Tuesday Tales: From the Word ACTIVE

Welcome to this week’s Tuesday Tales. It’s hard to believe that we are halfway through January 2024. This week, the authors present scenes based on the word ACTIVE. I’m continuing with Listen to the Stones.

Jerome exhaled, thanking the ancient gods and the modern saints for getting them safely across The Minch. Given the rough rolling of the ferry, he bounced off the walls and vehicles as he made his way from the passenger lounge to his Jeep. The stormy crossing had been one of the most harrowing experiences he’d ever had, and he’d had plenty, but he’d always known he would make it through alive. Today, there had been moments when he’d had visions of being trapped aboard the overturned vessel like the passengers in the Poseidon Adventure, probably not the wisest choice for last night’s television viewing.

Unlocking the driver’s door, he settled behind the wheel, waiting to be told when to start his vehicle. What a day it had been. Not only had the ferry been late leaving port, it was almost as if Mother Nature and the mythical Blue Men of the Minch or some other force had been playing tug-o-war with the vessel—one side doing everything it could to stop him and his fellow passengers from safely getting to the island, while the other protected them when he thought all was lost.

At one point when they’d exited the river’s mouth, he’d been certain that the captain would turn the ferry around and cancel the trip, but the man, his crew, and the ship had soldiered on, fighting each wave as if they were David facing Goliath.

Had the man not had a deeply personal reason to get to Stornoway, he probably would have waited for the storm to pass, but according to one of the crew, the captain’s wife was in active labor, and he was determined to get there for the birth of his first son. No man would want to miss that. Of course, the man hadn’t taken any needless risks, but they were here now, and that was all that mattered.

Jerome waited for the crewman to signal that it was his turn to drive off. That was the problem with ferries—first one on, last one off. He checked his watch. It was after three, but given the storm and the heavy cloud cover, it seemed much later in the day. Had the heir’s plane been grounded by the weather? It was possible. As bad as the storm had been at sea, it would’ve been brutal in the air.

That’s it. Come back next week for more. Don’t forget to check out the other Tuesday Tales.

Midway through January 2024.The Best Is Yet to Come

Photo by picjumbo.com on Pexels.com

So far, 2024 has not met expectations. Family members have been ill, although most have recovered, but the weather …. Let me just say, if I got paid for every major storm we were supposed to get and didn’t, I would be rich!

While fellow Canadians out west, specifically in Alberta, are stuggling with -40 degree temperature, (the point at which Celsius and Farenheit are the same) here in Eastern Ontario, it’s -5 C although it feels like -18 C with the wind ( 18 F, feels like 3) but the sun in shining and that has to count for something.

I haven’t done much writing or editing these last two weeks because I’ve been getting ready to go (drum roll) on vacation! That’s right. Within a few days, I will be soaking up the sun in the Caribbean. I’ve had my manicure and pedicure, gotten my hair cut, and had my glasses adjusted. The suitcase is almost packed, and my required posts have been set up and scheduled. Nothing’s going to stop me now. The last time we traveled to the heat was pre-COVID when we visited my brother-in-law and sister-in-law in San Jose Del Cabo, so I am looking forward to two weeks of R & R. That vacation inspired Tequila Sunrise, the first of my Cocktails for You Series.

I can’t wait to dip my toes in warm Caribbean waters, walk along pristene beaches, and bask in Mother Nature’s beauty. I look forward to seeing coral reefs, sea turtles, and listen to island music.

Will I regret my sojourn in the south when my time is up? I hope not. I also hope I won’t come home sick as so many winter travelers do, but I’ve had my flu shot, my 7th COVID shot, and my asthma is under control once more and always enjoys sea air. My arthritis will love the heat which will be a respite from the pain and stiffness. Of course, when we come back, I’ll feel the cold more deeply, but it will be February, and the longest of the winter months will be behind me. With my luck, it’ll probably be colder than ever with more snow, but that’s climate change for you–no one gets what they expect.

While I haven’t been doing a lot of writing, I have been planning! I’ll let you all in on my newest project for 2024–another book in the Harvester Files series. I already have a title: The White Madragora … Never heard of it? Well, it’s Latin name is Mandragora officinarum and it’s a species of the plant genus Mandragora in the nightshade family Solanaceae. It’s more commonly referred to as Mandrake, although the name is used for other plants.

