The Wedding!!

OUR SON'S WEDDING IN MAY

JASON AND LINDSAY

NEW FAN PAGE ... COME BE MY FRIEND!

                                                               

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I'VE GOT A NEW FAN PAGE AT FACEBOOK. 

COME HANG OUT WITH ME!

I'LL BE SHUTTING DOWN MY OLD FRIEND PAGE SOON SO PLEASE

SWITCH OVER TO KEEP OUR FRIENDSHIP GOING!

Romantic Comedy with Cowboys!!

If you haven't read a Mary Connealy book, what?
You don't like to laugh and enjoy yourself? 

Beth and Alex survive a stage coach accident. Beth realizes the derelict in the stagecoach with her is a doctor and she forces him to help tend the injured. Alex finds he can care for the patients as long as Beth is right beside him. . .yelling at him.

Alex saves Beth’s sister’s life, but he only has the courage to treat patients as long as Beth is there. The one way to keep her close it to marry her. Beth thinks he’s a lunatic, but there’s no denying his skill, and she’s so empathic she can see the terrible price Alex pays to help hurting people. Besides, she owes the loco doctor for saving Sally.


She agrees to marry him. Her parents, Clay and Sophie protest the sudden marriage, but when Beth agrees to the marriage they grant their blessing.


And that’s when the real trouble begins. A bounty hunter is on Alex’s trail for desertion from the army. Alex has to live long enough to turn himself in, and then he may face a firing squad. And this all happens right when Alex is getting to be semi-sane and Beth is just starting to like him.

Available now on AMAZON

A note from Mary:

The Sophie’s Daughters series is the story of Sophie McClellen’s girls, all grown up with love stories of their own. Sophie McCellen, the heroine of Petticoat Ranch has her oldest girls raised. You didn’t think they’d grow up to be quiet little things did you?

Doctor in Petticoats is in bookstores now.
Wrangler in Petticoats is coming in October
Sharpshooter in Petticoats released in January 2011.

www.maryconnealy.com

CINDERELLA IN REVERSE .... MY NEW RELEASE!

SEDUCTION ON THE CEO'S TERMS 

is available now on EHARLEQUIN    Read an excerpt or order one before it hits the bookstores in July.  And for the entire month of June, eharlequin has FREE SHIPPING. 

Grab the coupon code on the sidebar and proceed to Eharlequin.

Here's a little bit about the story:

Playing By The CEO’s Rules:

He’d returned to Napa Valley strictly to help run the family winery…not be distracted by a beauty on the staff. CEO Joe Carlino had made the mistake of indulging in an office romance once before, and everything about Ali Pendrake practically screamed “make me your woman!”


Frustrated that her boss was judging her solely by her looks, Ali committed to a total reverse makeover. Ironically, when she transformed from glittery Cinderella to mousey plain-Jane, she really caught the wealthy bachelor’s eye.  Yet as they moved from boardroom to bedroom, she wondered if Joe would ever see—or love—the real Ali. 

Tomorrow is BOGO at Eharlequin.

Buy one book, get one free at eHarlequin with code BOGO43D! Hurry - offer ends 5/31!

A LOVE/HATE RELATIONSHIP ... ANOTHER REVIEW

MILLION-DOLLAR MARRIAGE MERGER - Charlene Sands

Miniseries: Napa Valley Vows
Silhouette Desire #2016
ISBN: 978-0-373-73029-2
May 2010


Contemporary Romance


Napa Valley, California - Present Day


Tony Carlino left home to race fast cars. He did, and now retired, he has returned to Napa Valley. The only girl for him was Rena Fairfield, who was left behind when Tony’s career took off. With the death of his father, Santo Carlino, Tony learns that to meet the terms of the will he and his brothers, Nick and Joe, must run Carlino Winery. Fate throws another wrench at Tony. His best friend, David Montgomery, dies in a freak crash while racing in a local road race. Before David passes, he makes Tony promise to take care of his wife and their unborn child.


