Books by Gracie C. McKeever

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In This Issue:

PNR Reviews
Making The Rounds
New Century Writer Awards 2003
Visit Awe-Struck E-Books' Spice Is Nice Page
EPPIE 2004 Finalists Announced
This Issue's Author in the Spotlight
What I'm Reading/Recommended Reads
This Issue's Spotlight Site
Work-in-Progress
Poetry Corner
This Issue's Novel Excerpt: "Moon Of Little Winter", by Margaret Marr
This Issue's Newsletter Contest
Giveaways/Good Deals/Shameless Promotions
Odds and Ends

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Wow, seems just like last newsletter two months ago I was in this same position, having taken in the last episode of a trilogy and feeling…let down. Not because the movie didn't measure up to my expectations, on the contrary. I'm just so sorry to see the trilogy end. I'm speaking of course about LOTR: Return of the King. At one point, I actually felt tears in my eyes towards the end. Beautifully done, beautifully acted, just a wonderful series. Of course, this is from someone who never read any of the books, so you may want to take my opinion with a grain of salt.

Caught Peter Pan with the niece and nephews (of course). Very enjoyable, one for the entire family. Lots of fun, action and a touch of romance.

Started another paranormal romance…read all about it under WORK-IN-PROGRESS!

Hope everyone made it through the Holidays relatively unscathed and is so far enjoying a healthy, happy and prosperous New Year (me, I started the year chipping off a front tooth and needing some extensive dental work, woe is me… As of this writing have had two root canals done and sit here now with temp fillings before the crowns are scheduled to go in. I'm so looking forward to that).

Enjoy this issue of the newsletter!
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~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*~~*DESERT DREAMS by Gracie C. McKeever — ISBN (e) 1-931696-10-1 (p) 1-931696-89-6 — Paranormal Djinni Romance – an NBI Bestseller – available in download (pdf or html) and print (trade paperback), and can be purchased direct from NovelBooks, Inc. at http://www.novelbooksinc.com for $1 off the Retail Price at $14.95 (paperback); $5.50 (download). Also Available from Booksurge.com, Amazon, B&N (brick-and-mortar stores by "special order" through Bowkers, just give the ISBN), Books-A-Million, Walmart.com, and distributed internationally through other major online booksellers.
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PNR REVIEWS:
Check out a couple of my recent reviews/reprints, courtesy of ParaNormal Romance Reviews:

MOON OF LITTLE WINTER: "Fast-paced and well written witch and shapeshifter romance"
http://pnr.thebestreviews.com/review17830

PARABLE OF THE SOWER: "As are most odysseys, these two books were difficult to read but more difficult to put down!" http://pnr.thebestreviews.com/review17094

PARABLE OF THE TALENTS: "Cautionary tales at their most bleak and finest…"
http://pnr.thebestreviews.com/review17096

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MAKING THE ROUNDS: "A man who wants to save the world one child at a time…a young teen looking for acceptance and a savior wherever he can find them…and a woman who wants only to save them both. Somewhere between darkness and daylight they will all find and save each other." BETWEEN DARKNESS AND DAYLIGHT, paranormal psychic romance, and a NCWA (New Century Writer Award) 2003 Novel/Novella Finalist, by Gracie C. McKeever .
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NEW CENTURY WRITER AWARDS 2003:
http://www.newcenturywriter.org/NovelNovellaWinners2003.htm – Wow, déjà vu! Same time last year (in fact, I mentioned it a year ago today in the 1/20/03 issue of the newsletter) I found out I'd finaled in the NCWA with ETERNAL DESIGNS. This year I made the cut with BETWEEN DARKNESS AND DAYLIGHT. I am so thrilled and keeping all my limbs crossed for the Top 10 voting. Hope you do too!

Author Note: As of this writing, the Top Ten winners have been announced, and, sadly, BDAD did not make the cut. Heavy sigh…but I'm still pumped up anyway .

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If you like your romances hot and with the bedroom door open, VISIT AWE-STRUCK E-BOOKS' SPICE IS NICE PAGE http://www.awe-struck.net/SPICE/spice_titles.html – Are you ready for a bit of harmless "SIN"? Try Awe-Struck's (S)pice (I)s (N)ice titles. Here you'll find links that will take you directly to the description and preview pages. These are great romances...And the authors added a bit of spice in the bedroom, on the beach, or any other place you might make love. The page features those romances that have VERY descriptive bedroom scenes. It doesn't matter if the romance is contemporary or historical or sci fi. What's important is that the love scenes are...well...spicy! FLAMES PAST is there. Check out the page to see what other of your favorite Awe-Struck titles are there.
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EPIC ANNOUNCES 2004 EPPIE FINALISTS:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Electronically Published Internet Connection (EPIC) is proud to
announce the finalists for the fifth annual EPPIE Awards. These
awards, which honor the finest electronically published books of the
year, will be presented on March 13 in Oklahoma City as part of
EPICon 2004.

