Friday Night Reflections

Dragon*Con 2010

2010-09-12T19:45:00.013-04:00

Some pics from Dragon*Con 2010 - what a blast it was!!

Enjoy!!

Spartan Warriors from 300 - hot hot HOT!
Where can I get me one of those???

This Sirius Black was definitely one of the best costumes I saw!

Dr. Who

Kingdom Hearts villains

Netherworld float in the D*Con parade

Not sure what these characters are from, but they were awesome!

Straight from Nowhere, Kansas - Courage the Cowardly Dog!
I miss that cartoon!

A Little Light Magic is a Fresh Fiction Pick of the Day!

2010-07-26T07:33:00.003-04:00

Those of you who subscribe to Fresh Fiction's "Fresh Pick of the Day" newsletter saw A Little Light Magic come into your inbox this morning. The Fresh Pick is chosen completely by reader vote, so this is quite an honor!

Here's a snip from Fresh Fiction's review of ALLM :-)

"A moving story that will bring tears to your eyes and make you laugh out loud. Joy Nash is an absolutely brilliant genius. I laughed out loud, cried crocodile tears and had butterflies in my stomach while reading this beautiful story. I recommend it to everyone." For more, click here!

Okay, so no one has ever called me an "absolutely brilliant genius" before, and I have to confess I think that's just a wee bit exaggerated, but hey, it feels good!

Thanks to all of you who voted for my book at Fresh Fiction!

Joy

My Summer Reading List

2010-06-18T07:30:00.006-04:00

So I've just finished up the edits for my February 2011 book The Unforgiven! It's the first book in my new urban fantasy series about the modern descendants of a tribe of fallen Biblical angels known as The Watchers.

With hardly a breath to spare, I'm now deep into Watchers book 2, The Unholy, which is set for a summer 2011 release. In the coming weeks, I'll begin talking about the series here on the blog and on my website, www.joynash.com.

But for the next couple of weeks - a break where I get to be a READER!!!! So what do writers read when they're not writing? Here's my summer reading list...

Of course, the latest releases from my friends at The Chatelaines! :-) That means Emily Bryan's Stroke of Genius, Allyson James' (aka Jennifer Ashley)'s Stormwalker, Cindy Holby's Breath of Heaven, and Gerri Russell's Seducing the Knight.

And then, to feed my Regency England addiction, Sally MacKenzie's The Naked Viscount and Mary Balogh's A Secret Affair.

And one oldie on the list - I've been wanting to read M.M. Kaye's The Far Pavilions for a while now. I have a growing fascination with India, a country which I know very little about. At nearly 1000 pages, it's been a little hard to grab this classic for a quick read in between everything else in my busy (insane) schedule! But with some down time from the job coming up, I've decided this is the summer to tackle it.

Oh, yeah, and that's my son's old Charmander on top of the stack. :-)

What's on everyone else's summer reading list??

Joy

one star classics??

2010-04-08T09:32:00.006-04:00

All authors, myself included, have stressed over a less-than-flattering review. But hey, it seems not even the authors on the Great Books reading list are immune to one-star amazon reviews.

My husband forwarded me an alternatively amusing and horrifying article about mean Amazon reviews, posted on salon.com earlier this month. Here's a sample of what some Amazon reviewers have to say about...

The Grapes of Wrath: "trite, contrived"

To Kill a Mockingbird: "more degrading than a harlequin romance" (say WHAT???)

Jane Eyre (one of my all-time faves): "the entire book is written in pointless metaphors"

Charlotte's Web: "I felt no feelings toward any of the characters."
(this reviewer obviously has no qualms eating bacon)

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn: "This book is 3 words over and over again: MY LIFE IS BAD." (apparently, this reviewer isn't so good at math)

Where the Wild Things Are: "[the kid] talks back to his mother. Save your money."

1984: "DO NOT READ ANY GEORGE ORWELL. Your [sic] just wasting your time. "

Anne Frank's Diary of a Young Girl: "very very very very very very very very very very very boring. If you have to read this book, shoot yourself first."
(This book had me in tears as a teenager. Can you even imagine being as heartless as this reviewer?)

and, last but definitely not least...even the Almighty is not immune...

The BIBLE: "harder to get into than Lord of the Rings"
(I'm picturing God and JRR Tolkien sharing a chuckle over this one)

For full texts of the reviews above, see the original article at salon.com

See ya!

Joy

OMG, I'm a RITA finalist!

