Spotlight: Wedding Bells in Silverwood by Dorothy Dreyer

(Silverwood Series)

Publication date: November 26th 2024

Genres: Adult, Contemporary, Holiday, Romance

Synopsis:

Silverwood’s most anticipated event of the year is upon us—Holly St. Ives and Nick Mason’s New Year’s Eve wedding. But as one disaster after another strikes in the weeks leading up to their big day, Holly begins to suspect that something is amiss.

Enter Viola Carver, a former culinary prodigy who put her career on hold to care for her disabled mother. Given a last-minute opportunity to cater the event of the season, Viola is determined to prove herself. But she fears she may blow her big chance after several rocky encounters with the dashing venue owner.

With a saboteur on the loose who’s intent on ruining Nick and Holly’s wedding, it might take Nick’s team of Alaskan Malamutes and a New Year’s miracle to save the day.

Excerpt

Did I really agree to this?

Holly St. Ives shielded her eyes from the August sun and glared at the uphill dirt trail in front of her, half tempted to fake a sudden illness so she could go home and hide under the covers. She’d prefer her nice, warm, cozy bed to a thin sleeping bag on a cold, bumpy tent floor anyway.

Nick Mason, her devoted boyfriend for eight months and counting, closed the SUV’s trunk and roped his arms through the straps of the oversized backpack. “You ready for this?”

Nick’s Alaskan Malamute, Cupid, wagged his tail eagerly, waiting for the green light to charge up the hill.

Holly eyed the steep climb and raised her brow. “Would you be upset if I changed my mind?” 

Nick handed Holly her rucksack, which was considerably smaller than his. “I thought you said seeing the Northern Lights is at the top of your bucket list.”

Holly squirmed as she slung the pack over her thin jacket. “I could just watch them online.” She yanked her chestnut brown waves out from the purple, pashmina scarf encompassing her neck, hoping Nick might agree with her.

Nick smirked, rubbing a hand over the scruff on his chiseled jawline. “That’s not the same thing.”

“I know.” Holly shifted, kicking a rock with her hiking boots. “But when you invited me on this trip, I didn’t realize how much we’d be … roughing it.”

Nick placed his hands on her hips and tugged her close. “Look, once we get up there and have everything set up, you’ll love it. I booked a premium spot, one the park assured me was a perfect place to experience the aurora borealis. And if that’s not enough to tempt you, I’ve brought hot chocolate and marshmallows.”

Holly swayed, adjusting the weight she carried. “Like mini marshmallows that go in the hot chocolate or big ones for roasting over a fire?”

“Both.”

Holly squinted at him with a half-smile. “Fine. But only because I’m a sucker for cocoa.” And the company’s not so bad either.

Cupid barked, reminding them he was still waiting for permission to start their adventure. The black and white bundle of fur sniffed at the air and paced around Nick.

“Yeah, go on, boy.” Nick grasped the tent bag handles as Cupid took off and then gave Holly a quick peck before pulling a cap over his short-cropped, dark hair.

With a sigh of defeat, Holly gathered her waves into a quick, messy bun. You can do this. It’ll be worth it. Just think of those magical lights.

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About the Author

Dorothy Dreyer is a Philippine-born American living in Germany with her family. She is an award-winning, USA Today Bestselling Author of fantasy, romance, and horror books that usually have some element of magic or the supernatural in them. Aside from reading, she enjoys movies, binge-watching series, chocolate, take-out, traveling, and having fun with friends and family. She tends to sing sometimes, too, so keep her away from your Karaoke bars.

Connect:

https://www.dorothydreyer.com/

https://www.facebook.com/AuthorDorothyDreyer

https://www.instagram.com/dorothydreyer/

https://x.com/DorothyDreyer

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5815423.Dorothy_Dreyer

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Spotlight: My Christmas Wish by Jordan Bates

Release Date: December 3

Apollo

I’ve loved Lottie since the moment I met her. We’d been inseparable since she was born and somewhere in my heart I thought we’d never be apart.

That was until I left.

Now, five years later, I’m back in town for the holidays.

I’ve got a lot to prove to make my Christmas wish come true.