Rena Fairfield-Montgomery hates Tony. He not only broke her heart years ago, but if he had not returned, David would still be alive. Expecting a baby, and with her winery, Purple Fields, on the verge of bankruptcy, Rena tries in vain to get a loan. The bank turns her down, and Rena realizes she will have to sell the winery. Her staff is down to two workers, Solano and Raymond, who are more like best friends. Dismayed, Rena returns home only to see Tony parked at her door, and he wants to marry her and save the winery. Rena is beyond angry. His father did everything he could to drive all the small wineries out of business, and Tony wants to step in and make a wrong right.


MILLION-DOLLAR MARRIAGE MERGER is a fast paced read. The beautiful wine county of Napa sets the stage for family, love, second chances and forgiveness. Tony is a fine tuned sexy hero who knows what he wants and goes for it. Tony has always loved Rena, and he doesn’t want to marry her as a business deal. He wants a family. As vulnerable as she is, Rena agrees to marry Tony. That’s the easy part. Vulnerable because of her loss, Rena is no shrinking violet. Her resolve to save her family winery is inspiring. But will she give Tony a second chance?


What I enjoyed about MILLION-DOLLAR MARRIAGE MERGER was not just the romance, but also the excellent story line that weaves the characters together. This is the first installment of the Napa Valley trilogy; I look forward to the next chapter.


Enjoy, ladies.
Deborah C Jackson
Romance Reviews Today

WEDDED BLISS

My oldest child, my son Jason got married on Saturday.  It was a wonderful wedding, the skies above so blue, the weather in the low 70's with a slight breeze.  We were on the golf course, on the first tee... the arch was decorated with beautiful  white roses and lilies.  I'll post more pictures when I get them, but this is one of my son walking me down the aisle on his way up to the altar. 

The bridesmaids were driven up to the wedding site by golf carts and then escorted off and walked down the aisle by the groomsmen.  It was a lovely "golf course" wedding with the reception held inside a lovely room.   I can't wait to show you more pictures. The bride looked beautiful and the flowers were stunning.  

*** Oh and to make the week even more special, Million-Dollar Marriage Merger hit the USA Today Bestseller List!  What more could a Mom/writer ask for?  It was a wonderful week!

A REALLY COOL WAY to READ DESIRES...

if you own a Kindle. 
Have you entered my Win-A-Kindle Contest yet?
Do you read with a Kindle?  I'd love to know how many of you read on a Kindle.  Look what you can get - all six Desire Books for May on AMAZON for $9.99. 

Pretty neat... isn't it?  This is the May Desire Bundle!

ONCE UPON A ROMANCE

Reviewer: Connie Payne

Title: Million-Dollar Marriage Merger – Napa Valley Vows

Author: Charlene Sands

A failing business, an unborn child, and promises made bring Tony and Rena back together. Festering feelings of betrayal and pride may keep them apart…

They were so much in love at one time, but Tony Carlino’s need for speed, the racing circuit and Rena Montgomery’s need to stay home and take care of her mother through illness drove a bitter wedge between them.

Death, life, and survival are all weighing on Rena. Without Tony’s help she’ll have to give up the vineyard she loves. Yet as far as she’s concerned it’s because of Tony’s betrayal and his family that she’s in these circumstances.

Yes, for various reasons she’ll marry him but she’ll never love or trust him again. To forgive him would perhaps be a betrayal to her deceased husband, David. To forgive him would mean she still has buried feelings for Tony and would be open to exploring them. Feeling them.

Tony still cares for Rena, but life, as it does, moved on. Decisions were made, people were hurt. He can’t change the past no matter how much either of them wishes he could. What he can do is secure the future and try and make things up to Rena as best he can. Love her as best he can.

Their love was once all-consuming. Something Rena lived for. Since then her life and love has been more sedate, and she thought that’s how she wanted it. But being with Tony has opened up places in her she wanted to forget about. If she dares to forgive, can she spread her wings and allow herself to live, love, again?

What a quick and pleasant read. I continually found myself encouraging Tony and chiding Rena. A sure sign the author has done her job by involving the reader’s emotions.