2010-03-26T09:48:00.003-04:00

I nearly fell over when the call came in yesterday!

Which is not a good thing, since I was driving. I almost didn't answer the phone - cell phone while driving isn't banned (yet) in my town, but I don't normally mix chatting and driving anyway. Too many crazies on the road these days.

But I was coming up on a red light, so I answered anyway. When fellow author Jeannie Adams identified herself as a Romance Writers of America board member, I thought, "Why the heck is she calling me?"

And then she told me the news: A Little Light Magic is a finalist in RWA's RITA Award in the Single Title Contemporary category!!

Too cool! I'm still floating.

But I can't afford to stay on the ceiling for long, not with a BOOK DEADLINE looming next week. Yes, I'm almost finished with the first book in my upcoming paranormal WATCHERS series.

Stay tuned - once the manuscript is emailed off to my editor, I'll pop in to tell you more about the heroes of this series - a clan of half-demon/half-human warriors, modern descendants of the cursed Biblical angels known as the Watchers.

Love ya!

Joy

Shelling out the cash for Valentine's Day...

2010-02-14T09:37:00.003-05:00

Okay, I know it's not too romantic to talk money on Valentine's Day, but I think these statistics are fun! How does your Valentine's Day spending match up?

Total Valentine's Day spending this year? $ 14.1 billion. (Recession? What recession?)

Average Valentine's day spending per person - $103

55% of spenders will by Valentine Day cards - 1 billion of these are sent worldwide - and 80% of them are sent by women!

The average Valentine spender will shell out $4.29 for cards for a child to exchange with classmates and teachers

15.5% of Valentine spenders will buy jewelry for their loved one.

Surprise! More candy is bought for Halloween, Easter, and Christmas than for Valentine's Day. But none of the big three can boast sales of 36 million pretty heart-shaped boxes!

Florists love Valentine's Day - 40 percent of a retail florist's yearly business come with Valentine's Day. Which is why, I imagine, florists never go on vacation in February. 35% of Valentine's Day spenders will splurge on bouquets for their honeys. Roses are the most popular flower (no surprise there!). Carnations are second.

Sources: National Retail Federation; Greeting Card Association

Happy Valentine's Day!

Joy

A cool way to try out new authors

2009-12-04T06:00:00.000-05:00

Check out these cool book samplers on freado.com ! I love the way you can turn the pages on the screen just like on a real book.

These two samplers were put together by my friend and fellow author Rowena Cherry - click on the links below, and once there, click "read free sample." Then you can turn the pages to read excerpt from books by over a dozen futuristic, fantasy and paranormal authors, including CL Wilson, and me!

Fantasy Futuristic Paranormal Sampler #1

Fantasy Futuristic Paranormal Romance Sampler #2

Once you read and enjoy - please hit "share" to pass it on!

Joy

A new reason to be thankful...

2009-11-25T08:55:00.000-05:00

Someone sent me one of those internet joke emails the other day with this picture. I nearly fell off my chair laughing. How nice that my genetics will be in fashion tomorrow! :D

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! May your day be filled with lots of love and laughter as well as good food.

Joy

Veteran's Day 2009

2009-11-11T07:21:00.002-05:00

I'd like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all vets and their families, especially ones who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.

Special prayers to the families and friend of the soldiers recently fallen at Ft. Hood.

Joy

Dorchester Author Chat at Writerspace Mon Nov 9th at 9pm ET!

2009-11-06T04:00:00.000-05:00

Hey all

Don't forget to stop by the Dorchester Author Chat at Writerspace on Monday Nov 9th at 9pm ET!

I'll be there talking about Silver Silence, and giving away an autographed copy of Deep Magic.

Writerspace Chat Room at Writerspace.com

Hope to see you all there!

Joy

And the winners are...

2009-11-03T10:07:00.004-05:00

...Carol L and Alba!

Congrats! Each of you have won a set of autographed copies of The Grail King, Deep Magic, and the Nov issue of RT magazine :D

Please email me at joy@joynash.com with your snail mail addresses to claim your prizes! Since you both left email addresses, I'll be contacting you offline as well as via this blog post.

Thanks to everyone who stopped by to read the excerpts and enter the contest. I really appreciated all the enthusiasm and support.

Don't forget to check out the Rhys and Breena lost scenes on my website, joynash.com !

Happy Autumn Reading...