————————-

Charlotte

I’ve known and loved Apollo my whole life. He’d always been there for me and I always thought we’d be together forever.

That was until he left and I had to move on with life.

Now I’m home for the holidays and single for the first time in three years. But this time, Apollo is home too.

I know time has passed, but I’m hoping he can make my Christmas wish come true.

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Meet Jordan Bates

Jordan Bates is an up and coming romance author from Florida, who is determined to write loves that last and are true to everyone who reads them.

Jordan graduated from UCF with a degree in English – Creative Writing. She has been writing since her freshman year in high school, where she finished her first and second book. Since then, she has pursued writing poetry, young adult novels, and romance novels.

When Jordan isn’t working or writing, you can find her looking for inspiration among the forests, and finding all the new food to eat. Because what’s better than writing? Eating an amazing burrito.

Keep up with Jordan Bates and subscribe to her newsletter: https://wordpress.us19.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=599ae033464cc68e87cbea584&id=301c8561a1

To learn more about Jordan Bates  & her books, visit here!

Connect with Jordan Bates: https://authorjordanbates.com/stalk-the-author/

Spotlight: The Life and Times of Sherlock Holmes: Essays on Victorian England Book V by Liese Sherwood-Fabre

Genre: Nonfiction History, Literary Criticism 

Rediscover Victorian England's forgotten history and culture.

Volume V of The Life and Times of Sherlock Holmes explores the cultural, scientific, and historical allusions found throughout Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s famous detective stories. This collection of essays unpacks twenty-four topics mentioned in the original mysteries, from everyday details like hats and plumbing to complex issues such as international spying, the binomial theorem, and relations with Russia. Through such insights, readers gain a deeper understanding of the Victorian world in which Holmes operated.

Other essays explore both the familiar and the obscure, touching on subjects like the KKK’s presence in England, the significance of whaling, and legal concepts like insanity and blackmail. Unique cultural topics—such as the role of curry in the British Empire, the rise of bohemianism, and the Victorian obsession with rejuvenation through animal hormones—reveal the rich complexity of the era. The collection also features a bonus essay on Sarah Cushing from The Adventure of the Cardboard Box, offering fresh insight into one of the most sinister characters in the Canon.

Whether examining automata, wax figures, or the legal definitions of murder and suicide, The Life and Times of Sherlock Holmes provides a compelling lens through which readers gain a deeper understanding of the historical and social backdrop of the Holmes mysteries.

A must-read for Sherlockians, history enthusiasts, and anyone eager to uncover the hidden layers of Victorian England.

Excerpt

The Sinister Side of Insurance

In The Sign of the Four, Holmes tells Watson that one should not be fooled by outward qualities. As an example, he states, “The most winning woman I ever knew was hanged for poisoning three little children for their insurance money.” Insurance policies were quite popular in Victorian times, and, sadly, more than one insured person met their end under suspicious circumstances. The sudden inheritance of a sum sometimes equivalent to a working man’s annual salary was a temptation some couldn’t resist. Two sisters went so far as to recruit other women in a sort of club to collect insurance benefits.

Ancient Romans were the first to create life insurance policies in the form of burial clubs. Burial was necessary because if the person wasn’t interred correctly, they were doomed to an afterlife as an unhappy ghost. These burials, however, cost money, and Caius Marius organized his troops into clubs that pledged to pool resources to cover the cost of these rituals. Over time, the clubs included a sum of money provided to any of the deceased’s survivors.

This practice appeared again in the 1500s in London when Richard Martin bought a policy underwritten by 16 others for a man named William Gibbons. Martin collected £4800 for the premium of £384. This practice continued for the next 200 years until outlawed in 1774. 

By 1700, life insurance shifted from speculation on a particular person’s death to that of tontines. In this arrangement, individuals would pay each year into a common account, and those surviving until the end of the year would receive a payout based on the number surviving. Over time, these groups would even invest funds to increase the pool. The Amicable Society for a Perpetual Assurance Office used this concept of a tontine to establish the first recognized life insurance company. Founded by William Talbot, the Bishop of Oxford, and Sir Thomas Allen, 2nd Baronet, in 1706, the society began with 2000 members who paid a fixed amount per year for one to three shares. At the end of the year, the widows and children of any of the members who passed during the year received the deceased member’s portion.

