Barbara Edwards's Blog
April 8, 2020
By Reservation Only available on #Audio Don’t miss the #free offer
Quick! Here’s your chance to get my new release for free.
Link:
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Deerbourne Inn Series, Book 1
By:
Narrated by:
Series: , Book 1
Length: 4 hrs and 7 mins
Release date: 12-10-18
Not rated yet
By Reservation Only, the first book in the Deerbourne Inn Series will be available in Audio for the holidays. It was a learning experience to pick a reader, then listen to each chapter read by someone else. It takes time and I just finished with a relieved sigh. I think it sounds great. Hopefully my readers will agree.Link:
By Reservation Only, Book One in the Deerbourne Inn Series, is an ongoing saga about the people who visit or live at the Inn. the stories vary from contemporary romance to historical romance, a ghost story and a mystery. and thats only the start.
The second book, Hope’s Dream (Deerbourne Inn) by Peggy Jaeger
Link: is out November 5
Please follow, friend or like me. I love to hear from my readers.
blog:
Website
Amazon Author’s Page
GoodReadshttp://www.goodreads.com/author/show/496095.Barbara_Edwards
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December 23, 2018
Christmas Fantasy by Barbara Edwards
The tradition in our family is to celebrate on Christmas Eve.
This year I had a fantasy. Come with me.[image error][image error]
I decorated the house with all my old ornaments, the manger with my grandmother’s figures, chipped and broken as they be, the food was prepared and when I opened the door to my first guest, the music swelled behind me. [image error] A familiar polka brightened the air and my parents swirled past with broad smiles. They looked as they did when I was a child and we went to Eugene park to the dances. Somehow my space had swelled to hold them.[image error]
I teared up, then blinked as I beheld my daughter Theresa and her husband Don, both of whom have gone before. they looked so happy.
[image error]I know when my sister Patricia joined them, this was to be Christmas to remember. All the people I ever loved were coming.
[image error][image error]My sons and their wives brought covered dishes to share. Like usual they took over in the kitchen and told me to have fun. My nephew Bobby came in time to greet his children with hugs and smiles.[image error]
When I opened the door and my cousin Bill Petersen grabbed me in a huge hug and whirled me off my feet I couldn’t stop the tears of joy. I have missed him so much.
All my grand-children spilled in in a flood of laughter. My Great Grandsons, Charlie and Henry grabbed the spotlight.
[image error][image error]The family shared memories from years ago. The highlight for me was all my sons singing carols as they did when they were growing up.
We will be together this year on Christmas Eve.
Merry Christmas to you all.
December 15, 2018
Bt Reservation Only available on #Audio Don’t miss the #free offer
Quick! Here’s your chance to get my new release for free.
Link:
[image error]
Deerbourne Inn Series, Book 1
By:
Narrated by:
Series: , Book 1
Length: 4 hrs and 7 mins
Release date: 12-10-18
Not rated yet
By Reservation Only, the first book in the Deerbourne Inn Series will be available in Audio for the holidays. It was a learning experience to pick a reader, then listen to each chapter read by someone else. It takes time and I just finished with a relieved sigh. I think it sounds great. Hopefully my readers will agree.
Link:
By Reservation Only, Book One in the Deerbourne Inn Series, is an ongoing saga about the people who visit or live at the Inn. the stories vary from contemporary romance to historical romance, a ghost story and a mystery. and thats only the start.
The second book, Hope’s Dream (Deerbourne Inn) by Peggy Jaeger
Link: is out November 5
Please follow, friend or like me. I love to hear from my readers.
blog:
Website
Amazon Author’s Page
GoodReadshttp://www.goodreads.com/author/show/496095.Barbara_Edwards
December 2, 2018
#Pre-order ‘Freedom’s Path by Linda Carroll-Bradd, Book 3 in The Deerbourne Inn Series
Freedom’s Path, Book 3 in Deerbourne Inn series by Linda Carroll-Bradd
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The story behind the story
Several years ago, I saw a reference in a historical blog about quilts being used as signals for the Underground Railroad. As someone who has quilted in the past, I was interested but didn’t pursue it until I saw the title of Hidden in Plain View: A Secret Story of Quilts and the Underground Railroad. I read that book and a firsthand account of a man who served on the railroad titled The Underground Railroad from Slavery to Freedom.