Joy

Silver Silence - the interview

2009-10-30T09:26:00.000-04:00

Silver Silence, book 3 of my Druids of Avalon trilogy is in bookstores Tuesday Oct 27. I'm celebrating with excerpts, lost scenes, an interview and a week-long contest!

To enter, just comment on any post put up between Wed Oct 21 through Friday Oct 30. Two lucky readers will win autographed copies of both The Grail King and Deep Magic, as well as an autographed copy of Romantic Times BOOKReviews magazine November issue, featuring me on the cover!

Please consider including your email with your post so I can contact you quickly if you win! And if you don’t…check out more chances to win at www.joynash.com.

By the way, if you're planning on buying Silver Silence, I hope you'll consider picking it up close to the Oct 27 release day, as any book's opening week sales are the most important to an author's publisher.

Thanks and good luck to all!

Silver Silence Q & A:

Q: What do readers need to know about Silver Silence?

A: It’s the third book in my Druids of Avalon trilogy. And it’s Rhys and Breena’s long-awaited story! Readers who have been following the age-and-circumstance mismatched pair through The Grail King and Deep Magic will finally get to experience their struggle and happily ever after.

In Silver Silence, Rhys and Breena travel from second century Avalon 350 years forward in time to a brutal Dark Ages Britain they barely recognize. There they battle a dark power poised to cancel the prophesized birth of King Arthur.

The wizard Myrddin, counselor to High King Uther faces a hard choice: allow Britain to succumb to a brutal Saxon menace aided by an unknown dark sorcerer, or dangerous deep magic to bring Breena and her unique magic from the past to aid his cause.

Breena, who has at last accepted that her childhood infatuation for Rhys can come to nothing, agrees to the mission. When Breena goes missing from Avalon without explanation, Rhys realizes he would risk anything – even forbidden magic and a perilous journey through the Lost Lands – to bring her home. He doesn’t anticipate a journey to Britain’s grim future, nor that Breena will refuse to abandon her purpose once he arrives. It falls to Rhys and Breena together to unravel the secret of linking their past with Britain’s Future King, and break the Silver Silence.

Q: Where did you get the idea for this story?

A: From history! My Druid characters travel through the mystical Lost Lands, which link all time to Avalon. They emerge three hundred fifty years in the future, in a Britain they hardly recognize. Abandoned by the Roman Army, faced with a brutal Saxon invasion and internal squabbling among Briton war chiefs, Britain is at a crossroads. A strong leader is needed to unite Britons and drive away invaders. As we know, at least for a brief, shining moment, that leader was King Arthur. My characters become deeply involved in the legend of Arthur’s conception, in which much deceit and magic abounds.

Q: Breena is so much younger than Rhys, both in age and life experience.
Why is she perfect for him?

A: Breena is very loyal. She’s loved Rhys since she was a small child—hero worship, really. Unfortunately, hero worship isn’t a firm base on which to build a mature relationship. Readers caught glimpses of Breena in The Grail King and Deep Magic. In Silver Silence, she grows up. She has to accept Rhys’s rejection, leave him behind, and forge her own destiny. In doing that she ultimately wins what she gave up – Rhys’s love. I think her story is a valuable lesson in how letting go of one cherished, impossible dream, and taking charge of your life on your own terms, can bring that dream back to you in the end.

Q: What do you love about Rhys?

A: He’s a “lone wolf” hero – my favorite kind! I love Rhys’s idealism, his lonely dedication to his life duty for Avalon. He’s doomed to a wandering life, which he never wanted and doesn’t like. He thinks his own happiness, especially with Breena, is out of reach, but he accepts that burden for the good of Avalon and Britain’s future.

This obedience takes a toll, in the form of Rhys’s dark and sometimes disturbing sensuality. Which is yet another aspect of himself he could never force on Breena – or so he thinks! In reality, Breena is much stronger than Rhys gives her credit for. It’s her task to teach Rhys that his efforts to keep her cocooned in safety has more to do with his own fears, than with Breena’s happiness.

Q: How did you approach building the world of Dark Ages Britain for this story?

A: I read quite a bit about 5th Century Britain. The withdrawal of the Roman Army prompted many Britons to flee the island. Those who remained in Britain, without the military protection they’d known for five hundred years, had to scurry to protect their territories from rival Britons as well as raiding Saxons. Breena and Rhys go from their own stable, prosperous time into this brutal future. My research into the spread of Christianity in Britain was fascinating.

