The Return of Mama Conte.... by Jennifer Probst

When I finished the last so called book in my Marriage to a Billionaire series, I decided to do a spin off because I couldn’t bear to leave my beloved characters behind. I needed to have the ability to check in with them like an old friend. Find out how their marriages are going and their children and make sure they’re okay.

Yep. Writers are a bit cray cray.

At least my wonderful readers felt the same way. One of my secondary characters who introduced herself in The Marriage Trap, and had appearances in every one of my marriage books was the matriarch of the Conte family, Mama Conte. Head of the bakery empire, La Dolce Famiglia, she lives in Bergamo Italy. She has a gorgeous kitchen where delicious scents of garlic, tomato, lemons and fresh bread sizzle and bake. She serves at the sturdy pine table and counsels her children on their love lives, usually meddling in the most delightful ways.

In my newest release, Searching for Beautiful, Wolfe is my newest hero, introduced when he was only nineteen years old in the Marriage Merger. He was a badass, wicked smart, and vulnerable. Readers adored him. He grew up throughout the Searching for series, and now it’s his time to find his own happy ever after.

As I was writing, I was able to check in with my characters from Merger, but my most important scene was written with Mama Conte.

In life, sometimes we need someone older and wiser to guide us. If we listen with our heart, usually taking this advice changes everything.

Wolfe desperately needs Mama Conte to help him with an important turning point in his life. As I wrote the scene, and went back to that safe, cozy kitchen in Italy, and listened to her words, I was changed, too.

The powerful matriarch is a wonderful character to introduce to readers, and an even better character to write. I was able to tap deep into my past and channel both my old self, when I was young and immortal and brave, and follow the years to my new self, as a mother, where I worry and fret and yes, meddle, into my children’s lives.

Mama Conte is a character who makes a difference. Her appearances in my books may be brief, but they are powerful.

I truly hope you enjoy her as much as I do.

I’ll leave you with a few of my most popular Mama Conte-isms!

The Marriage Mistake:

“Max loves you. But now it’s your turn to make a decision. You need to be strong enough to stand beside him and ask for his love. You’re going to have to take a chance on yourself. We all believe in you. Isn’t it time you believe in yourself?”

The Marriage Merger

You can fight for my daughter, the woman you love. You can fight for Wolfe and watch as he grows. Or you can take the other path and talk about what you are destined for, because of this past that you say owns you.”

His voice broke. Sawyer bowed his head. “I don’t know if I can.”

She rose and came to him. Strong arms held him with no apology, no hesitation. She stroked his hair like a mother would, soothing him with her warmth and safety and beliefs.

“My sweet boy, yes, you can. Your life is your own. You were a child and could not protect the ones you loved. None of us can. So instead, we choose to love as much as possible, and that needs to be enough.”

She pressed a kiss to the top of his head. Tears stung his eyes as he hugged her back. “My daughter does not choose wrong. You are who she wants, and she will not let you go easily. Let her choose you, and know you are enough.”

Searching for Beautiful

WOLFE BEGAN TO RELAX. The dinner was perfect. They’d feasted on only four courses instead of six, and having Mama Conte on a one-to-one basis was enjoyable. He’d learned stories about Julietta growing up, the launch of her bakery, and got a glimpse of the powerful man Mama Conte loved, married, and lost. She never mentioned anything personal, and Wolfe caught no judgment or worry in her gaze. He finished grinding the coffee beans, and prepared them two cups of espresso to go with the buttery amaretti she’d just baked. 

“Did you ever think you’d fail when you first started La Dolce Famiglia?” he asked, settling back into the pine chair.

 Mama Conte smiled and sat next to him. “Of course. But I had a partner at my side, and knew if I failed, at least I tried. There is no shame in dreams or hard work or failure. Only not trying.” 

About Jennifer Probst

Jennifer Probst wrote her first book at twelve years old. She bound it in a folder, read it to her classmates, and hasn’t stopped writing since. She took a short hiatus to get married, get pregnant, buy a house, get pregnant again, pursue a master’s in English Literature, and rescue two shelter dogs. Now she is writing again.

