A Grandmother's Story. Why Lorraine Nelson Believes in Miracles.

Lorraine isn't just stopping by to share her new Christmas story with you, though I've added that data below. Today she's here to talk to you about miracles and how all year long, not just at Christmas, she has faith they exist, and why. I specifically asked her to share this story on Book Babe when she first told me. 'Cause I, too, need to be reminded there are miracles. Happy Holidays, everyone.

On January 22^nd, 2010, my first granddaughter was born. My goodness, she is such a precious child. Alexis was born with blond hair and blue eyes. Just an itty bitty little girl, but she was perfect. I was so proud. So was my son, Josh, and his girlfriend, Julie.

The day they were scheduled to come home from the hospital, I was ecstatic. Although I had managed to go see her, was even there at her birth, my health sometimes dictates what I can do or not on a daily basis. So I waited, and waited.

Finally, my son called me. He was all choked up. The pediatrician had been in to see Alexis and it was discovered that she’d been born without an eardrum in her left ear. She couldn’t hear from that side. The doctor had gotten no response at all. The news was heartbreaking.

We were devastated for her, but she is our baby and we love her. We all did our very best to protect her good ear from cold and infection. Several trips to speech and hearing were on the agenda that first year. And because she couldn’t hear properly, her speech, even her walking was delayed, because she was off balance.

When she was about a year old, our family doctor checked her ears. She saw an eardrum! Our doctor said she might have developmental delays, and that the drum might continue to grow, but we didn’t have much hope of her being able to hear from that side.

Alexis has continued to grow and to learn. Always a happy and affectionate child, she’s brought us great joy on a daily basis.

Then came a time, just this past summer when I was away and called home. Alexis is three now and wanted to speak to grandma, so Josh passed her the phone. Imagine my surprise when Josh told me that she’d listened with her bad ear and responded.

Her hearing has improved by leaps and bounds and we feel it’s nothing short of a miracle. She sings and dances around and always has a smile and a hug for everyone. And of course, she likes to spend time with her grandma. She sits on my knee and tells me stories while she types on the computer. Another author in the family? At this point, I feel that anything is possible. Never give up hope.

Alexis being able to hear is our family’s Christmas miracle.

God bless you all! I wish you a very Merry Christmas and the happiest of New Years.

Thanks, Lorraine, for sharing that. Readers, below I've taken the liberty of adding the data for Lorraine's new Christmas book. 

Can an organic grower and a cattle rancher find common ground?

When the acreage next door comes up for bid, Dustin Granger attends the auction hoping to obtain the property for his growing herd. Along with the creek running through the property, his cattle need more grazing land. What he doesn’t need or want is a city girl outbidding him to establish an organic farm.

Meredith McRae inherits a small fortune from a distant uncle and decides to invest in her future. The estate she’s come to bid on has everything she needs and no neighboring cowboy was going to thwart her…regardless how handsome.

Lorraine Nelson was born in Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada. She's a multi-published author of romantic suspense who shares her living quarters with an independent yet affectionate tomcat. When not at the computer crafting stories of romantic suspense, she can be found spending time with family, gardening, baking and, of course, reading.

Lorraine loves to hear from readers.
Weblog - http://lorrainenelson.wordpress.com
Website - http://lorrainenelson.weebly.com
Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/LorraineNelson.Author
Twitter - @lornelca

Strong is Sexy Heroine of the Week: Melissa Dehavilland

Book: Suited to be a Cowboy
Author: Lorraine Nelson
Heroine: Melissa Dehavilland

Strong:

Melissa Dehavilland found out that money doesn’t guarantee happiness. When her marriage falls apart and she’s left with a young son to raise, she doesn’t allow it to get her down. Fate intervenes when she and her son inherit her Grandfather’s horse ranch, and she decides to move there. A new start…a better life, for herself and for her son.

Taking over the running of the ranch meant hard work and long hours, but she was determined to fulfill her grandfather’s trust. Melissa could ride and rope as good as any of her wranglers, but she had a lot to learn. She tackled it head-on, one project or chore at a time. During the process, she’s rebuilt her self-esteem and reinforced positive values for her son. Strong and determined, the only thing she refuses to tackle is paperwork. Give her the outdoors any day. She’d sooner muck out the horse barn than do accounting or try to balance her checkbook.