When Rhys and Breena encounter a future Avalon, they find it inhabited not by Druids, as in their own time, but by monks of a new religion that considers Druidry a work of Satan. So that’s another aspect of the future they struggle to deal with. Added to that mix is Druid magic that is both less common, and more powerful, than in their own time, and a dark menace that threatens to prevent the prophesized birth of Britain’s Druid King. It’s really a quite complex landscape in which to set a love story.

Q: Where can we learn more about Rhys’s and Breena’s past?

A: Check out www.joynash.com for the Silver Silence “Before the Book” scenes to catch a glimpse of Rhys and Breena over the years. These scenes were originally flashback scenes in Silver Silence, but ended up cut because of manuscript length requirements. I loved them so much I couldn’t let them fade away completely!

Q: What’s the best part about writing the Druids of Avalon Trilogy?

The emails from readers who have fallen in love with my characters and my stories! Everyone can daydream, but it’s such a privilege to invite readers around the world to participate in the fantasy. Thanks for being there with me.

Coming this weekend - Winners!!

Joy
www.joynash.com

Silver Silence - excerpt #5

2009-10-29T06:00:00.000-04:00

Silver Silence, book 3 of my Druids of Avalon trilogy is in bookstores Tuesday Oct 27. I'm celebrating with excerpts, lost scenes, an interview and a week-long contest!

Please consider including your email with your post so I can contact you quickly if you win! And if you don’t…check out more chances to win at www.joynash.com.

Thanks and good luck to all!

And now, Silver Silence excerpt #5:

Ciara cried out, convulsing with pleasure beneath him. Rhys yanked himself from her body just in time to groan his own release.

Shame rushed in, hot on the heels of his climax. Heartsick, he fumbled with the knot on Ciara’s bonds. When she was free, he jerked to his feet and strode the short length of the room to its single window. Throwing open the shutters, he braced one arm on the sill and looked out on blackness.

“Rhys? Is something wrong?”

The genuine concern in Ciara’s voice made him hate himself even more. He pressed his forehead to the window frame, cold sweat beading on his forehead. Gods. How could he have imagined Breena naked, servicing him like a whore? She was just a girl. An innocent. The sister of his best friend. For years, Rhys had thought of her as his own sister.

Until her breasts and hips had rounded, and the youthful worship in her eyes had turned to something sweeter and darker. And she began to speak to him of love, and of marriage.

Even now, the thought caused a bitter laugh to rise in his throat. He and Breena, married? He had nothing to offer her—not even the meanest roof to shelter her. But gods help him, he could not stop imagining her in his bed.

Someone should kick him in the head. No doubt Marcus would be more than pleased to do so, if his friend ever suspected the thoughts Rhys entertained about his sister.

“Rhys? Love?” Ciara’s nude body pressed against his back. Her hands came around to stroke his chest. “Something is troubling ye, aye? Whatever it be, come back to bed. I’ll help ye forget.”

He only wished it were that easy. “I think not, Ciara. I am…just weary, perhaps. I’ve been traveling hard for days now, in the rain and mud….”

“Lie down and sleep, then.” She smiled. “And perhaps, in the morning….”

But morning found Rhys slipping from under Ciara’s blanket without waking her. He dressed silently. He hadn’t found the relief he’d sought in her bed. Just the opposite. Their bedplay had left him feeling more hopeless, and lonelier, than ever.

Perhaps his advancing age was catching up with him. By the gods, he was nearly thirty! He remembered a time when he could not have imagined being so ancient. He was too old, perhaps, to be seeking comfort from whores. By the time a man had seen thirty winters, he should have a wife tending his hearth. Children to teach. But Rhys would never enjoy those simple blessings.

He took up his pack. Was Breena wed? He’d been away almost a year; she might very well be someone’s wife by now. Penn’s, perhaps. During Rhys’s last visit to Avalon, he’d noted an easy friendship between them. Penn was only a few years older than Breena. He was earnest and good, and strong in the Light. Aye, Penn would make Breena a fine husband.

His stomach turned. Last night’s meat, perhaps. He thought it had been a bit off.

He paused at the door to slip a silver denarius from his purse. He laid the coin on Ciara’s wash table. It was far more than she would expect from him. But she was more than welcome to it.

He would not, he thought, be coming back.

Coming Friday - Q & A interview about Silver Silence. All the best!

Joy
www.joynash.com

Silver Silence - excerpt #4

2009-10-28T06:00:00.002-04:00

Silver Silence, book 3 of my Druids of Avalon trilogy is in bookstores Tuesday Oct 27. I'm celebrating with excerpts, lost scenes, an interview and a week-long contest!