Though it was sufficient, I would have liked a bit more Carlino background. Curiosity has been piqued with Tony’s brothers. Maybe more will be revealed in Nick and Joe’s stories, should they be forthcoming. Rena’s background, however, was laid out for the reader with precision. Understandably as she was the one who went through the majority of emotional upheaval.

Ms. Sands has penned a story of emotional tragedy and triumph. The reader can equally empathize with Rena and Tony; why they acted and reacted to situations that had the potential to change the course of their lives. Silhouette Desire readers will be very happy with this angst-ridden romance.

Happy Reading,

Connie

An homage to all Mothers for Mother's Day!!

JUST A MOM?
A woman, renewing her driver's license at the County Clerk 's office, was asked by the woman recorder to state her occupation.


She hesitated, uncertain how to classify herself"What I mean is," explained the recorder, "Do you have a job or are you just a ....?"


"Of course I have a job," snapped the woman.


"I'm a Mom."


"We don't list 'Mom' as an occupation, 'Housewife' covers it, said the recorder emphatically.


I forgot all about her story until one day I found myself in the same situation, this time at our own Town Hall. The Clerk was obviously a career woman, poised, efficient, and possessed of a high sounding title like, "Official Interrogator" or "Town


Registrar."

"What is your occupation?" she probed.


What made me say it? I do not know�the words simply popped out. "I'm a Research Associate in the field of Child Development and Human Relations."


The clerk paused, ball-point pen frozen in midair and looked up as though she had not heard right.


I repeated the title slowly emphasizing the most significant words. Then I stared with wonder as my pronouncement was written, in bold, black ink on the official questionnaire.


"Might I ask," said the clerk with new interest, "just what you do in your field?"


Coolly, without any trace of fluster in my voice, I heard myself reply, "I have a continuing program of research, (what mother doesn't) In the laboratory and in the field, (normally I would have said indoors and out). I'm working for my Masters, (first the Lord and then the whole family) and already have four credits (all daughters). Of course,the job is one of the most demanding in the humanities, (any mother care to disagree?) and I often work 14 hours a day, (24 is more like it). But the job is more challenging than most run-of-the-mill careers and the rewards are more of a satisfaction rather than just money."
There was an increasing note of respect in the clerk's voice as she completed the form, stood up, and personally ushered me to the door.


As I drove into our driveway, buoyed up by my glamorous new career, I was greeted by my lab assistants -- ages 13, 7, and 3. Upstairs I could hear our new experimental model, (a 6 month old baby) in the child development program, testing out a new vocal pattern. I felt I had scored a beat on bureaucracy! And I had gone on the official records as someone more distinguished and indispensable to mankind than "just another Mom."
Motherhood!

What a glorious career! Especially when there's a title on the door�


Does this make grandmothers "Senior Research associates in the field of Child Development and Human Relations"


And great grandmothers "Executive Senior Research Associates?" I think so!!!

I also think it makes Aunts "Associate Research Assistants."

May your troubles be less, may your blessing be more,
And nothing but happiness to come through your door!

Menopause Makeover on Today Show!

A group of us authors and dedicated readers have been doing the Menopause Makeover and blogging on Eharlequin's website about it.  We've been tracking our weight and calories and exercise and everyone single one of us has reached some kind of goal we've set for ourselves. 

Today our fearless leader and author of the Menopause Makeover was interviewed by Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda on the Today Show.  Did you see it?   I hope you get a chance to read the book and take all of Staness' advice on how to improve your health and feel better during and after menopause.

Ladies!  Take note:  This really works.  And if you could do it with a group, there's nothing better. Our support group is fabulous!  We blog every day and cheer each other on.

____________________________________

Have you read Million-Dollar Marriage Merger yet?   Rena is hard on Tony, she doesn't forgive easily, but you'll love to see how these two strong personalities finally get together.  

And don't forget my Win A Kindle Contest!   Have you signed up yet?   Check out my Win Stuff page if you'd like a bookmark, bookplate or magnet! 

