Maxine Douglas Affairs of the Heart Newsletter: September 1, 2017Grandparent’s Day is this month...

Grandparent’s Day is this month...: We have two beautiful granddaughters who are sisters and as different as night a...

Maxine Douglas Affairs of the Heart Newsletter: August 1, 2017: Can you smell it? Fall is just around the corner—or so it seems. The first NFL game of the season, college football is gearing up, and... 

A Weekend with the Authors in Nashville was a blast!

It is a small and intimate reader event with a limit of 50 authors attending. There was speed dating, a western party and cookout on Friday night, the signing on Saturday, steampunk party on Saturday night, and so many other events and games for those who attended.

There was everything from dildo races to a western cookout complete with a mechanical bull to a book walk to a steampunk party. This was a new event for me and I wasn't sure what to expect, but I have to say that I had fun with the readers and authors. I’m looking forward to March next year!

Click here to see pictures of the signing, but in the meantime here are some of the pictures captured that weekend. 

Head on over to Fans of A Weekend With the Authors FB page to see what the authors/readers had to say!

A Weekend With the Authors 2017 -- Attending Authors

Ø March 16-18, 2018:  A Weekend With The Authors, Nashville, TN

See you there!

Simply To Die For

I am always looking for ways to give my readers something. I am currently seeking several people who are interested in reading an Advance Reader Copy of Simply to Die For and posting a review within 1-5 days of the release date. Click here to read sample chapters. If you are interested in reading/reviewing the entire book, please send me an email to obtain a link to the ARC.  Thank you!

Marshal's Bride

Near Fred, Indian Territory, 1877

Gabe eased slow and steady along the stage road leading to Fred. “We’re almost there, Abby.”

He was in no hurry to hand over his privacy with Abby yet. The first few weeks being married made him realize how much he’d needed a woman in his life. How much he actually needed Abby to keep him honest with himself. No woman had ever been able to do that.

“Thank goodness! I have grown tired of this jostling about. I’m afraid I may have permanent bruising on my—” Abby stopped short, and Gabe laughed out loud.

“Believe me, you do not have permanent damage on any part of your body.” Gabe glanced over, smiling at the rush of color spreading on his wife’s cheeks. After three weeks on the trail, their intimacies, he’d wondered at how she still blushed like a young woman. Abby was a widow, not unaware of the goings on between a man and his wife. Yet she acted like a young bride new to the ways of marriage.

Gabe found he loved that part of her beyond belief.

“You are truly insufferable!” She laughed, adjusting her sweet little bottom on the wooden bench. “These past weeks I have found how much I enjoy that side of you. You keep me on guard, sir. Don’t change. Ever!”

“I will do my best to abide by your wishes.” Gabe winked at Abby and reined in the mules. The need to hold her overwhelmed his senses.

“Is something wrong, Gabe? Why are we stopping?” Abby looked around them, her eyes full of questions.

Gabe jumped from the wagon then extended a hand. “There will be if you don’t get down from there.”

His blood burned like wildfire through his veins as her hand slipped perfectly into his. Her light girlish laughter filled his heart as she fell into his arms. Gabe gazed into her eyes, falling deeper under their spell. He held her against him to ease the pain of needing her next to him. He pushed a stray lock of hair from her face then covered her mouth with his, completely devouring her. He groaned as his body reacted to her melting against him. This may truly be the last uninterrupted private moments they’d have for a while once he took up as marshal in Fred.

“I couldn’t wait for nightfall, Abby.” Gabe kept her close, her heart pounding against him. “Once we get to Fred, we won’t have much time alone with each other. You’ll have the homestead to make feel like home. I’ll have to see Colonel Frank Fred. I’ll need to get word to Deputy US Marshal Reeves and present my official papers to him, although I’m sure Judge Parker has already made him aware of my arrival. There’s much to be done once we arrive.”

Abby gazed up at him, her doe eyes sparkling with the same need he felt. “I will be waiting when you are done, Gabe. The cold, empty house will be warm and inviting by the time you find your way home.”

“I was wrong in not telling you about the move when you arrived in Dodge. There will be many more things that I will do wrong. Promise me that you’ll never let those indiscretions drive you from me.” Gabe held her hand in his, watching his finger trace the lines of her soft palm. 

Follow Gabe and Abby to Fred

as they settle into their marriage and learn to survive

in Indian Territory.