She makes her home in Upstate New York with the whole crew. Her sons keep her active, stressed, joyous, and sad her house will never be truly clean.
She is the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of sexy and erotic contemporary romance. She was thrilled her book, The Marriage Bargain, was ranked #6 on Amazon's Best Books for 2012. She loves hearing from readers. Visit her website for updates on new releases and her street team at www.jenniferprobst.com.

Connect with Jennifer via: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads
 

About Searching For Beautiful

Genevieve MacKenzie has her life completely under control. About to wed the charming Chief doctor at the local hospital, she’s an up-and-coming surgeon with everything she could ever want. Until an escape through the church window on the day of her wedding sends her life into a tailspin…and flings her right into her best friend’s arms.

When Wolfe catches his best friend falling out a window on her wedding day, he doesn’t ask questions. He whisks her away, determined to watch over her and discover the truth behind her desperate escape. But when his feelings turn more than platonic, he realizes he may risk his most important relationship in order to protect his damaged heart, and the woman he loves.

Can Genevieve and Wolfe’s friendship turn into something deeper—or is it already too late for true love?

Buy the Book

Angels Are Real by Michelle Beber

If you’re willing to open yourself up to the possibility that angels exist, you’ll have made one of the best decisions of your life. Since I started believing in angels in 2008 and subsequently started asking for their help, my life has dramatically improved in ways I never could have imagined.  Because I’ve witnessed such amazing results, I’m compelled to share this knowledge with others so they may benefit from this Divine connection.
 
In 2008, I attended a spiritual retreat where I learned about repetitive number sequences known as “angel numbers.”  It’s a Heavenly “language” that angels use to give us messages and guidance.  After I came home from the retreat, I learned everything I could about those special numbers and angels, and within a few months, the love I’d developed for the angels had opened up a direct line of communication with them!
 
Not only did I receive guidance in the form of numbers, but also occasionally, I would hear a sentence or two in my head.  Usually, it was when I needed comforting, like the time I was driving myself to the emergency room in the middle of an allergic reaction.  I was filled with extreme anxiety while I was driving, and my heart was racing.  In my head, I heard the words, “We’re getting you there as fast as we can” repeating over and over.  It helped to keep me calm and made me feel loved and protected.
 
As I was lying in the hospital bed hooked up to intravenous steroids, a young girl walked past me wearing a black sweatshirt that had big, white angel wings on the back of it!  That was no coincidence.  It was a validation that angels were right there by my side.
 
One day, the messages went beyond a sentence or two.  I was on my way to work one morning, and I heard the beautiful poetry that would become the text for my first children’s book, Angels, Angels, Everywhere.  I was also given the vision of the cover:  four racially diverse female angels flying around the Earth, each holding a glowing yellow heart of Divine love and light.  I was also given the vision for the back of the book:  Archangel Michael holding the Earth with a huge glowing yellow heart of Divine love and light behind him.  It was then that I knew Archangel Michael had given me the words for my book.
 
I’m humbled and blessed to be able to bring these words of comfort and joy to children.  There’s nothing more fulfilling than having the opportunity to make a difference in a child’s life.

About Michelle Beber

Michelle Beber has certifications as an Angel Intuitive and Angel Oracle Card Reader from renowned "angel lady," Doreen Virtue, as well as certifications as a Spiritual Teacher and Archangel Life Coach from Doreen's son, Charles Virtue.

In 2008, Michelle's life changed when she attended a spiritual retreat and learned about angels and how they communicate through repetitive number sequences known as "angel numbers." Little did she know that this insight would lead her on an amazing spiritual journey that would directly connect her with angels and result in the discovery of her life purpose.

Always grateful for the spiritual guidance she has received, Michelle looks forward to sharing the knowledge she has gained to inspire others, especially children. Michelle is a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI).

You can connect with Michelle via: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads

About Angels, Angels Everywhere

Angels, Angels, Everywhere is a non-denominational, multiracial book written in delightful rhythm and rhyme and accompanied by charming illustrations.  The themes of constant support and unconditional love are designed to help children deal with everyday experiences in life.

By developing children’s faith in knowing that they are not alone and building their trust that they are consistently watched over, cared for, and loved, children will become empowered to deal with life’s challenges.  The book also lets children know that angels are there in good times as well, sharing in their joy.

