black curls shimmering in
the soft morning light. About twenty feet away, she was
comforting others with a touch or quick hug. Her concern
impressed him. As she turned to face him, her dazzling blue
eyes captivated his heart.


Regaining his senses, he threaded his way through the
crowd. As he drew closer her eyes sparkled like the blue
waters of a mountain stream in the sun. Lush dark lashes
framed them in perfect contrast to her smooth, creamy skin.
Her mouth was a small rosebud begging to be kissed. She
appeared to him as a fairy princess come to life. Expecting
fear or anger as he approached, all he saw was inner strength
shining through sadness. He cultivated his imposing presence,
but she rose tall and met his gaze.


“Good morning, miss. What is your name?”

Don’t forget the book sale March 6!

And as always,

Don’t Forget…

...to Share the Romance…

Read Full Post »

I swear, Mother Nature needs to get back on her meds or something. Maybe see a shrink. She seems stuck in bitch mode. Yesterday was a little chilly and rainy, but not really cold. I think it was in the mid-50’s And during the night the temperatures slowly climbed until it was around 60 degrees this morning.

Of course, since then, the temperatures have been dropping, with an expected low in the 20’s tonight. From spring to winter in one overnight jump. Our animals can’t figure out what to do. Should we grow fur and feathers or begin shedding again?

What am I saying? I can’t figure out what to do either. I have winter clothes out, summer clothes out, clothes everywhere. And I’m still not comfortable. I’m either too hot or too cold, but never quite comfortable.

In the meantime, I’m working on the next book in the Esperance Series. No, not the next one for you, but the next one in the series I’m writing. The next one for you, Too Many Talents, is in its final edit. And after that will be Ben of Blackstone’s Forge. Finally we’ll get to the one I’m working on now, Gregor Thayne.

Yes, I do have new books planned, but they take a little while for me to get them out to you.

But if you haven’t read the first books in the series, this would be a good weekend to give them a try.

Why?

All the Esperance books are on sale this weekend over at Smashwords. Take your pick, or pick all three. They’re only $0.99 each through Sunday evening.

Come on. You can’t even buy a cup of coffee for that any more. And at Smashwords, you can choose which format ebook you need for your reader.

So keep warm. Or cool. Or whatever it is you need today. Maybe Mother Nature will get her act together soon.

But before I go, how about a small excerpt from Too Many Talents?

Too Many Talents

Excerpt from Chapter 2–Connell

“But Mom, why do I have to go live with Grandpa? I want to stay here with you,” Connell complained for the hundredth time.

“You know why, young man,” his mother scolded. “And as soon as your father and I can take care of everything here, we’ll join you.”

“But how long will that be?” he asked, rolling his blue eyes at her. “I don’t know why we have to go anyway. I don’t want to be First Lord.”

“Now that is enough. We don’t have time for this. You’re ten years old and you know better.”

“I’m almost eleven,” he countered.

“Then start acting like it,” his mother snapped, exasperation beginning to show.

“But what about all my friends? I won’t have any friends there,” he continued.

“I’m sure you’ll make new friends.”

“But I like my old ones.”

“Connell, find something to do besides complain, or I’ll find something for you to do.”

“Fine!”

The little boy of almost eleven spun on his heel and ran out the door. Arriving at his favorite spot by the stream, he dropped down onto a large gray boulder and fought back the tears. No, he would not cry. Selecting a flat stone from the bank, he skipped it expertly across the water.

He wasn’t sure how long he’d been there before he heard someone behind him.

“Connell? Can I sit with you?”

Great! The voice could only be little Nell. She was all right for a girl, but, well, she was a girl. And she was always trying to help him with whatever he was doing. Two years younger than he was, they’d grown up together in the village, and he’d always liked her, even though she could be annoying.

“I guess. Sure,” he answered with a sigh.

He turned to give the little blonde, blue-eyed girl a hand so she wouldn’t slip on the bank. Once seated on the rock bench, she smoothed her flowered frock down over her knees.

“What are you doing down here? I thought you guys were moving.”

“Mom’s mad and told me to find something to do. So I came down to skip stones.”

“I could never do that. Can you show me?”

Even if she was a girl, Nell took his mind away from his problems. They skipped stones until the light began to fade.

