Cover Reveal - The Captain's Challenge

Hello, lovey readers. I’m pleased to reveal the cover of my next release right here on STT.

Some covers are more difficult than others. For example, my mail-order bride series was easy-peasy. Readers’ expectations are pretty much set in stone for romance, and especially sub-genres like mail-order brides. Not so with mixed genres like my Wolf Deceivers series. Book 3, The Captain’s Challenge starts out in Savannah, one of the most romantic places in the world, in my humble opinion. But like the other books in this series, it’s a mix of historical, romance, and suspense.

I wanted a Southern background since the story is set in Reconstruction Georgia. Most of it takes place in Macon, Georgia, where the heroine’s family townhouse is located. I used the Hay House, a lovely antebellum house in Macon, as my model. I’d toured the house twice so I had a good feel for it, including those beautifully restored rooms.

Actually there are many antebellum houses in Central and South Georgia, and those further south have those moss draped live oaks I knew would create that sinister touch my story 

needed. However, the background can’t compete with the models representing the book’s characters. After finding the models that looked similar to my hero and heroine, I wisely left the rest up to my cover designer.

 Army Intelligence Officer, Alex Blaine, is tasked to uncover the ring-leader of an anarchist gang that’s endangering the residents and thwarting the new Georgia government. Gillian Carey has lived in England for the past eight years. Returning to her home in Reconstruction Georgia, she intends to search for her brother, still missing from the war. But Gillian is shocked to find a different world from the one she left as a twelve-year-old, her father a broken and brooding man. She turns to the handsome army captain to help her find her brother, not realizing her father is one of the suspects Alex is investigating. Or that he may have been responsible for her brother's death.

What’s the first thing you notice about a book cover?

Comment on any post now through July 1st to get your name in the drawing for Wedding Barter by Alice Aranz! Winner will be announced in the July 2nd issue of the WeeklyWindup.

The Backcountry Brides - Rafflecopter Giveaway!

Today is the official release date for The Backcountry Brides, even though Barbour let it out a couple of weeks early. There are eight historical romances all set in the "backcountry" of Colonial America, as they referred to the frontier. Lots of well-researched history in this collection, nestled in the background of realistic romances for that era.

To celebrate the release, the authors have put together a nice prize package including a copy of the book, a Kindle Paperwhite, some handmade note cards, a CD of Scottish fiddle music, a booklet of Colonial dolls, and - of course! - some quality chocolate. 

Enter today ... and good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Oh! And Don't forget to leave a comment to get your name in the drawing for Missing by V.B. Tenery! Winner announced in the May 14th edition of the Weekly Windup. 

STT Book Birthdays!

Since August is our birthday month, we thought we'd mix it up a little bit and share the Book Birthdays of those on our Stitches Thru Time community. As it turns out, we have several! Won't you help us celebrate the birth of these wonderful new titles?

July 25th release - Under Fire by Linda Shenton Matchett

Small-town journalist Ruth Brown's sister Jane is pronounced dead after a boating accident in the Spring of 1942. Because Jane's body is missing, Ruth is convinced her sister is still alive. A series of events and discoveries raise Ruth's suspicions about Jane's work at the local manufacturing plant, then additional clues send Ruth to war-torn London. By the time their brother contacts her with the devastating news that Jane's body has been found, and evidence suggests she was murdered, Ruth has stumbled on black marketers, resistance fighters, and the IRA-all of whom may want her dead.

Buy the Paperback

Or get the ebook on Amazon

Coming the End of August - Wheresoever They May Be by Terri Wangard

A sailor, his Rosie-the-Riveter wife, her WAC sister, and a grasshopper pilot. They’re all doing their part to help win the war, but sometimes the enemy can be hard to identify.

Follow Terri on Amazon or Facebook to know when the book releases! 

Coming September 1 - Solve by Christmas by Amber Schamel (Pre-order now for some awesome bonuses!)

When sabotage threatens the Rudin Sugar Factory, Detective Jasper Hollock believes this will be his first real case. But dear Mr. Rudin—the only father Jasper has ever known—holds a different assignment for his private investigator.

“I’ve struck a deal with God, Jasper, and you’re my angel.”

Mr. Rudin charges Jasper to build a “case” of reasons for his employer to continue his life. If he fails, Mr. Rudin will end it in suicide on Christmas night.

As the incidents at the factory become life threatening, Jasper’s attempts at dissuading Mr. Rudin prove futile, and Jasper is left staring at the stark reality of his own soul. Time is ticking. Jasper must solve both cases by Christmas before Mr. Rudin, the company, and Jasper’s faith, are dragged to perdition. Will this be the Christmas Jasper truly discovers what makes life worth living?

Find out where to pre-order and what the bonus is!

Coming September 6 - A Groom for Mama by Catherine Castle

A sweet romantic comedy with a touch of drama.  Follow Catherine on her blog to keep updated on the release!


We need a song. "Happy Book Birthday to you, happy book birthday to you!"

I'm singing here, and it sounds suspiciously like the "Happy un-birthday to you" from Alice in Wonderland. Somebody help me out.

AND to celebrate all these amazing Book Birthdays, I'm giving away one Advanced Reader copy of Solve by Christmas! That means you will get your hands on it before the public. What do ya say to that? ;) 

Leave us a comment to get your name in the drawing.

It's Book Launch Party Day

Welcome! I thought we'd do things a little bit different today to celebrate the release of my new novella. Here I am holding the first copy. :) It went to my husband who faithfully supports my writing dreams.

Hearts Tightly Knit is set in Calder Springs, Texas in 1875. Here's the back cover blurb:

Orphaned at age ten, Ellie Stafford and her twin sister Mae made a vow—to stick together and never marry. Nothing will ever come between them. Now in their mid twenties, they are bucking convention in Calder Springs, Texas, as women with respectable occupations who can take care of themselves. Ellie works at the Good Fixin's Diner and spends her evenings knitting garments for The Children's Aid Society. When a handsome local rancher shows up searching for a cook, she's hardly even tempted.

Luke Rogers owns a spread just outside of Calder Springs. It was running as smooth as cattle going through a chute until his cook up and marries the local widow and high-tails it back east. With no cook and a bunkhouse full of ranch hands ready to revolt, he persuades Ellie to temporarily fill-in until he can hire someone else. He should have known better than to get tangled up with another woman. 

I had a lot of fun writing this novella although it also was hard work too. :) I'd love to have you participate in my launch party tonight from 6-9 PM EST. You'll find it here:

Jodie's Novella Launch Party  I'll be giving away prizes every half hour. How's that for motivation to come hang out with me? 

The book can be purchased here: Purchase Link

Question for today: How do you celebrate something good in your life?