"For an e-author, no other award is more sought after or carries more
prestige than the EPPIE," said EPIC president Dusty Rhodes. "It is
the ultimate recognition by one's peers for outstanding achievement
in the electronic publishing industry. And as the e-publishing
industry grows and continues to gain recognition, so will the EPPIE."

"Once again we've topped the number of entries from the previous
year," said Betty Kasischke, who has been the contest coordinator
since its inception. "The awards are growing more and more popular,
and the quality of the entries just keeps getting better. Our
judges had some amazingly difficult decisions to make."

Awards are given in twenty-one categories. In addition, each year
EPIC presents the Quasar Awards for superior achievement in cover
art, along with the newly renamed Patricia White Service Award to one
individual who has made an extraordinary contribution to EPIC.

EPICon 2004 will take place March 12-14. Registration is open to
anybody with an interest in electronic publishing, and the complete
list of conference activities (which includes workshops, panel
discussions, and a group booksigning) is available at http://www.epic-
conference.com.

For more information on EPIC and EPICon, please visit
http://www.epicauthors.org. Questions about the EPPIES may be
directed to Betty Kasischke at annekas@aol.com.

The 2004 EPPIE finalists are...

Action/Adventure

The Best Defense by Todd Stone, NovelBooks, Inc.
The Mayan Glyph by Larry Baxter, Amber Quill Press
M.P. by John Schembra, Writers Exchange

Anthology

Agents & Adepts by Kathryn Sullivan, Amber Quill Press
Cosmic Sculpture by Terri Branson, Dragonfly Publishing
Cupid's Capers by Linda Bleser, Leta Nolan Childers, Elizabeth
Delisi, Kathleen Culligan Techler, DiskUs Publishing
Holiday Hearts II by Linda Bleser, Leta Nolan Childers, Elizabeth
Delisi, Kathleen Culligan Techler, DiskUs Publishing
Leaps Of Faith by Karina L. Fabian and Robert A. Fabian,
Francis Isidore Electronic Press
Things That Go Bump in the Night by Cheyenne McCray, Stephanie Burke,
Myln Hurn
Mystic Visions by Myra Nour, Sahara Kelly, Ann Jacobs, Ellora's Cave
Twilight Crossings by Jeanne Allen, Jeanine Berry, Shannah Biondine,
Sheri L. McGathy, Double Dragon Publishing

Children

Blue Paint by Liam Maher, Writers Exchange
Christmas Stars by Rita Toews, Books Unbound
Cody Knows by Karen Sue Wiesner and Linda Derkez, Writers Exchange
My Sister, The Ghost #1 Twin Again by Linda Joy Singleton, Wings
ePress

Contemporary Romance

American Beauty by Ashley Ladd, Ellora's Cave
A Fine Work of Art by Shelby Reed, Ellora's Cave
Holly in the Morning by Micqui Miller, Wings ePress
Rainbow Valley by Barbara Clark, Wings ePress
Shipwrecked by Elaine Hopper, Awe-Struck E-Books
Summer Heat by J.A. Clarke, Wings ePress
A Year in Poughkeepsie by Eleanor Sullo, Treble Heart Books


Erotica/Erotic Romance

Arda: The Sailmaster's Woman by Annie Windsor, Ellora's Cave
Holding the Cards by Joey Hill, Ellora's Cave
Mastered (part of the Enchained anthology) by Ann Jacobs, Ellora's
Cave
More Than A Night by Jasmine Haynes, Liquid Silver Books
Prisoner of Desire by Delilah Devlin, Ellora's Cave
A Third Party by Chris Tanglen, Ellora's Cave

Fantasy

The Ancient One by Sheri L. McGathy, Double Dragon Publishing
Dayspring Destiny by Jeanine Berry, NovelBooks, Inc
In the Service of the Samurai by Gloria Oliver, Zumaya Publications
Morevi by Lisa Lee & Tee Morris, Dragon Moon Press
Weapons Of Ruin by C.L. Scheel, Hard Shell Word Factory

Fantasy/Paranormal Romance

Full Moon Inheritance by Jacqueline Elliott, Treble Heart Books
Just Believe by Anne Manning, NovelBooks, Inc.
Rhinannon by Louise Crawford by Louise Crawford, New Concepts
Publishing
Thief Of Dreams by Sheri L. McGathy, Double Dragon Publishing
Wind Walker by Michelle Levigne, Treble Heart Books

Historical

Angelica by Jude Berman, Books Unbound
Challenge the Wind by Debra Tash, Amber Quill Press
Dorie and Me by Liz Hamlin, ebooksonthe.net
Heroes in the Dust by Jennifer Macaire, Jacobyte Books
In the Crossfire by L.R. Bliss, Awe-Struck E-Books
The Latham Loop by Laura Mazzuca Toops, Amber Quill Press