Please consider including your email with your post so I can contact you quickly if you win! And if you don’t…check out more chances to win at www.joynash.com.

Thanks and good luck to all!

And now, Silver Silence excerpt #4:

Great Mother, but his mood was black.

The meal had helped a little. Ciara had even managed to find a few chunks of meat to float in his broth. She must be feeling generous. Or perhaps just very needy. Not many travelers found themselves stopping at this gods-forsaken crossroads.

Rhys’s weariness had receded a little upon Fergus’s warm greeting. No doubt the man anticipated the profit Rhys’s harp brought to his tavern. But Rhys sensed honest regard, too. A minstrel’s song, even sung with half a heart, was a joy Fergus did not often experience.

And so Rhys had worked to keep the darkness at bay. His music flowed easily, as it always did. After fifteen years, his harp was almost a part of him; he could play in his sleep, if need be. Now it was done. He found himself looking forward to Ciara’s bed. At least with her, he did not have to pretend. She understood what he wanted.

It shamed him, this burning, angry need. And yet, he could not summon the strength to resist it. If it was wrong, so be it. He was tired of fighting.

Fatigue dragged at his bones as he followed Ciara up the stair. He felt old. Far older, even, than his nine-and-twenty years. Fifteen years, he’d wandered. More than half his life. His youth had been worn to dust on the road. Aye, he did his duty to Avalon. Every day, he fulfilled the promise his grandfather had forced him to give, knowing he would never be done with it. Knowing he would never be free.

It angered him. It had from the beginning, though in those early days, panic had been his foremost emotion. He’d conquered his fears long ago—but his rage? That remained, simmering beneath the genial facade he presented to the world. He could not fight for his life, nor could he escape it.

He could only forget. For a few hours, at least.

Ciara climbed the stairs swiftly. She lit a candle in her small room under the eaves, then shut and bolted the door. Turning, she leaned against it.

Rhys set his pack in a corner, then straightened and looked at her. She was thin—if he wished, he might have counted her ribs. But her breasts were high and full, and she was more than willing to give him what he wanted.

“Strip,” he said softly.

Her fingers went immediately to the tasseled cord at her waist. She unknotted the braided leather, and let it drop. Her blouse dropped next. Then her skirt. By the time her undertunic joined the heap of clothes on the ground, she was trembling.

He ordered her onto her knees. She obeyed swiftly. Her eyes, sharp with excitement, fixed on his groin. He unlaced his breeches; his shaft sprang free. She made an appreciative sound in the back of her throat, and licked her lips.

He used her mouth first, holding her head in place and plunging into her almost desperately, seeking that rush of dark lust that blotted out every other thought. Her ripe red lips worked him, encouragement vibrating deep in her throat. Her hands clutched his buttocks, her nails digging deep. But oddly, the pain seemed very far away. As did the pleasure. It was as if his emotions were wrapped in a death shroud.

Unsatisfied, he left Ciara’s mouth, and ordered her onto the bed, which was little more than a straw-stuffed pallet laid on a wooden frame. She lay with arms flung overhead, watching hungrily as he removed his clothing. Naked, he bent to retrieve something from the floor.

He crawled over her on all fours and entered her with one hard thrust. She gasped, hips arching. Catching her wrists, he wrapped them with the braided leather cord she’d worn at her waist. He looped the free end around the end rail of the bed frame and pulled the rope taut.

The sight of her lying bound and helpless brought a rush of dark, erotic satisfaction. In this one small area of his life, at least, he was master. Ciara enjoyed playing the slave.

“Aye!” she gasped. “Like that. Harder, Rhys! Harder—”

He drove his flesh into her with anger and lust and hopelessness. But try as he might, he could outrun none of it. His shame spread over him like a vermin-ridden blanket, until he all but choked with the ugliness of it. Ciara, oblivious to his inner turmoil, urged him on.

He was glad, he supposed, that one of them would take some fulfillment from their joining. With an odd detachment, as if he were spectator rather than participant, Rhys watched the frantic union of their bodies. His lust had long gone cold; he could have easily withdrawn and walked away. But Ciara would not appreciate that insult.

So Rhys closed his eyes and summoned a fantasy—one as forbidden and shameful as it was exciting.