Learning about the role women played in this moral dilemma brought the heroine to life in my mind. As I researched maps of the actual routes, I crossed my fingers and was thankful a known path cut through Vermont. Figuring out the role of the hero was easy because I cast him as her worst nightmare–a soldier hunting down abolitionist activity in her town. With Colin and Sidonie on opposite sides of the controversial issue in 1855, I had no trouble developing the plot that I hope readers find interesting.
BLURB
Working as a maid in the Deerbourne Inn gives freedom-fighter Sidonie Demers the perfect cover for helping escaping slaves travel farther along the Underground Railroad. The patterns in her quilts serve as messages directing them to the safest route. The cause is a personal one for octoroon Sidonie whose mother and grandmother escaped bondage years earlier.
Army Corporal Colin Crawford arrives in Willow Springs, in disguise as a salesman, to ferret out abolitionist activity. Raised in a state that forbids slavery, he’s conflicted about upholding the Fugitive Slave Act but believes in laws and fulfilling his duty. The attraction between Colin and Sidonie is evident and irresistible, but what will happen when their true identities are revealed?
BUY LINKS
Amazon:
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EXCERPT
As he waited for Kevyn’s footsteps to fade, Colin finished his tart. His mind whirled with a topic that he worried might be too forward. After a swallow of coffee, he angled his head and met her gaze. “I saw how you broke that man’s hold. Smart move.�
Eyes wide, she gasped, rested a hand on the table edge, and crouched next to the end. “Oh, please don’t tell Missus Deerbourne that I stomped on a guest’s foot.� Her dark brows drew together. “I’m not sure she’d view my action in the same way you do.�
Her response rankled. Wasn’t the innkeeper concerned for the safety of her workers? He wished he could offer comfort by covering her hand with his. “Can you not carry a small knife in a pocket to protect yourself?�
A laugh escaped as she shook her head then gripped the band of her hat and pulled it lower on her forehead. “Not an appropriate accessory for someone in my position.�
Colin disliked the idea of her being vulnerable to a man’s mauling. “The foot stomp can take a man by surprise, but often not for long enough to effect an escape. Might I demonstrate another move that guarantees a longer distraction?� He sorted through the various moves involved in his ranger tactical training for the one most effective to someone her size. Leverage was what was needed to counter a larger foe.
“I am eager to learn.� She set the tray on the table. “What do I have to do?�
Bracing both hands on the table, he pushed himself to a stand and took a couple steps away from the bench. “Walk toward me like you’re about to grab my arms.�
A blush rose in her cheeks, and she averted her gaze. “Oh, I couldn’t, Mister Crawford.�
Her modesty produced a chuckle. “Miss Demers, don’t worry. You won’t hurt me. Remember, you’re learning a new skill.�
After a nod, she stepped forward with her arms outstretched and fingers spread wide. “Like this?�
“Keep walking.� He balanced his weight on the balls of his feet. When she came within reach, he grabbed the thumb of her left hand and bent it backward.
“Ow.� She contorted her body, back arching in the opposite direction.
He knew her movements were instinctual, with her body acting on reflex to reduce the pressure. “See how you moved to get away from the pain.� He released his hold with reluctance, because he’d enjoyed the slide of her soft palm in his.
[image error]BIO
As a young girl, Linda was often found lying on her bed reading about fascinating characters having exciting adventures in places far away and in other time periods. In later years, she read and then started writing romances and achieved her first publication–a confession story. Married with 4 adult children and 2 granddaughters, Linda now writes heartwarming contemporary and historical stories with a touch of humor from her home in the southern California mountains.
Interested in learning about Linda’s upcoming releases? Click here to join newsletter list.
November 4, 2018
Guest Peggy Jaeger present’s Hope’s Dream, Book Two of the Deerbourne Inn Series
[image error]Hope’s Dream is Book Two in the Deerbourne Inn Series from The Wild Rose Press. Peggy’s brought a lovely story to life as our hero and heroine explore their feelings while visiting the Vermont countryside.