Historical Romance

Daughter of The Dragon by Connie Crow, Awe-Struck E-Books
The Hungry Heart by Elise Dee Beraru, Awe-Struck E-Books
One Heart, One Way by Cornelia Amiri, Awe-Struck E-Books
Silk Dreams and Satin Lies by Catherine Snodgrass, Amber Quill Press
Sweeter Than Wine by Michaela August, Awe-Struck E-Books

Horror

Child Of Twilight by Margaret L. Carter, Hard Shell Word Factory
Dance with the Dragon by E.F. Watkins, Amber Quill Press
The Last Priestess by Terry White, ebooksonthe.net
Sleeping Beauty by David Halliday, LTDBooks
The Woods Around Carter's Lake by M.J. Konevich, RFI West

Inspirational

Adam's Stone by Kevin Paglia, Whiskey Creek Press
All We Want For Christmas by Polly Bolack, Awe-Struck E-Books
Saving Reverend Clayton by R.D. Larson & Louise Ulmer, ebooksonthe.net

Mystery

The Bodies Out Back by Joseph E. Wright, Books Unbound
Missing by Judith Parker, Echelon Press
Murder At Lost Dog Lake by Vicki Delany, New Concepts Publishing
Resulting In Death by Lynn Fulton, RFI West
Triple Threat by Elizabeth Dearl, NovelBooks, Inc.

Non Fiction Philosophy

Aniko: The Stranger Who Loved Me by Dr. Bob Rich, Anina's Book Company
Her Name Was Mary by Dorothy Kawaguchi, ebooksonthe.net
A Picture Perfect Kid by Carol Guy, Zumaya Publications

Non Fiction Self Help

Card College I by Roberto Giobbi, Lybrary.com
Chef Cheri's Hasty Tasty Meals by Cheryl Norman, Self-published
Millennium Moms by Jamie Gardiner RN MSN, ebooksonthe.net
Taking Responsibility Builds Trust by Karen Sue Wiesner, Writers
Exchange
Weave Your Web by Karen S. Wiesner, Hard Shell Word Factory
Write, Create And Promote A Best Seller by Lee Masterson, Desert Star
Publishing

Poetry

The Black Bird by David Halliday, Self-published
Brush Country by Barri Bryan, Whiskey Creek Press
The Myth Of Dragonflies by Valerie Hardin, Lucy Westerna Books
Shore Lines by Vincent MacDonald, ebooksonthe.net
Straying From The Path by Rie Sheridan, SunnySideUp Publishing

Romantic Suspense

Emerald Heat by Barbara Clark, Amber Quill Press
Guess Again by Nora Santella, Hard Shell Word Factory
Judging Ellie by Catherine Snodgrass & Bryndis Rubin, Amber Quill
Press
Privacy by Gini Wilson, Wings ePress
Where Tigers Prowl by Karin Story, Amber Quill Press

Science Fiction

Crazy Ships by Darrell Bain, Double Dragon Publishing
The Exile by Rick Sutcliffe, Writers Exchange
The Friends by Rick Sutcliffe, Writers Exchange
Milky Way Marmalade by Michael DiCerto, Zumaya Publications
Prometheus by Alex Domokos & Rita Toews, Hard Shell Word Factory
True Caderi by Michelle Levigne, Awe-Struck E-Books
Virtual Murder by Jennifer Macaire, NovelBooks, Inc.

Single Title/Mainstream

e-ville by K.T. Morgan, Amber Quill Press
Fion's Daughter by Brenna Lyons, eXtasy books
Rising From The Ashes by Michael LaRocca, NovelBooks, Inc.
Summer's Child by Sherry Derr-Wille, Whiskey Creek Press
Wild Nature by Christine Janssen, Wings ePress

Thriller

California Gothic by Casey Dorman, New Concepts Publishing
Eyes Of Betrayal by Patricia Rasey, Amber Quill Press
A Flash of Emerald by J.M. Taylor, Blue Eagle Press
Just Like You by Beverley Bateman, RFI West
Shape Of Fear by Matthew Schoonover, ebooksonthe.net

Western

Cato Wahl by Judith Parker, Whiskey Creek Press
Jedidiah Boone by Dusty Rhodes, Treble Heart Books
Liar's Trail by C.K. Crigger, Amber Quill Press
Shiloh by Dusty Rhodes, Treble Heart Books

Young Adult

The Firehills of Orland by Frances Evlin, Amber Quill Press
McClellan's Bluff by Mary E. Trimble, Atlantic Bridge
The Promise by Jennifer Macaire, Double Dragon Publishing
The Right Hand of Velachaz by Rie Sheridan, LTDBooks
Tangled Hearts by Karin Story, Amber Quill Press