As of 2015, sources differed significantly in the species they use for Mandragora plants native to the Mediterranean region. The main species found around the Mediterranean is called Mandragora autumnalis, the autumn mandrake. The plant is a perennial herbaceous plant with ovate leaves arranged in a rosette, a thick upright root, often branched, and bell-shaped flowers followed by yellow or orange berries.

Because mandrakes contain deliriant hallucinogenic tropane alkaloids (atropine, scopolamine, and hyoscyamine) which cause delirium and hallucinations, and, as Harry Potter fans know, the shape of their roots often resembles human figures, they have been associated with a variety of religious and spiritual practices throughout history.

The White Mandragora will have the band back together as they search for a cult leader intent on finishing what the Prophet started. I’m excited about this upcoming project and know you will be, too. I expect they’ll be another Cocktails for You book this year, too, along with a sci-fi I began a while ago.

After I finish a few I’ll dive into The White Mandragora. Expect it out by the end of 2024 or early 2025.

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels.com

Now, as I promised, an update on my personal Battle of the Bulge. I started chair yoga exercises, 15 minutes each morning, between my tea and my shower. The breathing exercises are great and seem to have improved my lung function. If you’re like me, your mobility is limited and the thought of going to a germ infested gym to exercisie isn’t for you, I suggest chair yoga. I can do most of the poses I’ve attempted, and it doesn’t stress any of my joints.

I’ve also managed to hit my 2500 step a day target. Most days, I’m above that number, but I’d rather meet a low goal and surpass it than fail to meet a higher one. Rather than get overly ambitious, I’m sticking with that number.

The best news of all is that I lost 2 pounds. I’m down to 164. Since vacation means more food and booze, I’m hoping not to regain more than those two pounds. I plan to continue my yoga routine and try to do more walking, something that always easier whgen you’re having fun. While it’ll be hard to say no to those Bahama Mamas, I’ll try to opt for fewer sweet drinks and maybe stick to low carb beer. I’ll also try to follow my food plan and make sure i eat as healthy as I can.

That’s it for my bi-weekly report. The next time, I write will be in February and I’ll share some holiday pix! Enjoy the rest of the month!

If you’re looking for something to read, why not check out my backlist? You can find all of my books on my website. Most are available in e-book, paperback, or on Kindle Unlimited!

https://mhsusannematthews.ca/

Last of the Unforgettable Boxed Sets Released: Unforgettable Guardians: Bodyguards and Defenders

Sadly, all good things come to an end, and this book box series is no exception. I have been fortunate enough to have many books in the Unforgettable Series and seeing the series end is rather sad, but like everything else the ABB has done, we’re going out with a bang!

Strong heroines meet bigger-than-life heroes in this can’t-put-down boxed set of suspenseful romance from award-winning authors.

When life’s storms strike, these guardians will fight – with talents tough as nails or supernatural – to shelter innocence and love.

You’ll meet private detectives from female to shapeshifting to supernatural, a hunky single dad who finds his inner strength to protect a pop star, a rescue helicopter pilot and his flight nurse fighting attraction as they save lives, a pro wrestler helping a diva in distress, and even a psychic rancher who takes a stunning rodeo worker hostage to save her. These award-winning authors have crafted a fantastic set of stories that are sure to keep you reading past bedtime. Get ready for a thrilling ride!

Mimi Barbour – Special Agent Isabella When forced to protect a child with her former teenage nemesis, an agent who fears little people faces her worst nightmare, but his faith in her hidden strengths makes their assignment far too interesting. New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author

Rachelle Ayala – Moonlit Hideaway: When a pop star hiding from a mob boss falls for a hunky single dad on a charming Outer Banks island, she must sacrifice everything to protect the loving refuge his family provides. USA Today Bestselling Author

Rebecca York – Annie’s Time: She had come to Florida on a secret mission, but she couldn’t remember what it was. ~ When a mysterious Annie Oakley drops into his murder case, Dakota realizes trust can be deadly, but the heat between them is worth the risk. When he finds out her secret mission, he realizes he must help her… or die trying. New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author

Taylor Lee – Challenged– When a DA’s victory paints a target on his back, protecting the sexy lead detective who survived an arson threatens to ignite their attraction while evading lethal enemies. USA Today Bestselling Author