Unfortunately, life insurance companies and practices faced little to no regulation on who could be insured. Fraud abounded in the industry with some being covered under numerous policies, and some of those insured (particularly children) murdered for the benefits. While actual figures cannot be calculated, Renee Noffsinger examined reported homicide cases to estimate the vulnerability of children under 5 was at least 40 times greater than that for older children.

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About the Author 

Liese Sherwood-Fabre is an award-winning author known for her meticulously researched works of historical fiction and mystery. With a background in social sciences, she brings a unique depth to her characters and settings, particularly in her acclaimed series The Life and Times of Sherlock Holmes, which explores Victorian England through the lens of the famous detective’s world. Her essays delve into the cultural and historical intricacies of the era, uncovering hidden details that enhance her stories’ authenticity. Her fiction weaves real historical events and social insights into suspenseful plots, creating immersive narratives that captivate fans of both history and mystery.  An avid traveler and lifelong scholar, Dr. Sherwood-Fabre combines curiosity and expertise to craft stories that transport readers to fascinating past worlds filled with intrigue and insight.

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Spotlight: eMortal by Steve Schafer

“What do you mean I’m not real?”

The question floats in the electrified space between Liv and Breck.

When Liv entered a contest to code an advanced AI, she never anticipated what her creation might become—Breck is thoughtful, self-aware, and incredibly. . .human. And she certainly never intended for him to learn the truth about his existence or the fact that his world ends when the contest closes in six days.

But he does learn. And he revolts.

Liv’s efforts to save him fall on deaf ears. Nobody believes her. Breck’s efforts to outrun his fate only complicate his situation.

What neither of them know is that someone else is watching. Intensely. When they get involved, both Liv’s and Breck’s worlds are turned upside down. . .

Excerpt

“Hey,” Breck answers, like someone expecting a call. His authenticity throws me off for a moment.

He’s a computer. I’m really proud of what he is, but he’s a computer.

“Thanks for giving us a few minutes,” I respond. “We’re ready to give you the full truth, Breck. But only if that’s what you want.”

“I would like answers, Liv,” he says decisively.

“Then we’re going to be direct and honest, but it may not be easy to understand, okay?”

“Nothing seems easy right now. And feeling as though I do not know the truth only makes it harder.”

I swallow a deep breath. “My mom was telling the truth. You exist on a computer.”

Breck doesn’t respond.

“Hello?”

“I don’t understand,” he says.

“Do you know what a computer is?” I ask. I forgot that he may not even know what this is.

“Yes, I know what a computer is, but what exactly does that mean?”

“It means you were programmed as part of a contest,” I say.

“A contest to do what?”

“To learn and to tackle challenges in a virtual world,” I answer.

He doesn’t respond for a few seconds. I give him space to take it in. I know there are more questions on the way.

“Who programmed me?”

“I did.”

“You made me?”

“Yes.”

“For a contest?”

“Yes.”

“And I don’t really exist?” Breck asks.

“I guess that’s a matter of perspective. You exist in your world.”

“Which doesn’t really exist. That is what you meant by virtual, right?”

“Yeah, technically it’s not ‘real.’” I say.

“Me or it?” he presses.

I hesitate. He doesn’t give me time.

“What do you mean I’m not real?”

The question floats in the electrified space between us.

“That’s not what I said,” I finally correct, trying to be choiceful with my words. Shit, this is hard. “Where you exist isn’t real, in the way that we know it,” I answer.

“The way that you know it,” he corrects me.

Lana sits enraptured by the conversation, though I can’t tell if she’s impressed or appalled by how it’s going. So far, I’m not certain either.

“I suppose so,” I mutter.

“This makes no sense.”

“I’m sure it’s tough to understand, let alone accept it. But it’s the truth.”

“How can I accept that everything that I experience is not real? What is real, Liv?” he asks more like an accusation than a question.