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FLAMES PAST by Gracie C. McKeever — ISBN (e) 1-58749-121-4 (p) 1-58749-257-7 — Contemporary Paranormal Romance available and can be purchased from Awe-Struck E-Books, Inc. http://www.awe-struck.net in download and diskette: html, pdf, Palmpilot, REB 1100, Softbook, Hiebook, eBookman, Distributed internationally through online booksellers…Now Available in Trade Paperback! Visit Earthling Press http://www.earthling-press.com Awe-Struck's print subsidiary for titles in PRINT. Also available at Booksurge.com, B&N, Powells, eBookad.com, Fictionwise.com… Price: $4.50 Usual, non-sale price (download) $8.75 (disk, price includes S&H), $13.95 (trade paperback) – RT 2002 Award Nominee – Best Small Press Paranormal and an Awe-Struck Spice Is Nice title.
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MIND LIKE WATER E-Book Directory: eBooks: free ebook directory and marketing ">http://www.mindlikewater.com">eBooks: free ebook directory and marketing

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MAKING THE ROUNDS: "Death is only the beginning when a psychotherapist is reincarnated as a client's estranged and murdered husband…ETERNAL DESIGNS is the result", paranormal reincarnation romance, and a NCWA (New Century Writer Award) 2002 Novel/Novella Finalist, by Gracie C. McKeever
Author Note: Manuscript currently under editorial review at Five Star Publications, a division of Thompson/Gale Group (http://www.galegroup.com) that does fiction titles in library-edition hardcovers. Cross your fingers for me...
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MAKING THE ROUNDS: Two women who shouldn't have died, but did. Both women now on the trail of two men – one an abusive, cheating husband-turned-killer, the other a rival bounty hunter whom will not be bested by any woman. Each will have their revenge, but at what expense? IN PLAIN SIGHT, paranormal reincarnation/ghost romance by Gracie C. McKeever
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THIS ISSUE'S AUTHOR(s) IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Story Witch -- "Where Fantasy and Romance meet." http://www.storywitch.com Homepage of Award-winning Mainstream, Romance, Erotica and Fantasy author, Joey W. Hill. Attractive site (nice anime character), sleek, easily maneuverable, excellent content (especially if you’re a romance and/or erotica fan). Ms. Hill was once a Dreams Unlimited author (one of her Ellora's Cave offerings is a DU reprint). But I didn't read any of her work until going on a little shopping spree at EC recently to celebrate the New Year as it were (after reading another exceptional EC story, and enjoying it so much, went back for more in the same vein). Anyway, came across HOLDING THE CARDS, by Ms. Hill, ordered it and read it in a sitting-and-a-half. Excellent story, well-executed, wonderful characterization. If you're into erotica, not faint of heart (where sexuality is concerned) and can handle Female Dominant BDSM themes, then HTC is for you. Otherwise, check out Ms. Hill's homepage for some other interesting offerings. I don't think you'll be disappointed!

Doing things a little different this issue and highlighting two authors (or rather three, as one is a team), the second of which are the husband and wife writing team, Jim and Joyce Lavene. Read several of their books (for which I've highlighted the premises below in "What I'm Reading/Recommended Reads" section). Enjoyed them all very much and hope you check them out. In the meantime, peruse the homepage of this talented writing team at http://joyceandjimlavene.com/ and see the titles they have to offer.

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DANCING IN THE DARK by Gracie C. McKeever — ISBN –1-928670-76-8 — Contemporary Romance available from Awe-Struck's Ennoble Line and can be purchased from http://www.awe-struck.net in download and diskette: html, pdf, Palmpilot, REB 1100, Softbook, Hiebook, eBookman, Distributed internationally through online booksellers. Price: $4.50 Usual, non-sale price (download) $8.75 (disk, price includes S&H)
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WHAT I'M READING/RECOMMENDED READS: Lot of reading done in the last couple of months (at least it feels that way anyway), for pleasure and for business (well, the business was reading EPPIE entries…which turned out to be a combination of business and pleasure). The four entries I read were all excellent and enjoyable and I'm glad I took part this year in the judging process. I think I've got the hang of it enough to try it again. Anyway, without further ado, below is just a sampling of what I've been delving into. Hope you enjoy:

>>From READ Reader's List, 12/03: "The last couple of weeks I have been putting a dent into my tbr e-piles (and also putting a dent in my wallet ADDING to my e-piles ):

Read 'TIL THERE WAS YOU, by Joyce & Jim Lavene, Awe-Struck E-Books (contest win from 2001). Loved it so much popped over to the site to purchase four more titles by the husband and wife writing team, which I'm in the midst of devouring (one more title to start as of this writing). Love the writing
style/voice. The characters are warm, sympathetic, vulnerable, strong but most of all lovable. The story lines are straight-forward, fast-paced with smooth-flowing narrative that's easy to get into, and sensitive without being maudlin.