Mona Risk – Rescue Plans: When a resilient nurse with a painful past joins a helicopter pilot running from his own demons, they must risk trusting each other to find healing in love’s shelter from life’s storms. USA Today Bestselling Author

Susanne Matthews – The Guardian: These detectives keep both the living and the undead safe. Secrets and old enemies resurface in New Orleans when a senator’s yacht vanishes along with prominent daughters, giving supernatural detectives 72 hours before hell breaks loose. International Bestselling Author

Susan Jean Ricci – Dazzle Me Hard: When a semi-retired pro wrestler recovering from a serious wound is roped into a charity match with a WWE Diva Champion, will the two competitors declare forfeit due to their red-hot attraction, or become the guardians they’ve always longed for? USA Today Bestselling Author

Patricia Rosemoor – Cowboy Protector: A psychic rancher risks all to save rodeo worker Annabeth from grave danger, taking her hostage to protect her, making her long for family and lifetime love. New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author

Enjoy EIGHT brisk and saucy romantic suspense stories brought to you by The Authors’ Billboard!

Get your ebook today or download it to read on your Kindle in Kindle Unlimited!

Tuesday Tales: From the Word SONG

Welcome to this week’s Tuesday Tales where a smallgroup of authors share their work in progress with you. This week our 400 word scenes are based on the word SONG. I’m continuing with my Contemporary Paranormal Romance, Listen to the Stones. Enjoy.

“I’m … I’m so sorry.” She licked her dry lips. It was astonishing how much they had in common. When Fate decided to bring people together, she certainly pulled out all the stops.

Unlike the previous haunting Scottish melodies she’d heard earlier, a Celtic instrumental with lots of drums and pipes filled the car.

“Whose music is that?”

“That’s Face the West’s newest song. They’re a Celtic band based right here on Lewis and Harris. They’ve gotten quite popular in all of Scotland.”

Marina chuckled. “I can understand that. They certainly wake you up, don’t they?”

“Scotland has always had a large number of musical groups and singers. People tend to think we only listen to the pipes, which we surely do, but AC/DC, The Jesus and Mary Chain, the Eurythmics, The Bay City Rollers, and Susan Boyle are all from this fair country.” He pulled off the road and down an unpaved laneway. “Welcome home, Lady Fraser.”

Marina swallowed. By now, it was as dark as it would’ve been back home at midnight. The lightning and thunder had stopped, but rain pelted the car more viciously than ever. Here and there, in the distance, she could make out the glow of outside lights, but there were no street lamps to light the way.

James stopped beside a large dark structure.

“This is Fraser Hall?” She gulped. “It doesn’t look too inviting.”

James laughed. “Well, what would after being closed up for months? Fiona said all of the repairs were complete, and the place was ready for you. The food you ordered was delivered yesterday, and Brian and Maeve put it all away for you. Let me unlock the door and turn on a few lamps for you.”

Nodding, Marina undid her seatbelt but stayed where she was.

Within minutes, James was back, but the building was as dark as ever.

“The power seems to be out, but there are plenty of candles inside, and I’ll look for torches and then start the generator for you.”

“What do you mean the power’s out? You told me that rarely happened here,” she accused, reminded of the Fraser clan chief’s warning in Inverness.

He might not be interested in Fraser Hall, but others were. Could someone have sabotaged the electrical lines to try and scare her away? Well, it wouldn’t work. This was her home, and she intended to keep it.

That’s it. Come back next week for more. Don’t forget to check out the other Tuesday Tales.

Tuesday Tales: From the Word LIGHTS

Welcome to this first post for Tuesday Tales in 2024. I still have no idea where 2023 went, but I’m hoping that 2024 will bring good things for everyone–health, happiness, peace, and prosperity.

This week, the talented authors from Tuesday Tales are writing to the word prompt LIGHTS. I’m continuing with Listen to the Stones. I’m a few words over this week. Sorry, but I needed to finish the scene.

Marina sighed, glancing at James whose attention was on the road. A fork of lightning split the sky, momentarily showing the vast, flat fields on each side of the road. Another clap of thunder shook the vehicle. The rain continued unrelenting in its fury. Now that they’d left the city, the only lights she could see were those shining outside and inside the houses that they passed along the way. There was little traffic either going or coming from Stornoway. At times, without the light illuminating the road ahead of them, it would be as dark as it had been inside those caves so long ago. She shivered.