Sexy: (excerpt)

Not unexpectedly, she rode like the wind, at one with her horse, her golden tresses blowing out behind her, tempting him, as did her derriere. It bounced nicely up and down as she rode. Jimmy kept his horse at a slow trot as he followed in her wake, thinking that he’d love to cup those butt cheeks in his bare hands and make her body bounce on his. If they hadn’t been on horseback, he might’ve breached the employer/employee relationship back there. Her eyes had darkened with desire and those firm, full lips had begged to be kissed. Right or proper protocol had nothing to do with it. He’d wanted to hold her tight, mold her body against his.

When she dismounted and stood beside her son, the reddish haze of sunset provided the perfect backdrop to outline her enticing curves. He gave his head a shake and rode closer, ready to dismount, but a quick glimpse of the area beyond rooted him to his saddle.

Blurb:

Inheriting a ranch on the heels of her husband walking out has Melissa Dehavilland struggling to learn the ropes. James McGovern, raised in foster care, has saved all his life toward a dream…that of owning a ranch. Such diverse backgrounds don’t always converge in harmony, especially when their first meeting turned sour, but working together means saving her ranch and restoring his dream. Respect is hard-earned and trust non-existent as they fight their attraction to each other. Melissa’s ex shows up, wanting a cut and causing trouble. The difficulties bind them closer together as they strive to guarantee a future…together.

Excerpt: (Strong)

Walt’s was the lead truck in their little convoy. Although he tended to flirt outrageously, Walt was good company and he soon realized that Melissa could give as good as she got. It all served to help pass the time and she found she enjoyed the ride to Kentucky…until they pulled onto the racetrack to find her ex-husband waiting with the potential buyers.

She thanked Walt and jumped down from the cab ready to send Marcus on his way while the men unloaded the stock. The sale of her horses had nothing to do with his running of Dehavilland Downs. If he hadn’t been the father of her only son, she would have sent him packing when the marriage ended.

Still fuming, she motioned him to one side and confronted him. “What are you doing here?”

“Why, darling, I’m overseeing the sale of our horses. Surely you wouldn’t expect me to leave something so important in your incapable hands.” Marcus wore an evil smirk that did nothing to cool her anger.

“How dare you! These are my horses.”

“Oh, I dare. I can fetch a much better price for them than you can. My share of the proceeds will compensate for the pittance I’m allowed for managing the track.”

“These are my buyers and my horses. You get paid handsomely for what you do and you’re not getting one red cent of my sale money. Now get off this track before I call security and have you removed for good.”

“Tut, tut, darling. Such a temper. What would Aaron say if you followed through on that threat?”

That thought gave her pause, but only for a moment. “Oh, I think he’d understand well enough, given the way you’ve kept in contact with him. Not! And don’t call me darling. You gave up that right when you walked out.”

She palmed her cell phone and began to dial.

“All right. You’ve won this round, but you’ll be sorry. Those buyers will strip you bare of the horses’ real worth, but you’re on your own. Know that I’ll be laughing from my position on the bleachers.”

Melissa breathed a sigh of relief as he stomped off. He could watch the proceedings or not. She really didn’t care.

At this time, Suited is available at Secret Cravings Publishing. This post will be updated with the Amazon link as soon as it is available on that site.

HEAs With Lorraine Nelson *Chance to Win Cameron's Quest*

Does every book have to have a happy ending? 

When writing a series, wouldn’t it be all right to leave the characters on a drastic hook?

My original manuscript had Cameron Manning being arrested at the end of the book, but my editor said, “No. We need the HEA.”

Even though we know his Irish love, Lacey Kerrigan, is going to stand behind him all the way, believing in his innocence.

Even though, as one of the ‘good guys’, we know he’s going to be proved innocent in the next book.

A relationship based on true love weathers the obstacles put in its path. So in a way, even though he’s arrested, it is a HEA just knowing they have that love to sustain them through difficult times. Life doesn’t always run smooth and having someone in your corner can be a real blessing. Isn’t that what love is all about?

What about you? Do you need that happily-ever-after or happy-for-now ending? Or would you be content to wait for the next book, which, by the way, is almost finished and ready to submit? 

***

Cameron Manning has never forgotten his first love. Of Irish descent, he met red-haired, fiery tempered Lacey Kerrigan in England, but her family returns to Ireland unexpectedly and they haven’t any means of contact. He finds her and receives the surprise of his life.

Lacey is thrilled to see Cameron, but is afraid of being hurt again. She keeps her distance and rebuffs his advances while he’s in Ireland, certain that a long distance affair will never work. But when tickets arrive for her to visit his home in Canada, she realizes his love is true and is willing to give them a second chance.

Fate intervenes when they find a murdered man on Cameron’s back deck. All evidence points to Cameron as the killer. Can their reawakened love survive the stress of a murder investigation? Or will it be the catalyst that drives them apart forever?