'TIL THERE WAS YOU: From the moment that a working mother and waitress "kidnaps" a world-renowned surgeon from the airport to meet her deaf but gifted young son, and the pair get stuck in the swamp overnight evading the police, this story grabs you by the heart strings and funny bone and doesn't let go.

TWO OF HEARTS: Brings together a ranch owner raising his brother and sister's-in-law twin infant boys after the death of the children's parents in a plane crash. The twin's aunt (mother's sister) joins the family as a nanny to the children, but sparks soon, begrudgingly fly between destitute and bereft aunt, and well-to-do but cynical uncle.

STILL THE ONE: This story reunites a husband and wife (gifted architect who builds homes for the needy and a dedicated doctor running a clinic for the indigent) separated by their own demons, grief and loss, but brought together by a common cause years later on the road to reconciliation and healing.

FLOWERS IN THE NIGHT: Not specifically a Christmas story, but a major chunk of the book takes place during the Holiday Season. Storyline follows the relationship between a town's mechanic raising his dead sister's two children on his own, and an affluent handicapable, orphaned, and infertile young woman who
loves children and is determined to adopt (some) of her own.

Check out all of the above titles at http://www.awe-struck.com<<

GEORGE AND THE VIRGIN by Lisa Cach: George is a world championship wrestler recuperating from an injury that has him questioning the validity of his profession and his personal ethics. When his concerned and helpful new-age loving sister Athena tries a little hypnotherapy on him, George finds himself questioning his very sanity as he's whisked back in time to medieval village of Markesew where virgins are yearly sacrificed to the town's dragon. Alizon was sent to die in her sixteenth year, but twelve years later she is still alive and going strong delivering and organizing consequent young virgins into a little thriving community over which she rules. When George invades her domain on the dragon's mount more than just the serpent's scales will get ruffled. This was an enjoyable time travel with colorful h/h and engaging secondary characters. Check this one out at your local bookstore or your favorite online bookseller.

PLAIN BROWN WRAPPER by Shelby Morgen: Kelly is out to put a little spice and adventure into her life after dumping coffee into her ungrateful jerk of a boss's lap and quitting her job as a paralegal at a modeling agency. She takes a courier job, and meets Terry – International Male Escort – in the airport on her way to Paris. She's on her first assignment and so is Terry. Both virgins as it were. But when it comes to domination and trust, Kelly has a thing or two to teach Terry about the "game" and himself; and Terry is more than willing to learn from his Mistress. Female Dominant BDSM theme with a high-stakes, life and death climax and a wonderful happily-ever-after, this one's a keeper! You can check it out at the publisher http://www.ellorascave.com

SINGLE WHITE VAMPIRE by Lynsay Sands: Lucern Agerneu is a gifted writer of romance fiction with a legion of fans who want nothing better than to meet the mysterious author behind the wonderful vampire romances that they love so much. Problem is, Lucern writes historical family biographies and the last thing in the world he wants to do is meet with his fans, especially not to explain the genesis behind his stories. Kate C. Leever is his new editor and clamoring to make a name for herself at Rounghouse Publishing. It would really be a big feather in her cap if she could lure the reclusive and antisocial author out of his shell for a book signing or two, or even one interview. Cute story that shed an interesting light on vampire legends in particular, and a humorous light on the Romantic Times convention in general. Check this one out at your local bookstore or favorite online bookseller.

SPELLBOUND IN SEATTLE, by Garthia Anderson: Petra Field doesn't have a magical bone in her body, but she knows enchanted blood when she sees it and she sees a big stain of it spreading on her new carpet. With guests scheduled to come over for a dinner party shortly, Petra needs a miracle, and calls a magical cleaning service to get out the stain. She gets more than she bargained for in a gifted grand wizard named Vorador. Things immediately go awry when the non-magical Petra short circuits more than just Vorador's magical spells. Great character chemistry, and a tightly-woven romantic comedy with loads of suspense and mystery leading to a psychotic and vengeful magical killer. Check this one out at your local bookstore or favorite online bookseller.