“Is it always like this? I heard that it rained a lot, but no one mentioned storms.”

James reached out a hand to touch hers.

“Not afraid of a little thunder and lightning are you? They can’t hurt you any more than the rain rocking the vehicle can. While we do have storms, one of this magnitude at this time of year is unnatural, but Mother Nature’s been through a great deal these past few decades. You’ll be fine and cozy once we get to the Hall. If you like, I can stay with you a bit and help you settle in, but MacIsaac’s croft is the one closest to the Hall and Brian, your handyman has an partment just above the garage.”

“I’m sure I’ll be fine. Does the power go off in these storms? Do I have a generator?”

“I’ve never known the power to go out, but you’ve several fireplaces. I can make sure they’re all ready to go before I leave.”

“Thank you. Tell me about yourself.”

Hadn’t Nana maintained that there was someone out there for her? That she just had to open her heart and be ready to let love in? Here she was, sitting next to a gorgeous man with a sexy-as-hell accent who liked to cook. What could be better than that?

“I’ve been on my own for almost ten years. That’s when I discovered it was either learn to cook or starve. I spent a lot of time with my Aunt Mary. She was my mother’s sister, and when my parents died, she made a point of staying in touch.”

“I’m so sorry for your loss. I know what it’s like to lose a parent. I may not have known my father or my great-uncle, but my mother, grandmother, and I were very close. Do you still spend time with your aunt?”

He shook his head. “Aunt Mary died during the pandemic, but she left me her home and her cat, so I’m not all alone.”

That’s it. Come back next week for more. Don’t forget to check out the other Tuesday Tales.

Goodbye 2023, Hello 2024

It doesn’t seem all that long ago that I wished you all a happy 2023. It may seem to defy the laws of physics, but time does seem to go by more quickly as we age. The reality is that many of us have simply slowed down. We can deny it all we want, but our bodies come with an expiry date. For me, it’s the joints that are the biggest problem, for others it’s the heart, the lungs, or the mind.

But I’m not down and out yet. I have plans for 2024 starting with finishing some editing for a very special friend and taking a vacation down south for some fun in the sun. When I come back, I will set up my work calendar. I intend to publish books in 2024. Not as many as in 2023, or 2022, but a manageable number given that I work slower now than I did and have a number of responsibilities that cannot be overlooked. So, as Jack says, I’ll still do things–some dumb, some not so dumb–but I’ll do them slower.

And since it’s the cusp of the New Year, let’s talk about goals and resolutions.

Every year, some of us set our goals for the coming year. To be honest, I don’t have a good track record here, but I may as well try one more time–the difference is that I want to be practical this year.

First goal, I want to focus more on my health. I’m tired of being sore and tired all the time. So my first goal will be to see the doctor for a check-up. Part of this goal will be to lose some weight. According to the experts, the best way to do this is by being accountable to someone other than yourself. So, once a month, I will post my current weight and distance to my goal. I’ll start now at 166 lbs. Goal weight? 150 lbs–I’ll still be overweight for my height, but as I said, I intend to be realistic. I hope to increase the number of steps I take each day. With bad knees and hips, that won’t be many, but I hope to stand more and maybe throw in some chair exercises. We’ll see.

The second goal will be to complete 6 books by the end of 2024, three of which have been started but have languished on my desktop as I committeed to completing other work instead. I will set a six-hour workday for writing, which I hope will allow me time to do some of the other things I’ve put off for too long, like reading for pleasure and promoting my work. To that end, I will continue with my weekly Tuesday Tales and try to blog about something interesting once a week.

The third goal/ resolution is not to overextend myself and to truly think before I commit to anything else be it in my personal life or my writing life. I find it very hard to say no and I have to remember that saying no can be a positive thing. There’s only so much of me to go around.

My fourth goal is to get out more. Yes, I like to travel, but in all honesty, I am not a social bunny. I tend to stay home more than I should. So, in 2024, I will try to get out for something other than visits to the nursing home and grocery shopping at least once a month. Maybe hubby and I can plan weekend trips or date nights. We’ll see.