WITH MOTHER'S DAY FAST APPROACHING ...

Here's the perfect gift for the occasion! 





TO BE A MOTHER


Steeple Hill Love Inspired Historical
Mother's Day Anthology


IN STORES NOW!
Read an Excerpt


Mountain Rose by Cheryl St.John


Teacher Olivia Rose knows what it's like to grow up alone and unwanted. But convincing reserved rancher Jules Parrish he can give his orphaned niece a real home won't be easy—unless Olivia seizes the chance of love and motherhood she never expected….

A Family of Her Own by Ruth Axtell Morren

War and tragedy destroyed Rianna Bruce's chance at happily ever after…or did it? Reuniting with her first love, Noah Samuels, proves that her feelings haven't gone away. In helping his young daughter, can Rianna show the disillusioned Noah the blessing of a second chance?



FOR WRITERS: No matter what writing topic Cheryl addresses, she hangs the most importance on characters and the conflict drawn from the characters. Cheryl is now taking registrations for an online class which will help writers understand how CONFLICT MAKES THE STORY and show them how to apply the techniques to their own work. Check out her workshops at:



http://cheryl-stjohn-workshop.blogspot.com/



Cheryl St. John is a wonderful author and a great friend. Hope you enjoy To Be A Mother!

I'll thrilled to be doing Western Winter Wedding Bells historical anthology in October with Cheryl!  

I'm blogging at RomCon Today!

Would love to see you there. Learn a little something about Ghost wineries! Romance and Wine, what could be better? Come check it out. I'm giving away my new book!

RomCon 

BOOK BUYER'S BEST CONTEST FINALIST AND MORE...

Just found out some great news!  Texan's Wedding Night Wager is a finalist in the prestigious Book Buyer's Best Award Contest!  And Million-Dollar Marriage Merger is on Eharlequin's Top 10 Passionate Picks! 


Remember, all Passion books are on sale in April/May for 30% off! Click on sidebar icon.




Top 10 Passionate Picks


1. Spontaneous by Brenda Jackson


2. Taken by the Pirate Tycoon by Daphne Clair


3. Virgin on Her Wedding Night by Lynne Graham


4. Million-Dollar Marriage Merger by Charlene Sands


5. Long Summer Nights by Kathleen O'Reilly


6. The Tycoon Takes a Wife by Catherine Mann


7. The Prince's Chambermaid by Sharon Kendrick


8. The Brazilian Millionaire's Love-Child by Anne Mather


9. Scandalizing the CEO by Katherine Garbera


10. Make Your Move by Samantha Hunter

It's Freebie Fridays on Eharlequin

Buy any 2 print books at eHarlequin, get a 3rd FREE with coupon 3RDBOOK6F + get free shipping on any order $25+! valid 4/1-4/30.  Our Passion books are discounted now at 30% off, so if you're going to buy books, today's a good day to do it!

Click on the sidebar icon FEEL THE HEAT to get there and use the above coupon code!

AMERICAN IDOL...GOTTA LOVE ELLEN!

                                         ***

I like Ellen DeGeneres. I like her talk-show and I like her as a judge.  She's honest, but nice and she's funny!

Talk about breaking tension.  Even when she doesn't like someone's performance, she finds a way to make a joke or console the person.  She's a good balance to Simon. 

I'll admit, I'm hooked. I really enjoy this show but haven't been wowed by any one particular artist.

Here's my predictions for the Top Five!  Can't predict the winners yet. I really like all five of these artists and they all have different styles.  What do you think? Agree or not?  Here they are:  (in no special order)

CASEY

CRYSTAL

LEE

AARON

KATIE

Free Stuff... from Charlene Sands

Didn't these bookmarks come out pretty!!  If you'd like one sent to you send a SASE to the address below and I'll send you some goodies to celebrate the launch of Million-Dollar Marriage Merger!