Q & A with author Jennifer Kelman

What is your book about?

A lovely tale of young twins on a “usual” trip to the beach.  Today was different; Kevin’s great imagination was playing tricks on him, or was it?  He believed that each time he looked up he saw beautiful dolphins springing into the air. He nudged his twin sister, Jackie, in the hope she would see it too, but each time she looked up, they were gone.  Was Kevin left wondering?  No, at the perfect moment, Jackie looked up to see the most wonderful sight…..five graceful dolphins shining in delight.  The adventure continues as they board a boat and feed the dolphins.  The tale is about imagination, trust, the sibling (twin) relationship and sticking to your beliefs.  The illustrations bring this story to life and capture the beauty and wonderment of children and nature.

Why did you decide to write it?  

My first departure from the award winning Mrs. Pinkelmeyer book series.  This story came tumbling from me after a few weeks of my twins being sick.  Not feeling particularly creative, I began to weave this story and was truly surprised as I watched my kids begin to feel refreshed and happy.  It was at that moment that we all decided together to make the story of The Disappearing Dolphins into a book.

How did you get your book published?

I am so happy to have had the pleasure to work with Outskirts Press.  They have done a spectacular job in bringing it all to fruition.

What types of readers will be interested in your book?  

This is a great story for parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and teachers to read to their kids. Using fun and silly intonations while reading aloud, the listener can appreciate the frustration in Jackie and the desire in Kevin.  This book appeals to 4-6 year olds and maybe a bit older as they read the book to themselves.

What is special about your book?  What differentiates it from other books in the same category?  

The book is special because of the subtle messages…believe in yourself, imagine and it can be, the sibling (twin) relationship and the love of nature.  It is special because the story is woven in such a way that highlights all of these aspects.  The reader remains engaged and isn’t exactly sure if Jackie will ever see The Disappearing Dolphins.  I believe that the illustrations by Michael Swaim, set this book apart from others.  His gift is unparalleled. 

I am also in the process of co-writing a song, The Disappearing Dolphins, which will be available on ITunes, to complement the book.  This song, a catchy, sing-a-long, is certain to stay stuck in your head all day long.

Have you published any other books?  Do you plan to publish more?

This is my 3rd book.  My first two belong to the Mrs. Pinkelmeyer book series.
I created two children’s characters; Mrs. Pinkelmeyer® and her lovable dog, Moopus McGlinden®. Together, they inspire self-esteem in children through their love, warmth and silliness.  I have also created a full product line including a plush doll, a Moopus McGlinden stuffed animal, a music CD and 2 books.  Mrs. Pinkelmeyer and Moopus McGlinden Burn the Rrrrump Rrrroast and Mrs. Pinkelmeyer and Moopus McGlinden Prance into New York City.

I will continue to write and publish more books when the light of creativity strikes again.

Available on Amazon.com and www.MrsPinkelmeyer.com

Q&A with Katie Pierson

Tell us about the main characters in your young adult novel, ’89 Walls.

World-weary Seth can’t escape his small Nebraska town. He carries around a love note for Quinn, a conservative Daddy’s girl and someone he considers both out of his league and beneath his dignity. Quinn thinks of Seth as that whiny-but-brilliant liberal guy in class. He makes her self-conscious about her untested, rule-following existence. Their passionate romance takes them both by surprise. They decide to keep it a secret: it’s too early to make plans and too late not to care. But it’s 1989. As politics suddenly get personal, they find themselves fighting bare-fisted for their beliefs and each other—in the clear light of day. 

Where did the inspiration for this book come from?

I never planned to write a novel: I just like to read them. But a conversation with a friend in 2006 about the pros and cons of potentially attending my 20th high school reunion brought to mind the random people you run into at those things: old crushes, old “frenemies.” I suddenly had the idea for Seth and Quinn’s reluctant romance. 

It wasn’t until I was half done that I realized that the story was also a partisan allegory. Seth is the Democratic Party in the late 80’s: reactive, angry, without a compass. Quinn’s father, Tom is the Republican Party: optimistic, smug, still grounded in a true small government philosophy and underestimating the rising Religious Right with its creepy fascination with people’s private lives. Mr. Levine, the teacher, is the moderator who allows two strong points of view to talk it out respectfully. Quinn is all of us, trying to find her way when tidy theories crash into reality.