And my final goal will be to let things go that I can’t change instead of dwelling on them. I can donate to charity, but I can’t end poverty. I can pray for peace, but I can’t end war. I can wish I was younger, but I can’t turn back time. Dwelling on all the things that happen that I can’t change simply wastes precious energy and makes it harder to get the sleep I need. I have to let it go!

That’s it. In keeping with these goals, I’m starting the New Year off with dinner with friends and family. I will stay up past midninght, reaffirm my goals in the morning and start January 1st on a positive note.

Wishing you all a great 2024. Do you make goals and resolutions? How good are you at keeping them? My track record has been abysmal. Hopely, in 2024, I’ll do better.

Tuesday Tales: From the word END

Welcome to the last Tuesday Tales post of 2023. It’s been an eventful year. Wishing you all the best in 2024. This week, fittingly enough, our word prompt is END. I still have several weeks’ worth of work on Listen to the Stones yet to complete. I hope you’re enjoying the story as much as I am researching and writing it. 

Marina chewed her lip. Was James just being friendly or had he asked her out on a date? Did it matter? The man was drop-dead gorgeous, and she wouldn’t mind getting to know him better. It wasn’t as if she had a lot of friends in the area, and since Lews Castle could well be serious competition for Fraser Hall, didn’t it make sense to check it out as soon as she could?

“I’d like that. I know what clotted cream is, but I’ve never had it. It’s not quite like whipped cream or even crème fraîche although they’re all made with heavy cream.”

Seriously? This is what I want to discuss with the hunky man who rescued me?

James nodded. “Aye, but your North American dessert cream is whipped into airy peaks, while our clotted cream is heated until clots form into an almost crunchy layer, while crème fraîche is cultivated with bacteria, in a similar way to yogurt. I used to watch my mother make it back in the day. With its ultra-thick consistency, clotted cream can even be mistaken for butter without the yellow dye in it. People do interchange crème fraîche and clotted cream, but the former is best used in soups, sauces, and similar French dishes, while the latter is a topping. Am I boring you, my lady? I tend to get carried away talking about food preparation.”

“Marina, please. No, of course not. I’m impressed.” She smiled once more. “I’ve spent most of my adult life working as a chef, even though I don’t have the paperwork to prove it, so I love learning all about new foods. Once I decided to accept my inheritance, I spent some time looking up traditional Scottish dishes. Since Fraser Hall is a bed and breakfast, I’ll be expected to serve that meal, but in time, I might like to add tea and possibly even supper to my services. As for our discussion, it’s been my experience that most men, chefs aside, would rather eat the food than discuss its preparation or the cleaning up required afterward. Do you have an interest in cooking and baking?”

Thank you, Fate. After years of making my life miserable, you really are coming through for me. This could well be a match made in heaven. Bob had never been interested in what happened in the kitchen. Most of the time, he’d scarfed down his food so quickly that by the end of the meal, she’d wondered if he’d even realized what he’d eaten.

That’s it. Come back next week for more. Don’t forget to check out the other Tuesday Tales.

Tuesday Tales: From the Word CREAM

Welcome to the week’s Tuesday Tales. We’re less than a week away from Christmas. The tree is decorated, the gifts are wrapped and most of the food is ready to be cooked. Wishing everyone a festive holiday. This week, I’m continuing with Listen to the Stones. Marina is back at the airport with Wee James. Our word prompt is CREAM. Enjoy.

“I’ll show you a wee bit of Stornoway as we drive through. It’s only nine minutes away.”

“Then why did it take so long for you to come and get me?”

He hesitated a moment before answering. “I … I wasn’t in the office. As Ewen’s associate, I deal with … clients when he’s away.”

Why did she get the sense that he wasn’t being completely honest?

“But I’m here now.” He put the vehicle in gear and pulled away from the curb.

Marina straightened against the seat. Where he’d been and what he’d been doing were none of her business. What lawyers did with clients was confidential. She should’ve recalled that.

James expertly navigated the vehicle first along the highway from the airport then through the streets of Stornoway.

“That’s Lews Castle.” He indicated the building as they drove passed it. “It was built in the gothic revival style by Sir James Matheson in the mid-nineteenth century. At one time or another, it housed nobility, WWII convalescing soldiers, college students, and even school children, but it’s now essentially a series of self-catering apartments with a terrific view of the harbor.”