Here’s a little more insight to the developing relationship between Hope and Tyler.
“Enough about me,� she said, shaking her head. She speared an asparagus stalk and pointed it at him. “Tell me about you. Aside from the fact where you’re from, I know nothing about you. Out with the details, New York.�
“What would you like to know?� Tyler immediately wished he’d phrased the question differently. He couldn’t take the chance of her recognizing the name of his firm if she asked where he worked. Not yet.
Despite his plan to tell her tonight who he was and why he was in Willow Springs, he continued to keep his identity a secret, craving a few more precious hours of her company instead. Sitting across from Hope, enchanted with the way the tea light on the table bounced little flickers of light off her face and beautiful hair, listening to the sad story of her parents� accident, and watching an entire series of emotions play across her guileless face and eyes, Tyler wanted to pretend they were simply a couple, out enjoying one another’s company.
The more Hope opened up to him, the happier he felt. From her mother’s behavior, he got the impression Hope didn’t date much and he liked knowing that, liked the thought she was doing something special with him, giving up some of her precious free time to spend it with him.
As she’d related the details of her father’s dismissal from his family, Tyler could feel the anguish and frustration oozing from her on behalf of the man she loved and adored. He hadn’t been told of the attempted payoff to Casey Kildaire. Sloan had to have known since he’d been the family solicitor for decades, yet he hadn’t mentioned it when he’d given Tyler a brief history of the family before he sent him to Vermont. Nor had he related the extent of Casey’s injuries following the crash and the severe financial problems they were still undergoing. He’d simply ordered Tyler to obtain Hope’s signature, nothing more.
He’d pushed her at dinner to answer his question and from the baffled look on her face knew she thought it an odd one. In her mind there was no way she could go back to school and take care of her mother at the same time. He should have told her right then the reason he was in Willow Springs, the subterfuge he’d used to meet her, and handed her the documents he’d brought with him. Tyler fully believed if she knew how easy her life could be with a simple swipe of her name across a legal document, she’d jump at the chance to make their lives better, pay off all their medical bills once and for all, and allow her to get back to fulfilling her dream instead of sublimating it.
“Well, for starters, what do you do?� she asked.
Best to go with the truth at this point. “I’m a lawyer.�
“Surprise, surprise.� She rolled her eyes and gave him the most delightful smirk. “I’d have bet on that without even a thought.�
“What gave me away?�
“The fact you don’t let a question go is one thing.� Her grin turned lopsided, and he got the distinct impression she was flirting with him. “Your penetrating death stare, like you’re grilling a witness on the stand, is another.�
Okay, maybe she wasn’t flirting because that was in no way a compliment.
“Anything else?�
She bent her elbow on the table and cupped her chin into it as she regarded him. “You already told me you’re not a writer, but your word skills are exceptional, so it makes me think you do write stuff. Like briefs, and whatever else they’re called.� She waved her free hand carelessly. “Plus…�
“Plus?� His breath caught when her cheeks colored.
“Well…� She squinched up her nose, her lips pursed at an angle. “Don’t take this the wrong way, but I was imagining what you looked like in a suit and the first thing that popped into my head was like a lawyer.�
This definitely sounded like flirting, but�
“What do you mean, don’t take it the wrong way?�
“I meant about the imagining part.� The red color in her cheeks blossomed and grew to cover her neck. She shook her head and dropped her gaze. “I shouldn’t have told you that.�
What would she have done if he’d told her he’d had a fantasy-filled night thinking about her in nothing at all?
Buy Links for Hope’s Dream
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And if you’re looking for me, I’m here:
////Visit Me///////////Me //
By Reservation Only, Book One by Barbara Edwards,is an ongoing saga about the people who visit or live at the Inn. the stories vary from contemporary romance to historical romance, a ghost story and a mystery. and thats only the start.
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Buy links:
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You can connect with Barbara here:
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October 16, 2018
St George Island State Campground damaged by Hurricane Michael by Barbara Edwards
If your one of my followers, you know my husband and I winter on St George Island, Florida. We volunteer at the State Campground doing general maintenance, picking up trash, painting and other tasks. Thsi year Michael hit the island with a 12 foot storm surge. The residential area is built on pilings. The damage is great.