How long have you been writing, and what (or who) inspired you to start?

I’ve been writing since I could hold a crayon. I had a wonderfully encouraging seventh grade English teacher. I staffed the high school yearbook and wrote a column for my college newspaper. In my office jobs I contrived to write whether or not it was in my job description as a fundraiser for the Nebraska Humanities Council or lobbyist for Planned Parenthood. I’ve written a bunch of political commentaries for the Minneapolis StarTribune and have an actual fan base for my annual holiday letter. But I didn’t claim writing as my vocation until I was in my thirties. Taking a memoir class at the Loft Literary Center in Minneapolis motivated me to finally put “writer” on my business card.

What are you working on right now?

I'm toying with a memoir of my family's sabbatical year in London during the final year of the Bush administration. The working title is, "Acting Canadian." I loved writing '89 Walls and read as much YA as I do adult fiction. I would love for another idea for a YA novel to drop in my lap. 

About '89 Walls

College is not in the cards for Seth. He spends his minimum wage on groceries and fakes happiness to distract his mom from the MS they both know will kill her. It’s agony to carry around a frayed love note for a girl who’s both out of his league and beneath his dignity.
Quinn’s finishing high school on top. But that cynical, liberal guy in her social studies class makes her doubt her old assumptions. Challenging the rules now, though, would a) squander her last summer at home, b) antagonize her conservative dad, and c) make her a hypocrite.

Seth and Quinn’s passionate new romance takes them both by surprise. They keep it a secret: it’s too early to make plans and too late not to care. But it’s 1989. As politics suddenly get personal, they find themselves fighting bare-fisted for their beliefs—and each other—in the clear light of day.

Q&A with Beth Cornelison author of Colton Cowboy Protector

You have been writing stories since you were a child. Tell us about the moment you knew you wanted to become a writer by profession. 
                
While I wrote simple stories from an early age, my first significant writing project that inspired me to look into the possibilities of publication was a teen romance I wrote in junior high. Written long-hand in spiral notebooks, my first book took months to finish, but I fell in love with the novel writing process and had my first nudge toward my current publishing career. 

What inspired you to make the move from the public relations industry to become a full-time writer?

The love of novel writing was never far from mind from the time I wrote my first novel during my teens. Though I got sidetracked from writing books while in college and early years in my marriage, a cross-country move for my husband’s job left me without a PR job in the early 90’s. While I was home alone in a new city, the stories in my head came roaring back to life. I returned to writing books to fill my time until our son was born,  and by the time my son was in preschool, I had focused on getting published and never looked back!

Your novels tend to weave together romance and suspense. What draws you to this combination of genres?
                
I love the adventure and thrills of suspense books and the problem-solving behind mysteries. At the same time, I’m a romantic at heart and grew up with Disney movies and the all-important happily ever after. When I first read Karen Robards’, Sandra Brown’s and Jennifer Blake’s contemporary romantic suspense stories in the early 90’s, I discovered a blend of the two genres that fueled my imagination. I knew right away that romantic suspense was what I wanted to write.

If COLTON COWBOY PROTECTOR were to be turned into a movie, who would you cast in the starring roles?
      
Oh, wow! What a fun question! As a “visual writer,” I see my story playing out in my head like a movie as I write, so the idea of a real movie is exciting to contemplate. I think Amanda Seyfried has the look I was after for the heroine, Tracy McCain. Torrance Coombs, from the CW’s Reign, has the dark good looks with bright blue eyes that would fit the part nicely for my hero Jack Colton.

What’s up next for you?

I have two novellas with Harlequin Romantic Suspense coming out next, one in November, paired with Colleen Thompson for a two-in-one about a Texas ranch wedding that goes tragically wrong. Then next spring I’ll share a two-in-one with Karen Whiddon about babies rescued from a dangerous cult and the foster mothers who protect the infants. Both are fun projects because I love collaborating with other talented authors!

About Beth Cornelison

Award-winning author Beth Cornelison has been writing stories since she was a child. A University of Georgia graduate, Cornelison worked in Public Relations before becoming a full-time writer. She has won many honors for her writing, including the coveted Golden Heart, awarded by the Romance Writers of America. She lives in Louisiana with her husband and son.