In his mind’s eye, the woman beneath him was not a whore. She was young, and innocent, and trusting. Freckles danced across a proud nose that was decidedly Roman. A gap showed between her front teeth. Her pointed chin hinted at her stubborn nature, and her hair…ah, her hair was a rare luxury. Long and bright as flame, it spilled and curled like a river of fire, circling her glorious round breasts.

Breena…

Excerpt #5 coming up tomorrow! All the best!

Joy
www.joynash.com

Druids of Avalon - order of books

2009-10-26T15:42:00.004-04:00

Since people have been asking about the Druids of Avalon books and characters, and how Celtic Fire fits in with the trilogy, I thought I'd post an extra note about it...

All the books are stand alone stories - no plot points are left hanging to be resolved in the next book in any of the stories. That said, if you read the books in order, you'll get to know the characters, many of whom appear in more than one book, more naturally.

Celtic Fire - Hero is Lucius, a Roman commander; heroine is Rhiannon, a Celt. This book introduces Owein, Rhiannon's younger brother and a Druid initiate, and Lucius's young son Marcus. CF was my first book, before I conceived the Druids of Avalon series. Though at the time, I thought Owein would be a great hero, so...

The Grail King - my first "official" Druids of Avalon book. The story takes place some 13 years after Celtic Fire. Owein is the hero, his heroine is Clara. Marcus, Lucius's son, is an important character in The Grail King. Rhys, a wandering Druid, is introduced for the first time, as is Breena, Marcus's young half-sister, the daughter of Lucius and Rhiannon.

note: Three "Between the Books" short stories on my website tell what's gone on with Owein in the years between Celtic Fire and The Grail King.

Deep Magic - Marcus's book. All the above characters show up in this book, along with Rhys's twin sister, Gwen, who is the heroine.

Silver Silence - Rhys and Breena's book. The reader gets glimpses of the other previous characters in the series at the beginning and end of the book.

Silver Silence cut scenes - check out my website for backstory scenes with Rhys and Breena, which because of overall length, ended up being cut from the final book.

Enjoy!

Silver Silence - excerpt #3

2009-10-26T02:00:00.000-04:00

Silver Silence, book 3 of my Druids of Avalon trilogy is in bookstores Tuesday Oct 27. I'm celebrating with excerpts, lost scenes, an interview and a week-long contest!

Please consider including your email with your post so I can contact you quickly if you win! And if you don’t…check out more chances to win at www.joynash.com.

Thanks and good luck to all!

And now, Silver Silence excerpt #3:

Instead of ending the spell, as she knew she ought, she drew a deep, painful breath and continued watching.

Rhys released the wench with a playful swat on her bottom. With a smirk on her lips, and a swish of her hips, she disappeared into the kitchen. She returned a short while later with a bowl of stew and a basket of barley bannocks. Rhys bent his head over the meal and began to eat.

The woman returned to the kitchen, emerging a moment later with a large tray laden with mugs and bowls. The tavern was filling, Breena belatedly realized. The kitchen boy had returned with a good number of men, women, and even children. Why, it looked as though the whole village had suddenly decided to take the evening meal in the tavern.

Breena understood why when Rhys pushed aside his empty bowl and reached for his pack. Every eye in the room was on him as he withdrew a bundle and unfolded the well-worn oiled cloth. Breena could almost feel the excitement rippling through the room as Rhys’s harp was revealed. A visit from a bard of Rhys’s talent would be a rare and treasured event in such a poor settlement.

The barkeep had already set the tavern’s best chair before the hearth. Rhys sat, cradling the harp’s polished wood frame in the crook of his arm. His long, graceful fingers moved swiftly over the harp strings.

Breena felt the touch on the strings of her heart. When Rhys began to sing, a lump rose in her throat. Unshed tears burned her eyes. Though the vision was silent, Breena had no trouble imaging his song. Her memories of Rhys’s music stretched as far back as she could remember. She’d been a small girl when the lanky Celtic boy had first appeared at the gates of her father’s farm on the outskirts of Isca Silurum, carrying little more than his harp. He’d begged to trade a song for a night’s shelter, and had ended up staying a fortnight.

It was the first visit of many. Rhys was of an age with Breena’s half brother, and, despite the fact that Marcus was the son of a retired Roman army officer, and Rhys a homeless Celt, the pair had become close friends. Rhys never stayed long at the Aquila farm, but he returned often over the years. Breena had looked forward to every visit.