THE SWITCH by Diane Whiteside: Sean is an ex Ranger, widowed father with secret sexual longings that he thinks would make his astute and sensitive seventeen-year-old son Mike blush. They've weathered some rough times (specifically Mike's criminal activities when he was crying out for attention after his mother's death) but now are each other's best friends and confidants. Beth is an interracial power-broker in the international banking scene and into BDSM. Still recovering from her cheating fiance's infidelity, she has never been comfortable with her Asian and Caucasian halves, especially unable to reconcile what is expected of her from her Japanese ancestors and the dom games she likes to play in the bedroom. When Sean and Beth cross paths in the adult reading aisle of an independent bookstore in Seattle, it is abundantly evident who is the boss in their Dominant/sub fantasy and who will be calling the shots. Or is it? Great character chemistry, hot sensual love scenes, and an sexually explosive ending. Check this one out at its publisher http://www.ellorascave.com

THE WORDS OF THE PITCHER by Kei Swanson: East and West collide in this wonderful multi-cultural romance featuring an Asian hero and Caucasian heroine. Kentaro Ikuta is a gifted multi-million dollar pitcher with the Cleaveland Chiefs baseball team and Claire Ferris is the young American Doctoral candidate (her specialty is Japanese culture and linguistics) hired to interpret for and teach Kentaro English. The characters here are engaging and strong, instantly attracted to and made for each other. Check out this title at your local bookstore, favorite online bookseller, or directly from its publisher at http://www.genesis-press.com

Maybe not as many as this time, but more interesting titles for you next issue!

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AD: NovelBooks Inc. features one of its authors every week, and that author provides a short story or novel excerpt which is then offered free to readers. Check out the site EVERY WEEK for a new story (and a different featured author) http://www.novelbooksinc.com NBI – "Fiction with an Attitude!"
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THIS ISSUE'S SPOTLIGHT SITE: http://www.ellorascave.com – Romantica™ Publisher – Surely you're not surprised by my pick?! I just couldn't not highlight this site after deriving such pleasurable and exciting reads from several of its books in the last few weeks (only a couple of which I mentioned in "What I'm Reading/Recommended Reads"). For an exclusive look into EC's past and future, be sure to check out Ellora's Cave: E-publishing Gone Wild, the cover story for February's Romantic Times Book Club magazine. It's arriving in bookstores and mailboxes now!

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WORK-IN-PROGRESS: Yep, I've started a new one as of mid-December. The backgrounds are simmering, outline is taking shape, and, most crucial of all (since I wasn't able to start working on the actual manuscript earlier this month until this part) I've got a title. I've also settled on the centaur main character/hero (remember for a while I was flipping between merman story or centaur. Had actually written a page or two with the merman POV until the "little horsey man" – as my mother has become fond of calling my newest hero – took over and won out). Of course it's paranormal romance (the heroine is clairvoyant and lives on/owns a working ranch…can you see the possibilities? I certainly can since the ideas started to flow right away after I got a setting and characters. Oh, not to mention a scene I wrote while walking home after taking in LOTR: ROTK. Something so inspiring about that movie!). Anyway, will keep you all posted on how this one is going… "After causing the death of a fellow Sapphiran and finally cast out for repeated transgressions against the ways of his clan, an arrogant and brash young centaur turns what started as a punishment into a chance for redemption when he meets and falls for a resourceful and clairvoyant woman who has foreseen his arrival in her dreams. But will a certain Black Elf let nature take its course to allow the lovers to be together? INTIMATE SHADOWS, paranormal romance, by Gracie C. McKeever
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POETRY CORNER:

Glorious
by Valerie Hardin © 2004

Father created the stars
We’re under
Glorious
Glorious
I am so glad you were born
He created me to love you
Love didn't come all at once
It's something we built
With an artist’s touch
Father created the stars
We’re under
And you for me
A force stronger than the universe
I can feel it I can feel
You’re so glorious
Glorious
Another wonderful creation
You may not know
What beautiful creation you are to me.

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PS. It's Like MiracleGrow for Your Kid's Brain, My Grandmother's Wedding by Valerie Hardin Eppie Finalist 2003 http://www.store.yahoo.com/streetsaint/ http://www.writers-exchange.com/epublishing/ Gargoyle's Tears by JV Harlee http://tarbuttonpress.com/
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MILES TO GO by Gracie C. McKeever — ISBN 1-58749-025-0 — a Byte^Me teen novel available from Awe-Struck E-Books, Inc. http://www.awe-struck.net in download and diskette: html, pdf, Palmpilot, REB 1100, Softbook, Hiebook, eBookman, Distributed internationally through online booksellers. Price: $4.50 Usual, non-sale price (download) $8.75 (disk, price includes S&H)
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THIS ISSUE'S NOVEL EXCERPT: "MOON OF LITTLE WINTER"

Excerpt from Moon of Little Winter by Margaret Marr http://www.novelbooksinc.com/authors/margaret_marr/books/moon_of_little_winter/index.html

Chely stood by the window long after the wolf had disappeared into the unnatural night. This part of North Carolina didn’t have big gray wolves. She was certain it was a male. It oozed animalistic power and confidence. Its stance portrayed strength born of the rugged outdoors, built to withstand even the most merciless onslaught Mother Nature threw at it.