***

Lorraine Nelson is a multi-published author who lives in rural New Brunswick, on the east coast of Canada. Always a bookworm, she’s read many novels of romance and mystery over the years, finally deciding to put her pen to work at writing one.

“To write romance and romantic suspense is my dream come true, although my mom says I was born with an avid imagination and pencil in hand, crafting stories from an early age. Now my children have grown and have lives of their own, I have time to indulge my passion for writing.”

Lorraine lives alone with an independent yet affectionate tomcat, enjoys spending time with her three sons and six grandchildren. When not at the computer, you can find her spending time with family, gardening, baking and, of course, reading.

Lorraine loves to hear from readers. You can keep up with her releases by visiting the following locations:

Website - http://lorrainenelson.weebly.com

Blog – http://lorrainenelson.wordpress.com

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/LorraineNelson.Author

Twitter - https://twitter.com/#!/lornelca

Or email your comments to: lorrainenelson_author@hotmail.com

Comment for a chance to win, then follow her tour and comment some more! The more you comment, the better your chances of winning! Two e-book copies of Cameron's Quest is up for grabs. Winner to be announced the 18th.

Cameron's Quest Blogging Blitz, April 16th

Name Blog Url
Lorraine Nelson http://lorrainenelson.wordpress.com
Luscious Literaries http://lusciousliteraries.wordpress.com/
Raven http://www.ravenmcallan.blogspot.com/
Angelina www.angelinarain.blogspot.com
Doris http://thetardisscribbles.blogspot.com/?zx=764a701e81ce6f81
Staci http://www.chacelynpierce.blogspot.com/
Kristine Cayne http://blog.kristinecayne.com/
Rebecca http://www.laceywolfe.com/blog.html
Tara http://wwwbookbabe.blogspot.com/
Rebecca Hart http://bexbooknook.wordpress.com/
Ashlynn http://www.ashlynnmonroe.com/apps/blog/
Sandra http://sandrabunino.com/blog/
Stacey Jo http://madisonsevier.blogspot.ca/
Elyzabeth http://inadreambeyond.blogspot.com/
London http://londonsj.blogspot.com/?zx=97cf3414e57434cf
Ju http://judimello.blogspot.com/
Laura Deluca http://authorlauradeluca.blogspot.com/2013/04/cover-reveal-camerons-quest-by-lorraine.html
Kacey http://kaceyhammellkreations.blogspot.com/
Michelle Clay http://www.michelle-clay.blogspot.com/

High-Tech Holiday by Lorraine Nelson

Whatever would possess a woman to dress as a walking, talking holiday? And how can romance possibly evolve from a chance meeting on an airplane? Find out in Lorraine Nelson's short but cute High-Tech Holiday. I got more than a few chuckles from this one. It was a fun book to edit and read.

Blurb:

Kris Temple is a web graphics designer, an ambitious entrepreneur striving to survive in a dog-eat-dog world. She also wants to win her family’s Christmas contest. She adorns herself in full holiday gear the night before thanksgiving and is flying home fully decorated. She's thrilled to find herself seated next to a handsome man. But Kris has a speech problem. However would she converse with this man without stuttering and embarrassing herself?

Aaron Masters is not thrilled to be flying economy, but his personal jet is in for repairs. He’d had to scurry to the reservation desk at the last minute to book a seat on the only flight out, and now he finds his practical, no-nonsense demeanor assaulted by a woman dressed as a holiday advertisement…his seatmate. How could he hope to ignore this woman for the entire flight?
With their flight being rerouted, calls from her ex-fiancé/co-worker pleading for assistance, and his ex-girlfriend stalking him, they are certainly in for a memorable flight. 

Excerpt:
 “Ladies and gentlemen, this is your captain. We are being rerouted due to a severe storm front sweeping down from Canada. We are unable to return to Chicago or continue on to Minneapolis.” There was a general murmur of discontent at this announcement.

“We are being rerouted south to Atlanta. Attendants will be on hand to assist with reservations for accommodation and help reschedule your flights. We apologize for the delay in your travels but deem the safety of our passengers our top concern. We are sorry for any inconvenience.”

“I should have stayed in Chicago,” Ethan mumbled.

“I'm going to miss the contest. Darn.”

Ethan pulled out his cell phone. “George, have Donald bring the car around to the airport and instruct Maria to make up a guest room. I think I have a travel companion who'll be staying overnight.” He signed off a moment later and turned to her. “I hope you don't mind me making plans for you, but since Atlanta is one of the corporate locations for the businesses I run, I know finding decent accommodation will be next to impossible.”

