Friday 29 January 2016

Book - "Under the Spanish Stars" by Alli Sinclair

Alli Sinclair is getting ready to launch her new book, “Under the Spanish Stars”. From Alli’s facebook posts, there’s news that the print book is hitting the Australian shop shelves. The ebook and print book is due for release this February, real soon.


There’s also a free, kindle edition of the prequel novella-"Dreaming of Spain" available for download right now. Here’s the Amazon.com link. 
Amazon


The Blurb

An Australian woman’s life-changing journey, a secret from the past, a passionate encounter …

Charlotte Kavanagh’s beloved grandma Katarina Sanchez is gravely ill, so when she begs Charlotte to travel to her homeland in AndalucĂ­a to uncover the truth behind a mysterious painting, Charlotte agrees. Taking leave from her soul-destroying job and stalled life in Australia, Charlotte embarks on a quest through Granada’s ancient cobble-stoned streets and vibrant neighbourhoods. There she meets Mateo Vives, a flamenco guitarist with a dark past, and quickly becomes entangled in the world of flamenco and gypsies that ignites a passion she had thought lost.

But the mystery surrounding the painting deepens, reaching back in time to the war-torn Spain of the 1940s and Charlotte discovers her grandmother’s connection to the Spanish underground. Who is her grandmother, really? What is Mateo’s connection to her family history? And why is finding answers to a family mystery turning into a journey of self-discovery for Charlotte?


Weighed down by secrets, betrayals and shattered relationships, Charlotte finds herself questioning the true meaning of heritage, family and love.


About Alli

Alli Sinclair is a multi award-winning author of books that combine travel, mystery, and romance. An adventurer at heart, Alli has climbed some of the world’s highest mountains and immersed herself in an array of exotic destinations, cultures, and languages. Alli writes stories that capture the romance and thrill of discovering new destinations and people. Luna Tango was Alli’s debut novel and Under The Spanish Stars will be released in February, 2016.

Alli volunteers as an author role model with Books in Homes, promoting literacy and reading amongst young Australians.

Alli can be found at www.allisinclair.com.


Some words from Alli

I've always been fascinated by other cultures and since I was a child, I've read stories set in exotic destinations. I've been lucky enough to travel to some amazing places and so it only made sense for me to combine my love for travel, adventure and culture in my stories. This new book, Under the Spanish Stars, is set in beautiful and historic Granada in southern Spain. It gives a taste of flamenco and the gypsy culture, while delving into the turbulent history of Spain in the 1930s and 40s. Researching the book led me down some very mysterious and interesting paths, and I've managed to combine some of that research into the mystery that surrounds Under the Spanish Stars. This book will appeal to anyone who enjoys multi-generational stories that explores the relationships between family, lovers, and self as well readers who enjoy reading stories set in foreign destinations, romance, adventure and a twist of mystery.

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥

 I read the prequel novella— “Dreaming of Spain” over the Christmas holidays. I enjoyed the set-up of the story and the introduction to the characters for the new book coming soon, “Under the Spanish Stars”. I’m also reading “Luna Tango”, Alli’s award-winning book. It’s such an interesting read with the three generations of women, the heroine-Dani, her mother and grandmother who all have some connection to the Argentine world of Tango. The story travels from the present to vintage Argentina. “Luna Tango” is one of those books I don’t want to end.

“Under the Spanish Stars” will be available in print and e-book.
Down below, there’s a whole lot of links if you’d like to buy a copy or pre-order.
Over on Google + and facebook, I’ll be sharing two other posts about Alli and her new book.

The weather is a bit crazy at the moment. We have a cyclone (tornado) developing off the Western Australian coast. There’s wild storms in the east of Australia and snow blizzards up there in those countries near the top of the world. Here’s hoping there’s a better week of weather ahead of us all.

Cheers
Ashlyn

LINKS

Published by Harlequin MIRA (Australia) http://www.harlequinbooks.com.au/product/9781760374181


PRINT:






EBOOK:












Friday 22 January 2016

Book - "Sweet and Spicy - A celebration of Romance." by Members of the Melbourne Romance Writers Guild

To celebrate the silver anniversary of the Melbourne Romance Writers Guild, every member collaborated in the efforts to self-publish an anthology of their short stories. Sounds like a great team effort. 