The tall, handsome bard utterly entranced her. At first, it had been a childish fascination. But as Breena grew to womanhood, the attraction became so much more potent. It squeezed her heart and pulled at her belly. It pulsed between her legs in the small hours of the morning. She’d lain awake so many nights, wanting him. Imagining what it would be like to be in his arms. But Rhys did not want her. Not in that way. To him, Breena was still a child.

At the encouragement of several patrons, the bold barmaid had abandoned her tray. Laughing, she tore off her mobcap and pulled the thong from her hair. Thick blond curls tumbled over her shoulders.

She began to dance, lifting her skirts above her ankles as her feet flew in a graceful, complicated pattern, her steps coming faster and even faster. A half smile played on Rhys’s lips as he played her accompaniment. At the end of the dance, the woman draped her arms about Rhys’s shoulders and kissed him deeply. The audience stomped and applauded; Rhys laughed.

Breena’s hold on the vision faltered. A tear trickled down her throat. Eyes blurred, she watched Rhys sing several more songs. Finally, he rose and bowed. Someone brought his pack, and he rewrapped his harp with care. The barmaid, standing to one side, watched his every movement, a gleam of anticipation in her eye.

He looked at her and she smiled, her invitation unmistakable. Rhys’s expression was harder to read. He watched as the woman turned and walked slowly away, hips swaying. Her destination was the narrow stair that rose along the wall. One foot poised on the bottom step, she turned and looked back.

The barkeep was at Rhys’s side. He clapped Rhys on the shoulder and made a comment that set two men nearby laughing. They raised their mugs in Rhys’s direction. Rhys returned a wry smile. The barmaid glided up the stair. Rhys shouldered his pack, and the barkeep gave him a shove in the same direction.

The air was squeezed from Breena’s lungs as Rhys crossed the room and followed the woman up the stair. Her throat closed as he disappeared into the gloom at the top.

Her vision shattered.

She gasped with the sudden violence of the broken spell. Pain pounded her head, her stomach twisted violently. She might have emptied her stomach of her last meal, save for the fact her ribs had contracted too tightly to draw a full breath.

Hugging herself, she rocked forward and back, her eyes squeezed tight against the tears.

She never should have looked.

Excerpt #4 coming on Wednesday! All the best!

Joy
www.joynash.com

Comment on The Romance Studio to win Celtic Fire!!

2009-10-24T14:12:00.003-04:00

FYI - another chance to win...

I'm giving away an autographed copy of Celtic Fire - "prologue" to the Druids of Avalon series - on The Romance Studio Halloween Blog. Comment on my Oct 21 (click here!) and/or Oct 26 blog posts before November 1 for a chance to win :-)

Good luck!

Joy

Silver Silence - excerpt #2

2009-10-24T06:00:00.002-04:00

Silver Silence, book 3 of my Druids of Avalon trilogy is in bookstores Tuesday Oct 27. I'm celebrating with excerpts, lost scenes, an interview and a week-long contest!

Please consider including your email with your post so I can contact you quickly if you win! And if you don’t…check out more chances to win at www.joynash.com.

Thanks and good luck to all!

And now, Silver Silence excerpt #2:

The power answered. Light and shadow played across the pond's surface. Dancing. Merging. Separating. She concentrated on a memory of Rhys's face: high brow, clear gray eyes, harshly angled cheekbones. Her breath hitched a notch. Great Mother, but she loved him so.

She imagined his strong jaw, stubbled with his close-cropped beard. He wore his hair short as well. The color, an unusual shade of white-blond, was perhaps his most distinctive feature. He looked very much like his sister, Gwendolyn, Avalon's Guardian. Gwen and Rhys were twins, after all.

The light and shadow on the pool shifted, creating the illusion of substance and depth. There was a pulling sensation deep in Breena's belly. A scene formed on the water's surface, as plainly as if it were happening at arm's length, rather than miles and miles away.

Rhys strode a muddy road, his leather pack slung over one shoulder. Breena's chest eased. He was alive! Thanks be to the Great Mother.

He was alone. That was not unusual. Rhys most often traveled alone, save for Hefin, th e small merlin falcon that was his companion. Ah, yes. She caught a glimpse of brown wing and speckled breast sailing overhead.

She returned her full attention to Rhys. His breeches were rough and torn, his old line n shirt frayed at the collar and sleeves, his cloak spattered with mud. He'd gone perhaps a sennight without a razor. He wore no sword, but he looked more than a little dangerous nonetheless.