A chill skittered down Chely’s spine. She felt like she knew the wolf’s soul. Intimately. Crazy—that’s what it was. How could she know a wolf? She thought of the red wolf, and how she’d felt like she’d known it, too. Pressing her hand to the windowpane, she searched the wooded area. “Ridiculous,” she muttered and turned away from the window.

Suddenly rain splattered against the glass, scaring her into a nervous jump. “Damn it!” She tightened her hand on the opening of her robe. Hadn’t the moon been shining a minute ago? The weather might as well be weird; everything else was.

A pain shot through her stomach and spread up to her chest. She doubled over and gasped for breath. About the time it subsided, another one hit her. Crying out, she slid to the floor and curled up in a ball. Wave after wave of pain racked her body until tears streamed down her cheeks and sweat drenched her face, soaking her clothes until they clung to her.

Subtle footsteps crossed the attic floor. She cast a fearful glance above her, but didn’t hear anything more.

Ten minutes later, the agony eased enough for her to crawl across the floor toward her bed. When she got there and started to pull herself up on the bed, another horrendous pain seized her and wouldn’t let go.

“Help me, Ty,” she gasped. “I need you.” She lay with her forehead pressed to the disheveled sheets and blankets at the edge of the mattress. If she didn’t move, the pain wasn’t so tormenting. Where was Ty? She wanted and needed him here so badly.

Little by little, the pain became a dull ache, but still Chely was too exhausted to move from the floor. Slipping toward sleep, she felt a presence in the room with her. It breathed across her neck, and its cold breath shimmied down her spine.

“No,” she whispered. “Please, no.”

A soft laugh followed her words and echoed around the room.

Once again, Chely’s eyes drooped closed. She struggled to keep them open, but it was as if Mr. Sandman’s evil twin had backed his truck up to her eyes and dumped his whole load across her lids.

Something light and cold slid up her body; its shallow, fetid breath fanned across her cheek.

A memory of her grandfather telling her a story from the Bible darted into her mind. It promised if you called on the Lord’s name when evil was present it would have to flee.

“I rebuke you in the name of J-j-j…” She fought the darkness and tried again. “I rebuke in the name of J-j...” Oh, no! It wasn’t going to let her say the Lord’s name.

The spirit covered her, creeping along her skin, trying to get in, to possess her body and soul.

“I rebuke…” Invisible duct tape slammed across her mouth, and she collapsed in tears. She was so tired, and it would be so easy to give up and let the evil in. “Jesus!” she cried.

The spirit withdrew in a snap with a sharp hiss of anger and pain.

Footsteps hurried across the floor. Oh, God, what now?

“Oh, my dear child.” Someone knelt down beside her.

The smell of lavender soothed Chely’s nerves, giving her peace, making her feel safe.

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Bio: Margaret Marr's publishing credits include many short stories and poems along with several novels. NovelBooks, Inc. released MOON OF LITTLE WINTER in August 2002. Treble Heart Books released BETWEEN EARTH AND ETERNITY in February 2003. THE GHOSTS OF DAEMON YARBOROUGH and NIGHT IN DESERT BLUE, a novella—part of the Once in a Blue Moon Anthology—are coming soon in 2004. Visit her Online at: http://www.margaretmarr.com
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NEXT ISSUE'S NOVEL/SHORT STORY EXCERPT..."THE CRUSH" by Joey Hill. Don't miss it!

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NEW LIFE INCOGNITA by Gracie C. McKeever — ISBN (disk) 1-55316-061-4 (Rocket) 1-55316-939-5 — New Age Paranormal Urban Romance available and can be purchased from LTDBooks http://www.ltdbooks.com in download and diskette: Palmpilot, Rocket eBook, Gemstar REB 1100 and 1200 and Franklin eBookman. Price: $5.00 (download) $6.00 (disk). Also Available from Amazon and distributed internationally through other major online booksellers.
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THIS ISSUE'S NEWSLETTER CONTEST: Hokay, we're going to kick the New Year off on the right foot and commence the newsletter contest again (hoping for a more enthusiastic and substantial response). So without further ado, up for grabs in the January/February 2004 draw, two Deb Stover titles (paperbacks, good condition – and it's killing me to part with them, but I've already indulged and re-indulged and I want to share the wealth and not be greedy about this ): ALMOST AN ANGEL and ANOTHER DAWN. You know the drill, but just in case you don't…To enter for your chance to win, just send an e-mail with your name, address and e-mail address to g_mac10@yahoo.com with "Angel and Dawn Contest" in the subject line. Contest runs until February 20, 2004. One entry per e-mail address, and per person. Refer a friend, however, (who e-mails me with his/her request to subscribe and naming you as their referral), to the newsletter before the deadline, and you get an additional entry. The more friends you refer, the more times you're entered. (Referred friend will automatically be entered in the current newsletter contest once). Winner will be notified by e-mail, and mailing address will be confirmed. In the event chosen contestant does not respond within seven (7) days, another name will be drawn. I reserve the right to publish winners name on my webpage(s) and in my newsletter.