These last 25 years the Guild has also supported romance authors as they strive towards publication and beyond.

The Blurb from Amazon.com is busting with details about the contemporary, historical, paranormal, sweet to erotic short stories in this collection. Surely, there will be at least one story you like.

Pleasures Exotic by Andra Ashe - Contemporary Erotic 
They’re happily married and still hopelessly in lust. A perfect match in every way - so why is she hooking up with a stranger in a bar? 

The Artist by Rita H. Azar 
When a young woman falls for a well-known artist, her heart is torn. She faces the difficult decision between pursuing this relationship or conforming to what is socially acceptable. 

The Alpha in Her by Tamsin Baker – Paranormal Erotic Romance 
Since a young age Amelia has been extraordinarily attracted to the Alpha of her pack. When he chooses the wrong mate she fights to save him from making another terrible mistake. 

Baby Did a Bad Bad Thing by Savannah Blaize – Sexy contemporary 
Sophia had a court case on her mind, but a chance encounter with ruggedly handsome and sexy Romeo was threatening to distract her. Should she give in to his charm, or kick him to the curb? 

A Wife for the Orange Farmer by Dora Bramden – Sexy Contemporary 
David has his hands full with the orchard and his grandmother but she has decided to marry him off to her new PCA. If only they could see despite their shattered hearts that they’re perfect for each other. 
Heart’s Symphony by Jess Devine - Fantasy 
Meisha, a young woman in the King's Court, is about to discover a very big secret about King’s Conservator Bjorn.It will challenge everything Meisha believes in and turn their worlds upside-down. 

The Painted Courtesan by Janis Linford - Historical 

The Blind Date by Antonina Mtanu – Sexy Contemporary 
Kelly’s blind date turns date turns out to be a crush from college years ago but will they hit it off or will a stalker ruin the best thing to happen to her? 

Chocolate Truffle Kiss by Cassandra O’Leary – Romantic Comedy 
Beth watches tall dark and delicious barista Samuel every day over her favourite cafe latte and chocolate truffle. Could he be watching her and wanting her too? 

The Soldier’s Duchess by Samara Parish - Historical Sweet 
After four years fighting on the Peninsula, Anthony Pembroke has returned home and is forced to face the woman who didn't wait for him. 

Breakfast at Midnight by Elvina Payet – Sweet Contemporary 
A handsome stranger brings back the terrible past that Amelia Sinclair has tried to forget. Can Jarrod Webster wipe away her dark guilt and lead her to a bright future? 

Goddess of Fire by R.L. Phoenix – Fantasy 
Andraste has found her guardian angel, Darius. Will the ultimate betrayal come from the one she has come to trust and love the most? 

In Time by Eliza Renton – Sexy Contemporary 

Life Begins at Christmas by Katerina Simms – Sexy Contemporary 
Kristen When a steamy encounter thrusts Kristen together with her devilishly handsome new boss, Julian, her heartbreaking secret threatens to ruin their chances at love. 

Truth, Love and Lies by Maggie-Ann Smith – Sexy Contemporary

Cold Case Warm Heart by Michelle Somers – Romantic Suspense 
Homicide detective Calamity Dresden has twenty-four hours to catch a killer. Estranged lover and murder victim’s son Sebastian Rourke wants justice. But can they stay focused on solving the case and keep their hands off each other? 

Gentle On Her Mind by Louisa Valentine – Short and Sweet 
Rosie is desperate enough for a baby that she rashly accepts the astounding offer of a stranger willing to fulfil her heart’s desire and opens the door to a once-in-a-lifetime relationship. 

Orphan Road by P.J. Vye – Sweet Contemporary 

The good cheer isn’t over yet. The Kindle price for “The Sweet and Spicy” Anthology is $2.15 US.  Here’s the link to Amazon US, http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B017DVII34/

The book is also available from Barnes & Nobles, Smashwords and All Romance Books. Links to the other bookstores are available at the Guild page here, http://www.melbournerwg.com/

Enjoy your week, 
reading or not, 
Ashlyn

Friday 15 January 2016

Hello and Welcome to 2016 on the Blogger.