She angled herself in the seat to get a better view. “It’s huge, and from what I can see it looks as though all the trees on the island surround it.”

James laughed. “Not quite but you’re close. Sir James and his wife created this forest. It’s got a lot of unusual trees, but many that are native to Northern Scotland. You have lodge pole trees imported from Western North America near Fraser Hall.”

She cocked an eyebrow. “Really? Why from there?”

“The trees are hardy and fast-growing, which is a plus.”

Nodding, she turned back to James. “Tell me more about the castle.”

“There’s not much to tell, but the upper floors have been divided into several contemporary apartments and suites, each one unique and luxurious. The fanciest ones incorporate the towers and turrets. On the main floor, people can enjoy some of the island’s cuisine in the Storehouse Café. At this time of the year, it’s only open Thursday through Sunday from ten in the morning until three in the afternoon—essentially for lunch.”

She grinned. “I’ll have to make a point of checking it out.”

“I’d be happy to take you there for lunch on Sunday,” he offered. “They have the very best scones, served with clotted cream and jam.”

That’s it. Come back next week for more. Don’t forget to check out the other Tuesday Tales.

Happy Book Birthday. It’s time for Noelle’s Gambit!

When Noelle Canton discovers that her uncle’s sale of the inn will ruin Christmas not just for her but for the town, she is determined not to let it happen. All she needs to do is delay the demolition by a month and convince the corporate troubleshooter to see things her way. Will her plan work or will Scrooge and his greedy band of followers carry the day?

The Hollygrove Inn on the outskirts of Oakville, Vermont, has always been Noelle’s home, but lately, things haven’t gone well. When Clarington Resorts makes her uncle a generous offer, he accepts, but the offer requires them to move out of the inn before Christmas, canceling the annual Christmas Extravaganza, something he failed to mention to Noelle.
Determined not to let that happen, Noelle comes up with a plan she hopes will delay the demolition and shows up at a town council meeting with a significant number of supporters. With goodwill essential to the company’s success in the area, they offer to send someone to discuss the matter and try to come to an arrangement.
It’s up to Noelle to convince the company’s man to let them have this one last Christmas Extravaganza at the inn. But things are not what they seem. There’s something familiar about Jim Hatcher. When she discovers the truth about him, will she forgive him, especially when it looks as if her gambit has failed?

We’ve all seen at least one Hallmark Christmas movie where the ski lodge everyone loves is about to close for one reason or another. In many ways, those movies influeneced my decision to write Noelle’s Gambit, but so did climate change, and it’s never been more eveident that this year.

I live in Eastern Ontario. When I was younger, we almost always had snow for Christmas–hell, we often had it for Halloween. Thanks to a massive system, we had snow for Christmas last year, but it was gone within days. This year, we’re definitely having a green/black Christmas. It’s hard to call it a green Christmas when every single plant other than the evergreens is dormant. We’re mere days from the Winter Solstice, it’s cloudy, and we’re expecting significant rain–an inch and a half–with the possibility of a thunderstorm today. We’re also experiencing unseasonable temperatures, 46 F today and looking at 39 F for Christmas Day, not a good time to be trying to hang on to an old-fashioned ski resort. New resorts are equipped with snowmaking machines that supplement whatever Mother Nature does or doesn’t send.

Noelle undesrstands that her uncle is caught between a rock and a hard place, but he promised her one last Thanksgiving, one last Christmas, and to her mind, one last Christmas Extravaganza at the inn before he sells. When she dicovers that’s not going to happen, she makes up her mind to find a way to stop it–at least temporarily. That’s Noelle’s Gambit, one last roll of the dice to preserve the memories of the place she loved and her beloved aunt.

And, of course, since it’s a Cocktails for You book, it contains a new winter drink for you to try. A Noelle’s Gambit is a variation on Hot Buttered Rum. It includes spiced rum, Kahlua, Grand Marnier, and hot orange juice to make a drink that will warm you on those cold winter nights.

Noelle’s Gambit is available in both e-book and paperback format from any Amazon distibutor.

Enjoy. Wishing you all a wonderful holiday season this year. If you like snow, I hope you get some. If tou don’;t, well, you just might get your wish, too.