NOW AVAILABLE
KU / BUY / PRINT

Maxine Douglas Affairs of the Heart Newsletter

Affairs of the Heart Newsletter: March Madness … one month closer to spring and a month full of holidays! Ash Wednesday, Ides of March, National Craft Month, National Women’s History Month, Social Workers Month to name a few. Plus, did you know that March is named after the Roman God “Mars”? AND the second week of March is National Bubble Week! In this month's issue:
FEATURED AUTHOR:  Hywela Lyn
AUTHOR RECIPE OF THE MONTH:  Lynn Crandall~~Quinoa Chili
NEW RELEASES THIS MONTH
QUOTE OF THE MONTH: “Good communication is just as stimulating as black coffee, and just as hard to sleep after” ~~ Anne Morrow Lindbergh (1906-2001, American Writer)

NEW CONTRACT SIGNED!!!

Simply to Die For has found a home with MuseItUp Publishing.  I don't have a solid publishing date, but it will be sometime this year.  This is the first of a series set in Black Horse Canyon, Oklahoma.

Simply to Die For is the first cozy that I’ve written.

Simply to Die For: Clar Turner, (ex-porn star, Kandi Kyses), had quit the business and returns to her hometown to open up a candy store; until her BFF, Levi Andres, is beaten and left for dead during filming. Clar must become Kandi once again to find who is responsible, and why her candy wrappers were at the scene of the crime. She calls upon her mentor, Jackson Wolfe, to help assist in finding the assailant.

Jimmy O'Brien is a reporter who finds out Clar Turner, the woman he’s loved, and protected for years, is on the “porn star” killer’s hit list. When Levi Andres is beaten and left for dead, Jimmy is both surprised and happy to see Clar Turner back in LA, what he’s not thrilled about is Clar becoming Kandi again or the fact that a dirty detective, Reed Cameron,  he had a run-in with years before in Chicago has shown up in LA and is on the case.

Can they save Clar before the killer takes his revenge on her?

Simply to Die For is the first book in a 4 book series yet to be written in 2017/2018:

Simply to Live For: From the courtroom to the rink, Nicole Simon leads a double life as roller derby star until a derby accident puts her at odds with the sport she’d found fulfilling and a man who drives her crazy with desire. The last thing new guy in town Reed Donlin, club franchise owner and one hell of a sexy guy, needs is a lawyer turned derby star on his team…especially after one of his girls gets hurt in a track malfunction.

Simply to Hope For: Dan Adams is left to raise 5 small children and take care of an old mansion after his wife Lisa dies of an illness. For two years he’s gone through housekeeper after housekeeper…until Sarah Jones applies for the position. Sarah Jones knows the reality of death. A childless woman, she finds her way to the Adams household and finds the way to open her heart to more than grief.

Simply to Love For After settling a crime in LA, Jackson Wolfe has returned to her horse ranch, Revolving Roses, in Black Horse Canyon, OK…with former Texas Ranger, Clint Mason, hot on her heels.

Maxine Douglas Affairs of the Heart Newsletter: February1, 2017 It’stime for Valentine’s Day! I...

Maxine Douglas Affairs of the Heart Newsletter:: February 1, 2017    It’s time for Valentine’s Day! I don't know about you, but the above song clip always tugs at my heart ...

This month at Affairs of the Heart:  Suspense author Nicole Fitton, Chocolate Indulgence in a Cup from Anne Fife, February Releases

Affairs of the Heart -- January 2017

Check out the newest issue of Affairs of the Heart. I've given it a new look and a new feature where I'll announce up to 10 new releases each month from authors of various genres. I've revamped the recipe section to have an author share his/her favorite with you. My featured author section is a staple and you'll still be able to meet someone new.  To read click on the newsletter tab above.

H A P P Y   N E W   Y E A R S

Judge Parker and Dried Apple Pie

Since I mention Judge Isaac Parker aka The Hanging Judge in my next book of the Brides Along the Chisholm Trail series, I thought it might be interesting to share a bit of information about Judge Parker. 

In The Marshal's Bride, US Deputy Marshal Gabe Hawkins has been reassigned to Indian Territory just days before his mail-order bride, Abigail Johnson, arrives in Dodge City and he didn't tell her before they were wed. Naughty boy!

To read about Judge Parker go to Legends of America.

I have ever had the single aim of justice in view... 'Do equal and exact justice,' is my motto, and I have often said to the grand jury, 'Permit no innocent man to be punished, but let no guilty man escape.'"