Here's a review of the book from Debby Guyette at Cataromance:

A Charlene Sands book is a guarantee for reading pleasure. Her newest book, Million Dollar Marriage Merger is proof positive. Tony is fantastic hero who pursued a dream and then returned home for one purpose only to find another. Rena had loved Tony with all her heart only to have it trampled when he left. She was not willing to allow that to happen again but knew practicality dictated her accept his offer. A marriage started for all the wrong reasons, could it lead to all the right reasons? Be sure and pick up Million Dollar Marriage Merger to find out. You will be glad you did. Charlene Sands will be penning more in this series – something we can all look forward to.

For Bookmarks send a SASE to:
Charlene Sands
PO Box 4883
West Hills, CA  91308

What are you watching on TV?

Now that the Olympics are over and though I enjoyed them, I'm glad to have regular TV programming back. I usually don't watch TV during the day until Days of Our Lives comes on. I take a lunch break then and relax with the "friends" I've known for 25 years. It's a good break to my writing day.   Allison Sweeney is the host of The Biggest Loser and one of the key players on Days of our Lives. 

I'm happy to see THE TONIGHT SHOW has come back. I fall asleep (no offense, Jay) right after his monologue. My body's kind of conditioned to do that. 

I'm watching LOST, and if you're Facebooking me, you know I've been talking about it there. Tuesdays are tough. I set my DVR for THE BIGGEST LOSER, watch AMERICAN IDOL, LOST and now the new show, PARENTHOOD.

What do you think of PARENTHOOD?  I saw the first episode and decided to give it a try for a few more weeks. I find the cast enjoyable and the storylines pretty good!

Some other favorite shows of mine are MENTALIST, MEDIUM and SMALLVILLE.  I guess you could say I'm a loyal fan. If I like the show, I usually never miss it.  I've watched Smallville since the beginning, when Clark Kent lived on the farm with his mom and dad. 

DANCING WITH THE STARS is coming back too.  I'm never sure if I'll like the announced cast on that show, but as I get to know them, most of the stars grow on me.   Derek and Julianne are my favorite pros. I'm hoping Julianne returns this year.  

So what are you watching?  Do we share some of the same favorites?  Are you waiting for V and Flash Forward to return?    


DON'T FORGET TO GO TO MY WIN STUFF PAGE ... YOU COULD WIN AN ADVANCED COPY OF MILLION-DOLLAR MARRIAGE MERGER.  ONE WINNER EACH WEEK UNTIL APRIL. 
 

DRAWING EACH WEEK UNTIL APRIL ... WIN A FREE BOOK!

Simply click on the Win Stuff page today to enter into a drawing for an advanced copy of Million-Dollar Marriage Merger.   I'll be drawing one winner each week in March!

And while you are there, you can read how to receive Free Stuff from Charlene Sands!

You won't want to miss the next big contest coming in April. You'll love the Grand Prize! 

Are you Watching the Olympics?

I have to admit that I love the Olympics ... those athletes and their amazingly inspiring stories just warm my heart.  But some are also so heartbreaking, like the Canadian skater, whose mother died of a heart attack just days before her debut on Olympic ice.  So sad. 


Though I thought I'd be more "into" ice skating and ice dancing, I'm finding myself incredibly drawn to speed skating, short track skating, both men and women's downhill skiing and I'm incredibly fascinated by snowboarding.  It's newer and different and I've really never paid that much attention to the sport before this.  So it's new to me and refreshingly vivid and fun to watch. 

Here's Apollo breaking the US Winter Games record for most medals - 7 in all so far!

I'm cheering on our athletes and have become a huge fan of Apollo Anton Ohno.  I was a fan before, but then I watched him dance on Dancing With Stars and loved, loved, loved him!  What a motivated athlete!   He seems truly humble and nice ... we need to see more of that in our sports figures, don't you agree?

Lindsay Vonn, the US Hockey Team, Shaun White and so many others have been truly incredible.  There's too many athletes for me to mention, but I'm proud of them all and know what determination they have, how much they've sacrificed and how truly passionate they are for their sport.

I'm so proud of our Olympic teams!