“It’s . . . it’s . . . only a label. Semantics. What you experience is real to you, Breck.”

“Semantics? A label?” His voice rises with the first question and even louder with the second.

I instinctively hold the phone farther away from my body. Lana flinches.

“Who cares what we call it. You have two days left and there are more challenges,” I answer.

“What happens in two days?”

He’s just a computer. This is all Turing.

But as much as I try to convince myself, it feels more and more like I’m tormenting something that’s tormentable. Whatever that is. What the hell have I gotten myself into here?

“The contest ends in two days,” I reluctantly admit.

“And then what happens?”

“It ends.”

“I’m not asking about the contest. I’m asking about what happens to me!”

I’m way back on my heels now. I send a pleading look to Lana for help. She waggles her head, reminding me that this was my choice and I’m the one who has to deal with it.

There’s no back peddling.

“It all ends, Breck.”

Silence.

“You said you wanted to know the truth,” I add.

“Of course I wanted to know!”

“Then why do you seem . . . upset?”

“Put yourself in my position! What would you do? Sit and do nothing? Wander aimlessly through the woods looking for Sam? Stay on this island? What difference does it make? Unless it’s all a ridiculous riddle, which I’m supposed to answer, or not answer, because Sam could never answer it.”

“I understand, Breck.” Even as the words flow, I know neither one of us buys it.

“I believed that until about ten minutes ago. Now, I don’t think you do. I don’t know what you are, Liv. But I don’t think that you are like me. And I think that you definitely do not understand me.”

“I’m sorry, Breck. I was only trying to help you.”

“No. You are trying to help you, and I am a tool to do that.”

He hangs up.

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About the Author

Steve Schafer is the author of two young adult novels. His first novel, The Border, was a finalist for the Joan F. Kaywell ‘Books Save Lives’ award based on the empathic way it addresses our conversation around immigration. His second novel, eMortal, examines the tricky questions, nebulous ethics, and surprising twists that may arise with quickly evolving AI.

Steve’s curiosity for exploring diverse perspectives on life has led him to live, work, study, volunteer, and travel to over 65 countries across 6 continents. Steve lives near Philadelphia with his wife and two kids.

You can read more about Steve and his books at https://steveschaferauthor.com.

Spotlight: When Stars Fall by Wendy Million

When I got my first big break, I was thrilled to be co-starring with Wyatt Burgess and thought I could handle life with him. But, when his best friend overdoses outside a nightclub, Wyatt spirals deeper into his addictions. After ten years of heartache, I’m content with the life I created and the last thing I expected was to see Wyatt on TV, telling the world his biggest regret is losing me. Readers who love second-chance romances will consume When Stars Fall by Wendy Million, a forced proximity, celebrity romance.

He's the most famous movie star in the world, and now he's on my doorstep begging for a second chance.

When I got my first big break, I was thrilled to be co-starring with the Wyatt Burgess–former childhood star, charismatic, sexy as hell–and heavily dependent on drugs and alcohol. 

I thought I could handle life with him, and I did for a while. But after his best friend overdosed outside a nightclub, he spiraled deeper into his addictions. Desperate, I gave him an ultimatum: the lifestyle or me.

After ten years of heartache, I’ve carved out a life that makes me feel stable and content. The last thing I expect is Wyatt Burgess on my television screen, telling the whole world his biggest regret is losing me. 

Now he’s standing in front of me, forcing me to choose between the comfortable life I’ve created and the passionate whirlwind that allowing him back into my life could bring.

But I wasn’t one hundred percent honest when I left, and I fear he’ll never forgive me.  

Excerpt 

Copyright 2024, Wendy Million

In a daze, I wander the narrow hall to my bedroom at the rear of my home. Although I can afford a lavish house, I have a small three-bedroom bungalow on an oceanfront lot. Nothing fancy, but it suits my needs. When I have to, I put on the glitz and glamor, but for the most part, I’m hidden away here in Hamilton, Bermuda. The frantic pace of Los Angeles is kept at bay by careful scheduling and an adherence to privacy above all else. The Hollywood pomp and circumstance were never for me; just the right place and people. Wyatt never understood that.