She hesitated briefly, before replying, “That sounds fine. Thank you. Are you sure it won’t put you out?”

“I have a six thousand square-foot loft. You won’t be crowding me,” he said with just a hint of a smile.

“I should call my family and let them know about the delay.” Nothing like stating the obvious, Kris, she thought with disgust as she flipped open her cell phone.

“Hi, Mom. I'm going to be delayed. They've rerouted my flight due to a storm. Yes, we’re landing Atlanta. No, I have all my luggage with me. Yes, Mom, I do have clean underwear,” she whispered the last part. She could feel the flush of color rushing into her face. God! How embarrassing. Once again she could tell he was listening to her every word. Especially when she whispered her response to her mother and he'd leaned closer.

“Yes, I'll call as soon as I land. Bye for now.”

Shoving the phone deep into her pocket, she turned to see a huge grin on the handsome face next to her. “Are you enjoying yourself?”

“More than I ever thought possible.” His answering smile showed off a dimple in his right cheek.

“Well, I'm feeling rather exposed at the moment. So maybe you can share something personal about yourself?”

“Actually I was going to ask you what color.”

“What color?”

“Are they?”

“Are what?” she was starting to wonder if he was a little tipsy.

“Your underwear.”

“That is none of your business,” she admonished, incredulous he would even dare ask.

“Well, it sounded like your mom was concerned about it. I just figured I should be too.”

Now she could see he was really having fun at her expense. But then, it was kind of funny that a successful, independent woman had a mother who still wanted to make sure she had clean underwear in case of an emergency.

“My mom's a bit old-fashioned and still thinks I'm twelve. She treats all of us that way.”

Bad Boy Blake by Lorraine Nelson, Review, Interview, & Giveaway

Today I'm featuring Lorraine Nelson's latest release, Bad Boy Blake. I had the honor of receiving a pre review copy of this title in exchange for my honest review.

In the beginning I truly felt this was Lorraine's best book yet. The heroine is one tough cookie. She comes to town and opens a dance school, intent on discovering who framed her grandfather for a crime and ran him out of town years before.


Threats, vandalism, cars coming at her, and the death of one of her students isn't even enough to make this gal shut down shop and give up.

There's a mystery and a family scandal at the heart that I really couldn't figure out til it slapped me in the face. That was a nice, unique tough from Ms. Nelson.

The sex is hot and often...with the local sheriff who runs both hot and cold at times because it just so happens she suspects his very own family for her family's downfall.

Extremely well-written and with a few chuckles. I think what really made me smile though was the heroine's enjoyment of teaching her dance class.

My quibbles: There's a twist in their relationship that bothered me and though the ending fixed it, it bothered me how casual the hero and heroine were about it. And I honestly didn't know whether or not to be amused or shake my head when Gina jumps the sheriff's bones right after her attempted kidnapping. Thought it a strange action and a doubly strange time for that. LOL. But to each her own. :)

Four bikes.

Blurb:

Blake Bennett is the town bad boy turned Sheriff, elected to keep the peace. When Blake first meets Gina, she's butting heads with the Mayor…over the type of dancing she teaches—pole dancing.

Gina West is a professional dancer, who retired from the stage, and moves to Westonville, NB, to start her own dance studio. But Gina is not who she claims to be, and when strange things start happening…vengeful threats and vandalism…Blake begins digging for the truth. In his role as protector, he begins to fall for Gina, but will her lies and subterfuge destroy any chance for them to be together?

INTERVIEW & GIVEAWAY:

What made you put the local sheriff on a vintage Harley? Got a biker in the family?

My brother loves bikes and so does my cousin. Her significant other rides a Harley. Nice bike!

What movie star would you cast in the following roles:

Blake: Pierce Brosnan or Colin Farrell

Gina: Kristen Stewart

Roger: Jack Nicholson

Cynthia: Drew Barrymore

Pretend you, Lorraine Nelson, are in Gina's position. You are butt-naked, and some man just tried to abduct you from your bed, even put a hand on your ass. What would Lorraine Nelson do?

a. scream and cry

b. have sex with the sheriff as soon as he shows up

c. kick the perp in the nads and then throw a shoe at his retreating back?

Have you ever been a dancer? Done some dirty dancing?

I’ve done my share, but not professionally. J

Part of this story is based on a family dispute and secrets are coming out of closets. Ever been involved in a dispute between families? Saw some surprising things falling out of closets? How did you handle it. Was it resolved?