You can connect with Beth via: Website | Twitter | Facebook 

About Colton Cowboy Protector

A beautiful stranger appears at the Colton ranch during a party, and Jack is none too pleased. With ties to his ex-wife, Tracy McCain claims to be on a mission to bond with his son. But this intriguing widow also has a target on her back. As the Colton family brings Tracy under its broad wing, a relentless assassin puts everyone in jeopardy. Jack's protective instincts go into overdrive and only fuel his secret attraction to Tracy. Living closely together under Jack's roof, the heat between them starts to sizzle. In fact, the only thing stronger than Jack's heady desire for Tracy is his will to keep her safe so that one day they can become a family.

Scandals by Emily Greenwood

Scandal. Fans of Regency-era stories often find that word featured somewhere in the books they love. Anna Black, the heroine of my new release, THE BEAUTIFUL ONE, is pulled into a scandal when a book of nude drawings of her (made without her knowledge) begins making the rounds of society—and threatening to ruin her life.

Romantic stories of scandal can be delicious when everything works out, but of course, in reality scandalous behavior could have heavy costs –especially for women. Consider Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire. 

Born Georgiana Spencer in 1757 (into the same Spencer family in which Diana, Princess of Wales, was later born), she had looks, charm, and wit enough to make her a dazzling prize, and at seventeen, she was married to the much-older Duke of Devonshire. Though the Duke didn’t love her and was already involved with a long-term mistress, he nonetheless required an heir. Years passed, though, without Georgiana being able to conceive. 

A lively woman who received little attention from her reserved and unloving husband, Georgiana threw herself into social events and was known for her exquisite and dramatic taste in fashion. A passionate supporter of the Whig party, she was said to have traded kisses for votes during one election, scandalizing many. She held lavish parties and spent money like water, and she was deeply addicted to gambling, losing astonishing sums.

Finally, when she was nearing thirty, she gave birth to her first child, a girl, and subsequently to two more children with the duke, including a son and heir. But by this time she’d met the love of her life, a Whig politician named Charles Grey. When Georgiana discovered she was pregnant with Grey’s child, her husband told her that if she didn’t give up the baby, she would never see her other three children again. (This despite the fact that Georgiana had welcomed the duke’s own illegitimate daughter into their household.)

Horribly torn by the impossible choice forced on her by the husband she didn’t love, she went abroad to deliver her baby, named Eliza, then gave the girl to Grey’s parents to raise. She was never allowed to acknowledge being Eliza’s mother. 

After a two-year absence, Georgiana was allowed to return to England and her three children, and she did eventually resume her place in society. But one can only imagine how she must have felt, married to the man who’d forced her to abandon her child.

About The Beautiful One 

A PICTURE SAYS A THOUSAND WORDS…

The ton is buzzing about The Beautiful One, a striking figure in a scandalous book of nude sketches. Only two men know the true identity of The Beautiful One, and they are scouring the countryside, determined to find her.

BUT NOT THE MOST IMPORTANT ONES

The unlikely center of the scandal, Anna Black is forced to flee home as disaster looms. Her tomboy’s heart and impertinent tongue serve her well when she meets the most brooding viscount ever to darken a drawing room. Will Halifax, Viscount Grandville, has his reasons for pushing people away, and when his tempestuous teenaged ward arrives on his doorstep, he presses Anna to take on her care. As Anna begins to melt the Viscount’s frozen heart, she knows the more she loves, the more she has to lose. For although Will cares nothing for what makes Society titter, he has yet to see The Beautiful One.

Excerpt from THE BEAUTIFUL ONE

Rounding the edge of the wood at the back of Stillwell, he was startled to see his ward standing about. She was looking up at a tree in which, from the movement of its leaves and branches, some large creature seemed to be thrashing. A crow?

As he drew nearer to the oblivious Lizzie, he was almost certain he heard a woman’s voice coming from among the leaves. Lizzie stepped closer to the tree and lifted her hands upward, and he saw that on a thick branch perhaps six feet off the ground were perched two feet in past-their-prime dark ankle boots, and above them he was treated to a view of trim calves he could not regret. The surrounding leaves and branches mostly obscured the rest of his recently hired governess. In the instant before Lizzie became aware of Will, he saw that she held in her cupped hands a fluffy white ball.