“We should probably go back, Nell,” he told the little girl. “Mom was mad before I came down here. If I’m too late getting back, it won’t help anything.”

“Will I see you before you go, Connell?” she asked.

“I guess. We’ll be here a few days yet, and anyway, I’ll come back sometimes.”

“Can I still be your friend when you’re First Lord?”

“Of course. Why couldn’t you?”

“I don’t know. I just wondered. Thanks, Connell.”

About a week later, over the weekend, his father got the cart ready for the trip to Belfort Manor. Connell had determined ahead of time not to cry, no matter what, at least until they were out of town.

Though his mother said she was fine, he saw a few tears threatening to fall before he looked away. He so wished his parents could come with him right now. The idea of living with his grandfather, the First Lord, was intimidating

Of course, Nell had been there, tearful, and sure she’d never see him again. The pretty little bouquet of wildflowers was a sweet gesture, and after a quick hug, she buried her face in her mother’s skirt with a big sob.

“He’s not going away forever, Nell,” his mother had said. “He’s going to train his skills so he’ll be a good First Lord.”

So Ciao for now, and as always…

Don’t Forget…

…to Share the Romance…

Read Full Post »

Yes, all the books from my Esperance Series are on sale this weekend! If you’re like me, you love a book sale. I have several series I’ve started I need to finish. Since they’re all several books long, I wait for a sale to stock up.

And you can do the same!

Just go to Smashwords and check it out. All three books in the current series are on sale for only $0.99 each! Full length novels you can sit back and get into.

So if you’re looking for a place to get away, Esperance may be what you’re looking for–a place from an earlier time, ruled by psychic lords, and normal, everyday people with maybe a touch of Talent to make life a little easier for them.

Book1–Jareth First Lord

Book 2–Viviane, First Lady

Book 3–Morgan–The Pixie and the Green Man

Get one or get all at this special weekend price.

And watch for the next one in the series later this year:

Too Many Talents, Book 4.

I’ll let you know when it is available!

And as always,

Don’t Forget…

...to Share the Romance…

Read Full Post »

There is a lot of discussion between those who prefer “real” books and those who like ebooks. And then there are some who prefer an actual physical book, but buy eBooks for the sake of economy or space limitations.

I like a nice hardcover book I can actually hold in my hands. There is something about the smell of a new book the first time you open it, the feel of the cover and the pages as you turn them. I’m not sure what it is, but it isn’t just reading. It’s a sensory experience.

So why do I buy ebooks so often?

Economy. I can buy several ebooks for the price of one hardcover or paperback book. If I’m reading a new author, I might not want to keep it around, so why spend so much on something I’ll never read again.

When I travel, I find it difficult to take along enough books to read in physical form, but I can pack a whole library of eBooks.

I also have eyesight issues which make it difficult to see the printed page. My tablet or Kindle allow me the option of changing the brightness and contrast making it easier to see the words.

Whcih do you prefer? Are you in the e book camp or the physical book crowd? And why?

Whichever format you choose, you can find one of my books to suit your mood. All my books on Amazon are available for Kindle, in paperback, and in hardcover versions. So choose the format you like, pour yourself a cuppa, and enter a fantasy world for a little while.

For something futuristic, give Gambler’s Folly Series a read.

Looking for a simpler time where paranormal abilities abound?

Check out the Esperance Series.

Or maybe you’re in the mood for a little magic.

Check out my book under the name Sultonna Nadine–Master of the Fleet, in a world where elemental magic is real, but won’t necessarily help Richard with his love life.

Wishing you a wonderful New Year for 2022.

And as always,

Don’t Forget…

...to Share the Romance…

Read Full Post »

Yes,January 1 is the last day of the year end book sale over at Smashwords. So if you haven’t checked it out, now is definitely the time.

Is everyone ready for the New Year? What do you have planned for the weekend? We’re just going to hang out with the cats and enjoy the quiet of the countryside.

But if you’re looking for something to read, head on over to the sale. And for tonight and tomorrow only, you’ll find a special discount on all my books for the last hurrah of the season.

Hope your Christmas holiday was great and wishing you a wonderful, magical new year.

From all the folks on Gambler’s Folly, Esperance, and the Cote d’Or

Happy New Year!

And as always…

Don’t Forget…

…to Share the Romance…

Read Full Post »

« Newer Posts - Older Posts »