My security intercom buzzes, and I answer the nearest receiver. “Headed to bed, Freddie. What’s up?”

“Uh, Ellie, there’s a man here who wants to see you.”

“It’s late. I have jet lag. No one who knows me would come this late.”

I’ve made sure my house is hard to find. Entrances and exits are concealed by overgrown bushes and shrubs. The property is gated and not listed on any documents that are easy to access. Cab drivers and sightseeing tours get a hefty donation at the end of their high season if they haven’t used my name or property to advertise their businesses. Extreme privacy has been my companion since I left Wyatt and Los Angeles behind.

“It’s Mr. Wyatt Burgess, and he says he isn’t leaving until you agree to speak to him.”

Ice freezes in my veins and then fire chases it out. Turns out I don’t need to levitate off the island to commit murder tonight. “Oh, Freddie. I have a thing or two to say to Mr. Burgess. You can deliver him to the door.”

“Yes, ma’am.” A grin is evident in his voice. He must have watched The Jackson Billows Show too. With the show taped in the late morning, Wyatt had lots of opportunities to hop on a two-hour flight here. Never occurred to me he would.

I check my appearance in the kitchen mirror and then scold myself. I’ll open the door only to tell him to go to hell. Using national television to declare his undying love after ten years and a series of bad choices and then expecting me to take him back?! I don’t think so. Not happening.

At the side entrance where expected guests are delivered, I swing the door wide.

Immediately, I realize my mistake. He’s taller than I remembered, which seems ridiculous. That’s not all, though. His dark hair is a little darker, and his blue-green eyes more electric. Without the barrier of the screen, everything jumps at me at once.

My heart does one loud, crushing thump and falls to pieces.

Ten years, gone in a heartbeat.

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About Wendy Million

Wendy Million is an award-winning author whose contemporary romances about strong women and troubled men have captivated her loyal readers. She is the author of the contemporary second-chance romances, When Stars Fall and Miss Matched. Writing as W. Million, she is the author of the Bellerive Royals series, the Tucker Billionaires series, and the Little Falls series. When not writing, Wendy enjoys spending time in or around the water. She lives in Ontario, Canada with two beautiful daughters, two cute pooches, and one handsome husband (who is grateful she doesn’t need two of those).

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Spotlight: July and Everything After by Allie Nava

Publisher: DartFrog Books (September 16, 2024)

Maya’s journey from America to her birth country was meant to be a nostalgic visit. Instead, it became a fight for survival.

On the eve of Maya's 22nd birthday, civil war breaks out in Sri Lanka. During what will become known as “Black July,” Maya is targeted and attacked in the organized massacres and pogroms against minorities, and she barely escapes the genocidal chaos.

Haunted by the horrors she witnessed, Maya returns to the US and tries to rally a diverse group of allies to help expose the atrocities in her birth country, among them her Norwegian-American best friend, a magnanimous Catholic nun, and a gifted young man from her past.

Bent on justice, Maya isn’t prepared for the unexpected twists and turns and confrontations with a nemesis that will test her resolve. As the war and humanitarian crisis in Sri Lanka intensify, so does Maya’s disillusionment, but contact with a mysterious mentor whose wisdom she once ignored holds the key to her future.

Fans of Paolo Coelho, Amy Tan, Vaddey Ratner, and Khaled Hosseini will be captivated by July and Everything After, a modern tale of resilience and transformation against extraordinary odds and war.

Buy on Amazon Kindle | Hardcover | Paperback | Bookshop.org

About the Author

Allie Nava is an American writer who survived the violent anti-minority massacres of 1970s Sri Lanka. A former executive and writing advisor, she’s been a board member or advocate for several mission-oriented organizations including Bellevue Literary Review and Golden Seeds. She has been an invited speaker at several ideas festivals, universities, and conferences, an expert panelist for WNYC (The Brian Lehrer Show), and has been recognized for her work  by several organizations including Amazon, Harvard, and Asia Society.  She is a member of The Authors Guild.

You can follow the author at:

Newsletter: https://alliestories8.substack.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alliestories8

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alliestories8

Website: https://www.AllieNava.com