-Judge Isaac C. Parker, 1896

I may have a few other historical surprises along the way as I write the love story for Abby and Gabe.

Here's a recipe that Abby used along the trail on their way from Dodge City to Fred, Indian Territory.  It's from one of my favorite research books: Time Life Books, The Old West, The Pioneers, page 106, "The expedient art of pioneer cookery."

Dried Apple Pie

Soak 2 cups of dried apples in water overnight.
Drain off the water and mix apples with 1/2 cup sugar and 1 teaspoon each of allspice and cinnamon.
Line an 8-inch pie pan with a crust, add the apple mixture, dot with 3 tablespoons of butter and cover with a second crust.
Make a few slashes in the top for ventilation and bake (in 350 oven) for about 1 hour, until the crust is golden brown.

Paranormal Romantics: The Christmas Pickle Legend by Author Elizabeth Al...

Paranormal Romantics: The Christmas Pickle Legend by Author Elizabeth Al...: I have read so many blog posts recently that dealt with holiday traditions, stories and photos, that I felt inspired to get into the sp...

Maxine's Musings: December 1, 2016

Maxine's Musings: The holiday season is in full swing. Santa is getting millions of letters from all the boys and girls of the world. Parents are scrambling to find that most cherished of gifts. And we are all hoping for a better world. I hope your holiday season is filled with joy and love this year. In this Issue: Quote of the Month     Check This Out Featured Author    Christmas Traditions Recipe of the Month  Upcoming Book Signings/Appearances Coming Next Month ...: ...

myRWA : Blogs : Industry Spotlight: Jane Porter, Founder of Tule Publishing

myRWA : Blogs : Industry Spotlight: Jane Porter, Founder of Tule Publishing

Most people who work in the publishing industry—be they authors, agents, editors, cover artists, or one of many other types of professionals it takes to bring books to the reading public—automatically and necessarily view that industry from their unique perspective determined by their position in it. However, author Jane Porter’s view of the publishing landscape now comes from two perspectives, ..... Continue Reading

Elizabeth Alsobrooks Book Bling: Amazon's New No Author Review Policy

Last year, Amazon began deleting reviews from books and authors couldn't figure out why. After some research, the new policies helped explain. Amazon had successfully implemented new book review policies. Here are the reviews the amazon watchdogs are already chewing up and swallowing whole:

1) A review by a book blogger whose blog is...Continue Reading

myRWA : Blogs : Exploring Romance Tropes: Uncovering Character

myRWA : Blogs : Exploring Romance Tropes: Uncovering Character
In hidden or mistaken identity stories, at least one of the main characters either perpetuates an error that keeps their identity hidden or misleads others about who they are. The conflicts of these stories often center around deception and trust, but they also are an opportunity to reveal a character’s potential to his or herself, often ending with the character growing by taking on facets of this second personality.
In Mia Sosa’s Unbuttoning the CEO, for example,...

5 Star Western Historical Romance Boxset

WANTED: ONE BRIDE

Prisoners of Love: Cinnamon, by USA Today best-selling author, Callie Hutton

In 1877 saloon girl, Cinnamon O’Brien, sits in Dodge City jail with three other women charged with various crimes. Her charges, of course, are totally unfair since she only hit the mayor over the head with the pitcher of beer because he grabbed her lady parts. Now the marshal gives the four women a choice: join up with the wagon train in Fort Dodge and head to Santa Fe as a mail order bride, or when the judge sobers up, he’ll be so ornery he’ll probably sent them to the state prison.

Before they even leave, childhood friend, Jedediah Nelson, newly ordained preacher headed to Santa Fe, and in need of a wife, proposes to Cinnamon. A preacher and a saloon girl? She’s about to give him a wild ride. 

The Reluctant Bride, by award winning author, Maxine Douglas

Roseanne “Rose” Duncan, witnesses her employer push his sickly wife down the staircase. Fearing she’ll have to testify against a prominent man in town, she’s given an ad for a mail order bride in Dodge City. Believing this is a way for her to escape the possible danger of her employer, she travels to Dodge City and marries under the name of Abigail Johnson.

Logan Granger, is a Pinkerton Detective assigned to Dodge City area as an undercover bartender. When his mail order bride, “Abby,” steps off the train she doesn’t fit the description of a matronly woman who has agreed to his marriage contract of no emotional attachments. There’s no time to reconsider the preacher is waiting to marry them.