Have you got some plans or things you would like to achieve in 2016?


Are you starting the year with a blank page or a fresh canvas?









Be free and chase your dreams.

Find your passions and they will lead you to your purpose and onward to ultimate happiness.

What about a healthy mind, body, heart and spirit for the journey?




From a person with tea, coffee and chocolate addictions, bad habits, and who leads a far from a perfect life, I offer you some of my “new year—new you”, make-over, to-do or think-about list. It’s a ridiculously wordy title for a list for a good reason—I probably won’t follow it. 



But I am feeling the urges to connect more with nature, get healthier and happier, and write more stories in 2016.

Here goes my list of aspirations and inspirations for the new year…

Mind
Don't let others steal your thoughts or rob your attention from what’s important in your life. Quieten the noise of other people’s thinking that affects you negatively.
There’s the fatigue of an over-active, too busy, over-thinking mind.
Take some time out for silence and solitude. Meditate to put your mind at ease.


Body
Be grounded in the body. It’s a good place to live. It’s full of sensory perceptions from its experiences of the world and people around it, tune in.
Be able to afford or buy healthy food.
Find exercise that works with your body rather than damages it.

A lot of us live among electromagnetic fields generated from electronic devices. Stand-by lights from electronic gadgets can interfere with brain sleep patterns. Turn off those lights in your bedroom before you pull up the blankets.


Heart
Release the fears.
Keep an open-heart with people.
Use emotional intelligence as well as the powers of the mind.
Smile.
Live life and LOVE.


Spirit
Avoid the toxicity and negativity.
Beware the energy vampires.
Walk, and dance to the rhythm of your soul’s own drum. Take the high road.
Energize with crystals, the ocean, the forest, connect with nature in the ways you need to.
Each of us has unique gifts, live your purpose. Remember, you in all your beautiful imperfections and perfections matter to the people in your life.

Whatever your positive plans for 2016, I wish you every success with them.

♥ ♥ ♥ ♥


Coming Up on the Blogger

I have two romance books to write about in the coming weeks. Then February will be a month of romance posts on the Blogger and Google +. I can’t wait to share some Valentine-themed articles, music, and art from people all over the world.


Google + Collections

During the holiday break, I made some decisions about Collections based on what inspires, gets the creative juices flowing, and ties in with book writing. I also considered the beautiful art and picture posts I can’t resist from other G+ people.

When the Christmas pavlova and cherries were finished, I wrote a couple of introductions and purchased some stock photos to build the Collections. I also watched sections of the documentary, “That Sugar Film” to think about…how much sugar I eat. No more pavlova until next Christmas. Which leaves the chocolate addiction next on the hit list, but I don’t think I have the “won’t” power.





Victorian Age
In late December 2015, I started collecting and posting about the Victorian Age, an era in which I love to write romance stories.






Tango Dance

Towards the end of 2015, I was on fire with Tango dance paintings, photographs and youtube videos. The flames haven’t died down and I’m looking forward to more posts about the lover’s dance. 







Vintage
Sometimes nostalgia and sentimentalism pulls me out of the techno age and backwards in time. The Vintage Collection satisfies my interest in old things.






Hen Party Book
Is the Collection for posts about the contemporary romance story I’m writing. In 2016, I hope to self-publish some novellas about the girls’ night out that turns into a disaster for the heroine—Kyra, the bride-to-be, and the hero—Mr. J.







History
I like to read interesting articles from history so I made a collection to keep them together.




Armchair Travel, will be a new collection for 2016. ETA in a couple of month's time.
Have you ever come across something fascinating in the news that almost nudged you out of your seat and onto an airplane to go find out more about it? The Armchair Travel Collection will be my solution for satisfying the curiosity and wanderlust about the big, wide world when you can’t leave your life and jump on that airplane.


I’m both excited and nervous about another year of writing on the Blogger. But as a writer, I need to stretch the muscles and grow.

Hope you can join me again.
Ashlyn.