GIVEAWAYS/GOOD DEALS/SHAMELESS PROMOTIONS:
FREE BOOK offers from Road to Romance: http://roadtoromance.dhs.org/freestories.htm
The Free Stories Feature has been updated and given it's own page. It used to be on the contest page. These are author stories and are linked to their sites, where you can either download them or read them online. Lot's of free reading here! Follow the links offered with each.

"SHADOW OF LOVE" Paranormal Romance – FREE Novel Download from Awe-Struck E-Books
http://awe-struck.net/FREENVLTTE/freeshoflve.html

"Read SHROUDED HEARTS by Cass Andre at NO CHARGE!
Bestselling, award-winning author, Cass Andre, has just released SHROUDED HEARTS, the sequel to VEILED HEARTS. If you thought Luke had woman troubles, wait until you see what Reed has put up with! Download SHROUDED HEARTS at www.booksbycass.com/shrouded.html
(formats available: doc, rtf, lit, html, kml, rb, pdf and a printable file)"

Do you like to read a chapter of a book before you buy it? Stop by Readers Read™ http://www.readersread.com/excerpts/ to read excerpts and first chapters from the newest books. Check back frequently.

Visit NovelBooks, Inc. Cyber Shops at http://www.cafepress.com/nbi where you'll find official NBI gear, perfect for showing off to your friends or wearing out and about. Also Check out the DESERT DREAMS shop here http://www.cafeshops.com/nbi_gcm_dd to purchase a slew of different products—from tees and totes, to mousepads and mugs – featuring your favorite NBI book cover . Keep an eye out for new products and specials. And if you haven't so far been lucky enough to win one of the DESERT DREAMS prizes up for grabs in my previous contests, well then you might have to break down and BUY the gear. Did I mention, affordable gifts, just in time for…ANY time?

If you haven't checked it out yet, zip on over to Earthling Press http://www.earthling-press.com, your source of fine books in print. EP is an imprint of Awe-Struck E-Books, Inc. and brings to you the same great stories—and great giveaways and sales—from your favorite Awe-Struck Awe-thors…only in print! "Earthling Press—books from your home planet."

Stay informed about lots of your favorite writers in one monthly newsletter, and consider subscribing to Writerspace-News, where you'll be kept up-to-date on Janelle Denison, Jayne Ann Krentz, Elizabeth Lowell, Stella Cameron, Rachel Gibson, Susan Elizabeth Phillips, Geralyn Dawson, Susan Wiggs, Diana Palmer, Marilyn Pappano and more. To subscribe, visit http://www.writerspace.com/news.html

Want to find out: What Science Fiction Romance is, anyway, and why does Science Fiction Romance deserve its own newsletter and website? Wellllll…you guessed it, another newsletter. But, if you're really into the genre and want to keep abreast of what's coming out and going on with your favorite sfr authors, then this newsletter IS a must (I know, that's what they all say).

The newsletter, which hosts the yearly SAPPHIRE AWARDS for the best works in the genre, has been in publication since 1993/1994 and has had an active website since 1996. They publish monthly in both email and paper formats. For subscriptions to the email newsletter, simply visit the site http://www.sfronline.com/
enter your email address where indicated. For subscriptions by mail, SASEs are required, so contact the editor, Jody Wallace, at editor@sfronline.com.

And along the same lines, try THE DREAM WEAVER – "For those who believe in the magic of dreams".
It's easier than ever to read the Dream Weaver online! www.earthlycharms.com/dreamweaver.htm
Or send a blank email: DreamWeaverNewsletter-subscribe@yahoogroups.com to subscribe and be automatically entered in the bi-monthly drawings.

ODDS AND ENDS:
Visit Gracie's Gallery http://hometown.aol.com/gwiz10/myhomepage/index.html and learn a little more about Gracie C. McKeever and her books. Peruse the links of interest for writers and readers. Enjoy the available articles, poems, short stories, novelettes and free book excerpts, and…Happy Reading!

Please feel free to share this newsletter (in its entirety and/or including the proper credits when/where necessary) with a friend or two...or a hundred! Encourage them to sign up. Or they can just drop me an e-mail expressing their wish to subscribe to the newsletter and I'll sign them up. Want to preview the newsletter and see if it's to your liking? Check out past issues of Gracie's Gazette at
http://www.authorsden.com/visit/viewnewsletter.asp?AuthorID=623

If you've ever read any of my books and enjoyed them (I hope, I hope, I hope), why not consider hopping on over to BarnesandNoble.com, Amazon.com, or Fictionwise.com and writing a reader review. I'd be ever so grateful!

Thanks for subscribing and see you next issue!

GCM—
Someone put a stop on my reality check!