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This is the main gate entrance.
The road that extends 10 miles through the park is gone along with the dunes.[image error]
The way is impassable except for four wheel drive vehicles.
Thank God, the rangers who live on-sight evacuated and their homes which are on pillars remain. None of them were hurt.
I know many people have worst damage. And I send them my prayers and sympathy. But I will miss seeing everyone this winter.
October 6, 2018
#New release: By Reservation Only by Barbara Edwards
I’m so excited! Please join me in celebrating the release of By Reservation Only Book 1 in the Deerbourne Series on October 8 from The Wild Rose Press. Available for pre-order now.
Buy Link:
By Reservation Only from The Wild Rose Press
The Deerbourne Inn. New kitchen, new owner, new future–all rooted in three hundred years of history.
Blurb:
It’s the grand opening of The Deerbourne Inn! Award-winning Chef Nathan Harte has worked long and hard to restore this historic property in Willow Spring, Vermont. He’s ready to greet his guests with fine cuisine, comfortable rooms, and maybe even a ghost or two.
He’s escaping the rat-race of the city for a slower more rewarding life, but is he ready to deal with a broken arm, a quirky arsonist, and a long-ago mystery? And what might he find up in the 300-yr-old attics?
Buy Link:
Excerpt:
Since the inn was quiet, Emily pulled on a long t-shirt and opened the door. Her heart fluttered. She was disappointed Nate wasn’t waiting for her in the dark passage. She blew out a frustrated breath and opened one of the bedroom windows to let the fresh breeze blow in. A whip-poor-will called from the hill.
The comfortable bed beckoned her. Flowery potpourri scented the bedroom air. She lay on top of the handmade quilt and stared at the ceiling. Sleep eluded her. She lost count of the times she turned over, punched the pillow, yawned.
An owl hooted from the nearby woods. The call of the whip-poor-will sounded closer. The curtain flapped and the scent of smoke tainted the air. Her watch claimed it was only twelve thirty, not nearing dawn. She swore and rolled over again.
Someone knocked on Nate’s door and called his name. Emily pulled on her pants and sneakers before she opened her door.
“What’s happening?� Her pulse raced. Smoke, she smelled smoke.
Buy Link:
Bio: I’m Barbara Edwards, a native New Englander, and a graduate of the University of Hartford with a Master’s degree in Public Administration. I write poetry for myself and novels when I need to tell a longer tale. I’m fascinated by the past so naturally turned to writing historical romance. The dark paranormal stories evolve from nightmares. The romance comes from my belief in people’s basic goodness and longing for love.
I lived in Florida for several years and am past president of the Central Florida Romance Writers and a member of Romance Writers of America.
When I returned to Connecticut, I founded the Charter Oak Romance Writers, a Chapter of Romance Writers of America, along with several close friends.
My husband is a retired Police Sergeant. We share an interest Civil War re-enacting and travel the Eastern states to participate in events. I love visiting museums, galleries and battle sites, gathering information for my stories.
I taught Romance Writing at Manchester Community college for three years.
I’m fond of gardening and growing antique roses with limited success.
Most of my exercise is when my Belgian Shepherd, Keeno, demands a walk.
Please follow, friend or like me. I love to hear from my readers.
blog:
Website
Amazon Author’s Page
GoodReadshttp://www.goodreads.com/author/show/496095.Barbara_Edwards
October 1, 2018
By Reservation Only (Deerbourne Inn)by Barbara Edwards available for pre-order
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It’s the grand opening of The Deerbourne Inn! Award-winning Chef Nathan Harte has worked long and hard to restore this historic property in Willow Spring, Vermont. He’s ready to greet his guests with fine cuisine, comfortable rooms, and maybe even a ghost or two.
He’s escaping the rat-race of the city for a slower more rewarding life, but is he ready to deal with a broken arm, a quirky arsonist, and a long-ago mystery? And what might he find up in the three hundred year old attics?
Victoria Harte, his sister, has claimed the two cottages for her patients: wounded military suffering from PTSD who need the peace and quiet of the Vermont countryside.