Rose hadn’t expected the handsome man waiting for her to be an undercover bartender with a six shooter on his hip and a badge on his lapel. Logan hadn’t expected his soon to be wife to be young, beautiful, and a runaway murder witness.  

Miss Fortune and the Major, by Peggy McKenzie

Calamity Fortune was born under a bad luck star. And now, It’s time to find a new place to call home after she burns down the church during her best friend’s wedding. A place she can be herself without fear of judgment. An advertisement catches her eye. “Widower seeks a wife. Salary included. Platonic relationship guaranteed. Pagosa Springs, Colorado.” Calamity hopes a change in scenery can bring a change in luck and a place she can live by her own rules.

Major Lucas Quinn, widower, decorated officer, used to giving orders and getting respect, can’t control his own children. His sister, Sarah, insists it’s his unyielding, arrogant, absolute control over everyone and everything preventing anyone who knows him from agreeing to be his wife. Lucas places an advertisement for a mail order bride and he makes it clear--his new wife must be organized, run a disciplined household and well-suited with children. There is no room for insubordination.  

The Bride’s Deception, by Heidi Vanlandingham

Escaping the outlaw who controlled her old life, Alayna Kimbal is determined to forge a new one. She answers a mail-order advertisement and shoulders the job of wife and mother, each day hoping her lies and the identity of the man hunting her aren’t discovered.

Marshal Jerome Riddick's life-long goal is to never get married. Then the only woman he ever trusted is killed. Struggling to care for her children, he realizes he can no longer dodge his duty so he takes a bride--only to find out she’s keeping a huge secret from him. A secret that could get them all killed.

Goodreads / Amazon & KU / Amazon UK / Amazon CA / Amazon Germany /

Amazon Netherlands / Amazon France

myRWA : Blogs : Industry Spotlight: Margaret Terwey, Senior Buyer for Books-A-Million

myRWA : Blogs : Industry Spotlight: Margaret Terwey, Senior Buyer for Books-A-Million

Book Reading 2016

Book Reading 2016: A growing share of Americans are reading e-books on tablets and smartphones rather than dedicated e-readers, but print books remain much more popular than books in digital formats

The Roses of Prose: Playing the Literary Piano by Alicia Dean

The Roses of Prose: Playing the Literary Piano by Alicia Dean: I have absolutely no musical skills. None at all. Or so I thought. Until I discovered I’d been playing the literary piano for more than f...

Maxine's Musings ~~ August 1, 2016

August here in our town marks the end of summer vacation and the beginning of a new school year. It is also when our county fair happens each year! The FFA students get their livestock ready for showing, the future bakers of our community showcase their pies, and we all get to ride the rides. I hope you have had a great summer vacation this year!

Quote of the Month: “Let us not seek the Republican answer or the Democratic answer, but the right answer. Let us not seek to fix the blame for the past. Let us accept our own responsibility for the future.” ~~ John F. Kennedy, President United States of America (1917-1963)

Check This Out:  In 33 days I have written over 20,000 words on my first western historical set in Dodge City, Kansas, The Reluctant Bride, which is a major accomplishment for me in so many ways. I’ve never written this fast before, but thanks to Callie Hutton, my writing conscience J, I’ve gotten into a grove. While we are waiting for cover, here’s a glance at The Reluctant Bride, available late September 2016, in the boxset Wanted: One Bride:

Southcentral Wisconsin

Late April, 1877

“Have you lost your senses?” Miss Roseanne Duncan looked over the advertisement for a mail order bride, the paper rattling in her hand. “I can’t become a mail order bride. Besides, he’s expecting you.”

“Doesn’t matter.” Abigail Johnson replied, continuing to sort through the tub of fresh vegetables. “This is your best chance to survive and you know it.”

A sick feeling went through her at Abby’s blunt words, memories of the mistress falling to her death, the master at the top of the stairs. She shuddered. The memorial was set for today. It was only a matter of time until… No, she couldn’t think it. A chance to get away…could she really take it? Rose read over the advertisement flier again. “Abby, this looks more like a wanted poster than a man in search of a wife.”

Author Page at Amazon

Featured Author:  S.S. Hampton, Sr.

First of all, my thanks to Maxine for this opportunity of appearing in her newsletter.

Regarding the inspiration for Better Than A Rabbit’s Foot, and the characters—all of this originates in my deployment to Iraq, July 2006-July 2007 (my battalion was actually a mile south of .... (click here to continue reading