Every family has secrets and disputes of one kind or another. I think the important thing to remember is to remain objective. I’ve lived my life my way, made my choices, some good, some not so good, but it’s important to be mature. Forgive, forget, and let it go. Nobody’s perfect.

Multiple choice. Like Gina, you don't know who your father is. Upon meeting a man that admits he's not only your father, but provides proof, you:

a. cry and offer him a hug

b. demand answers and then give him a hug

c. ask him where the hell he's been all this time and slap his face

Gina and her dancing is super fun. She loves her job and it radiates off her in the book. She enjoys hip hopping with the teenagers. She dresses up for the ballroom dancing, helps a young news reporter come out of her shell on the poles.

What kind of dancing do you think you would enjoy the most?

I totally adored Patrick Swayze in Dirty Dancing. If I could match those moves, wow!

Multiple choice, another Gina situation:

Someone kills one of your students. You:

a. shut down the studio and get outta Dodge.

b. cry and pull your hair out before collapsing in Blake's arms

c. head to the nearest gun shop, buy a shot gun, and take up position

What's next for you? Is there a current project you'd like to share?

I currently have several books on the go…A Christmas short that I intend to self-publish, Thunder Creek Ranch Book 5 (way overdue), 4 projects aimed toward Harlequin, a full to edit and sub to Evernight, and The Hudson Ranch Trilogy, which I hope to release the first book in March, 2013.

Lots of women like those TV shows, like Dancing With the Stars. Did you watch anything like that?

Yes, on occasion. I’m not committed to them or anything. Most of the time I’d rather read…or write.

Bad Boy Blake is vailable at Evernight Publishing, All Romance eBooks, Bookstrand , Amazon, and wherever ebooks are sold.

SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM LORRAINE NELSON: To celebrate my first year in publication, I’ll be giving away 3 ebook copies of Bad Boy Blake. Just leave a comment to get your name in the draw. I’d be interested to know which, if any, of my books you’ve read and what your thoughts are on them. If I’m a new to you author, let me know that as well. 9 stops, 9 chances to win! Winners will be announced November 10th.
Blog Tour Schedule for Bad Boy Blake:

Date	Host/Hostess	Blog url
30	Lorraine Nelson	http://lorrainenelson.wordpress.com
31	Lia Davis	http://booksamour.blogspot.com/
1	Cr Moss	http://doubledranchtales.blogspot.com/
2	Tara Chevrestt	http://wwwbookbabe.blogspot.ca/
3	Kacey Hammell	http://kaceyhammellkreations.blogspot.com/
4	W Lynn Chantale	http://wlynnchantale-decadentdecisions.blogspot.ca/
5	Leslie Stockton	http://workout2day4evr.wordpress.com/
6	London Saint James	http://londonsj.blogspot.com/
7	Doris O’Connor	http://thetardisscribbles.blogspot.com/

Zakia and the Cowboy by Lorraine Nelson

"He gave her a leg up, their bodies brushing against each other, causing a heated friction that certainly wasn't due to the heat of the sun."

Wow! I think that's my favorite line and just had to throw that out there. This is a romantic/western suspense. Zakia is a single mother with two twin boys who has a nasty stalker. She escapes to the only place she feels safe: her ex husband's ranch.

Luke is a hot cowboy who gets a shock of his life when he discovers he has two twin sons. Once her and Zakia get over their awkwardness and in his case, anger, things start to heat up. It was obvious these two never shoulda been separated.

Enter Blake and Sam. I loved Sam. She was my favorite character. I had a hard time liking Zakia at times. I just like my heroines tough; I like them to save themselves, not cry or go to sleep rather than walk on a sprained ankle. LOL. Though I  hand to hand it to her when she got ahold of the duct tape and got creative. She redeemed herself then. And then there is Sam, my kinda woman.

"I do not need your permission to go riding. No man tells me what to do."

I understand this ex military chick with a fake hand is featured in book two. I cannot wait! Anyway, her and Blake (another hottie!) and a bunch of ranch  hands mean to go on a cattle rustling expedition. The goal is to make the stalker show himself and at the same time, keep Zakia and her kids safe.

Things backfire...and that's all I'm gonna say. You gotta read it for yourself to figure out what happens next.

And one last favorite line of mine that I think you will all get a kick out of...

"Bouncing over the fields with her on his lap must be hard on his hard-on."

LOL!!! In case you're wondering, that was a tractor scene. :)

Four bikes. I def recommend it, and I obtained this book through Amazon's lending program. Thanks, mum, for the loan.