[image error]Barbara Edwards
The Deerbourne Inn is in Vermont. a small town near all the area attractions. Do you ski? Fish? Hike? Like Fall foliage? Hunt antiques? There is something for everyone.
Link:
Please follow, friend or like me. I love to hear from my readers.
blog:
Website
Amazon Author’s Page
GoodReadshttp://www.goodreads.com/author/show/496095.Barbara_Edwards
September 28, 2018
Holiday Stories are Fun to Write by Barbara Edwards
‘Journey of the Magi� was my first attempt at a Holiday story and I found a really enjoyablearea of writing. My usual genre is paranormal romance and has a dark edge. After awhile it can be heavy. The lighter love story with cute children and a nice hero gave me a lift I hadn’t know I needed. It was fun to plot the fulfillment of a dream.
[image error]Journey of the Magi by Barbara Edwards
Journey of the Magi
by Barbara Edwards
Link:
So in this time of the year I noticed many of my fellow authors put out a sweet story.
My next short for The Wild Rose Press was ‘Late for the Wedding, part of a larger anthology. It was fascinating how a dozen authors took the same idea and wrote such variety. I loved every one of them.
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Late for the Wedding (Twelve Brides of Christmas Book 2)
by Barbara Edwards
Link:
The next was ‘Dixie’s Gift� a story inspired by the loyalty and love of my beloved pet. This was another story to lift me from a dark place. My furry friend hd cancer and crossed over the Rainbow Bridge. I was so sad I took that emotion and wrote a story about how my pet would have reacted. It warmed a cold place in me and I hope if you read it, you’ll find the same joy at the end.
[image error]Dixie’s Gift
Dixie’s Gift
by Barbara Edwards
Link:
Dixie’s Gift by Barbara Edwards
Ellen Carter deeply grieves for her husband Dan, but at least she still has Dixie, her beloved Malinois. However, soon Dixie leaves her too. But the faithful dog cannot rest easy in heaven while her mistress is unhappy. Dixie pleads with the Archangel Michael to let her send help, and intercedes for Ellen in the only way she can. But will Ellen get the message, and more importantly, will she accept Dixie’s gift?
Sexy newcomer Michael Burke can barely take enough time from his successful restaurant for a decent night’s sleep, let alone romance. Still, he is intrigued by the beautiful widow and can’t resist entering her shop. Sparks fly, and when Ellen has an accident in a snowstorm, he comes to her rescue. Trapped by a blizzard and aided by Dixie’s Gift, Ellen and Michael find more than shelter–they find love.
Buy Link:
Please follow, friend or like me. I love to hear from my readers.
Blog
Website
Amazon Author’s Page
GoodReads http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/496095.Barbara_Edwards
September 11, 2018
#Cover “By Reservation Only� by Barbara Edwards
Check my new book cover! By Reservation Only will be released soon from The Wild Rose Press.
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I’m inviting you to visit the Deerbourne Inn, the setting for the series.. Fall is the perfect time to enjoy the cool nights, warm days and glorious autumn colors. Get acquainted with the new owner, Nathan Harte, an award-winning chef, escaping the rat-race of the city for a slower more rewarding life. His Red Clover Cafe will feature his diverse menu while the Inn’s breakfast menu sparkles.
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Walk through the centuries old building and pick a room on the second or third floor. Old fashioned wallpaper, original antiques and crafted items from local artists made each room individual, yet give it flavor.
Ignore the occasional weeping from an empty room or a snip of female laughter unless you’re curious about who haunts the place.
Victoria Harte, his sister, has claimed the two cottages for her patients: wounded military suffering from PTSD who need the peace and quiet of the Vermont countryside.
[image error]
The Deerbourne Inn is in Willow Springs, Vermont, a fictional small town near all the area attractions. Do you ski? Fish? Hike? Like Fall foliage? Hunt antiques? There is something for everyone.
Please follow, friend or like me. I love to hear from my readers.
blog:
Website
Amazon Author’s Page
GoodReadshttp://www.goodreads.com/author/show/496095.Barbara_Edwards