Lizzie turned and saw him, her mouth forming into an “O” as a voice called from above, “Lizzie? I’m ready for the owlet.”

“Er,” said Lizzie, looking at him. In the clear afternoon light he noticed that her eyes were a different color blue than Ginger’s had been. But the shape was Ginger’s, as were the eyebrows. Not her fault, but he couldn’t go the route of compassion. It would only muddy what had to be. He looked past her and lifted a hand to rub his eyes.

“Miss Black,” he said, knowing he could not avoid asking, “what on earth are you doing?”

There was a pause as she absorbed his arrival and a shifting of the feet on the branch near his forehead as they drew together, perhaps in an attempt at modesty.

“Ah, my lord,” she said from above him. “Good afternoon. Lizzie and I are engaged in returning a fallen owlet to its nest. It was her idea. She is very caring toward animals.”

He could feel Lizzie’s big blue eyes on him though his own were still covered by his hand. He had no doubt as to whose idea it had been to climb the tree. He hadn’t truly expected Anna Black to be a typical sort of governess, had he?

“Come down at once.”

“If you will wait just a moment, my lord,” she said breezily, “I shall be down directly. Lizzie, the owlet.”

Lizzie cleared her throat. “Here.”

He tapped her on the shoulder before she could lift her arms farther. “Give me that creature, please.”

She looked uncertain, but she clearly didn’t want to displease him, and she handed over the motionless owl. He took it carefully from her and did not return her tentative smile. He could feel her eagerness for him to acknowledge her, but he let it flow past him.

The leaves and branches above them shook as Anna Black crouched down and extended her hand for the animal. Her bonnet, the same horrible blue one, had fallen on its strings around her neck again, and her hair, apparently loosened by her climb, curled crazily about her face as if she were some unkempt urchin, accentuating her pert nose and reminding him of her jack-in-the-box appearance from the coach.

Her pink lips pressed outward at the sight of him; doubtless she was annoyed by his arrival, but her expression didn’t draw an answering wave of annoyance from him. Instead, her lips were making him wonder, unaccountably, what it might feel like to be kissed all over by pink butterflies.

“The owlet, please,” she fairly ordered him.

“Don’t be ridiculous. Get down this instant before you fall. I will return the owlet.”

“I am already positioned to do so. If you will just give it to me, I can put it back and then receive your displeasure properly on the ground.”

He grunted. Why did he keep finding himself in out-of-his-control conversations with this maddening woman?

In his palm the owlet’s heart beat with a rapid, stressed flutter. He reached up his hand, and she gently took the animal and disappeared into the foliage.

From above came a few rustling noises, then the angry screech of what had to be an adult owl and a yelp. Fearing Miss Black would fall, he stepped forward to catch her, but at that same moment she jumped neatly down, so that she landed right in front of him.

He grabbed her arms, a reflex to steady her. She didn’t need his help, but their eyes locked, and for a moment he read vulnerability there before it was replaced with the hard glint of independence. She smelled like sunshine and crushed leaves, and he felt the slim softness of her arms and his body’s yearning to hug her close.

She stepped away from him. It had all happened in the space of a few moments.

But as he watched her brush some leaves from her skirts with her head down, that vulnerability he’d glimpsed tugged at him. Who was this woman? Where had she come from? She was clearly educated and intelligent, and though she was too forthright and she dressed terribly, she was not rough, merely unusual.

That life-on-the-edge-of-propriety quality he’d observed in her the night before had suggested that she’d known some hardship, or that she had some burden she might trade for money. And yet today, in the company of his ward, she looked at ease, even if her eyes seemed to be hiding something.

About Emily Greenwood

Emily Greenwood worked for a number of years as a writer, crafting newsletters and fundraising brochures, but she far prefers writing playful love stories set in Regency England, and she thinks romance novels are the chocolate of literature. A Golden Heart finalist, she lives in Maryland with her husband and two daughters.

Connect with Emily Greenwood via: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Goodreads