And that was no illusion. Rhys was a powerful Druid. Beneath his facade of genialit y, he was, without doubt, the most dangerous man Breena knew.

She'd meant to break the vision once she'd seen him. But the longer she looked, the faster her good intentions crumbled. Rhys's tread was weary, his shoulders hunched as if against a chill wind. He'd just entered a village. Well, perhaps “village” was too generous an assessment.

The settlement was little more than a handful of ragged structures clustered at a crossroads. Mud and rubble walls supported roofs of sagging thatch. Weeds crowded thick against the unkempt dwellings. A ragged chicken pecking in a garbage heap looked hardly worth the trouble of plucking.

The thin rays of the setting sun slanted into Rhys's face. He looked as tired as the village. The lines around his eyes and mouth were deeper than she remembered. His usual easy gait had become heavy and plodding.

She watched as he approached the largest building of the small group, the only one that boasted an upper story. A hostelry, Breena thought. Rhys shoved open the door.

The public room inside was hazed with smoke from guttering tallow candles. A poor establishment indeed, if the owner could not even afford oil for proper lamps. The ceiling was so low that Rhys, who was very tall, had to duck under the blackened ceiling beams.

Two long plank tables, dark with scars, boasted three disreputable-looking patrons. Celts all, and male. A stout matron delivered mugs of cervesia, the bitter Celtic beer few Romans—including Breena—could stomach. From the looks of the establishment, Breena doubted whether a cask of wine had ever crossed its threshold.

An idle barkeep leaned his beefy arms on a waist-high counter. He looked up as Rhys entered, and a wide grin instantly appeared on his ruddy face. Rhys gave him a half smile in return. Crossing the room, he sank down on a stool opposite the man, and lowered his pack to the ground. The barkeep was already filling a mug with ale. He shoved it into Rhys’s hands, at the same time shouting something toward an open doorway that Breena assumed led to the kitchens.

A young boy of about ten years appeared almost immediately. The lad’s eyes lit up when he saw Rhys, and Rhys smiled in return. The barkeep spoke to the lad. The boy nodded and dashed between the tables, and out the front door.

Rhys’s lips moved. The barkeep leaned on the counter and answered. Breena expelled a sigh of frustration. How she wished she could hear his voice! But it was an inconvenient fact that Breena’s visions—the unbidden night terrors as well as those she called deliberately—were always silent.

Ah, well. At least she’d learned what she needed to know. Rhys was well. She should allow the vision fade and try to forget she’d violated his privacy. But, just as she prepared to speak t he Word that would have dissolved the vision, a woman emerged from the kitchen, drying her hands on her apron.

She was not young. Her clothes were patched, her hands reddened. But even worn and work-weary, she possessed an earthy, sensual beauty that caused every male eye in the room to swing in her direction.

She beheld Rhys, and her eyes took on an eager light that disturbed Breena in a way she did not fully understand. The woman’s lips formed Rhys’s name, then curved in a slow smile. Rhys looked up from his mug, and nodded a greeting. In reply, the woman leaned across the bar and kissed him full on the mouth.

Rhys did not protest. Far from it. He threaded his fingers though the woman’s hair and plundered her mouth for several long moments. A hot knife of pain sliced through Breena’s chest. The blade twisted when the woman came around the table and slid in to Rhys’s lap.

The barkeep guffawed. Breena’s fingernails bit through the linen of her skirt and into her thigh.

Stop looking, she told herself.

She couldn’t.

Excerpt #3 coming on Monday! All the best!

Joy
www.joynash.com

Silver Silence - excerpt #1

2009-10-23T06:00:00.003-04:00

Silver Silence, book 3 of my Druids of Avalon trilogy is in bookstores Tuesday Oct 27. I'm celebrating with excerpts, lost scenes, an interview and a week-long contest!

Please consider including your email with your post so I can contact you quickly if you win! And if you don’t…check out more chances to win at www.joynash.com.

Thanks and good luck to all!

And now, Silver Silence excerpt #1:

Chapter One

She really shouldn't be doing this.

But, dear Goddess, she just couldn't help herself.

A tide of guilt battered the shore of Breena's conscience. Still…what she was about to do wasn't so very wrong, was it? She wasn’t hurting anyone. The spell wasn't dangerous. She wasn't calling forbidden deep magic.

She only wanted to See. And only for a moment. She needed to make sure Rhys was all right.

The past month had been dreadful. Her terrifying night vision had returned. Even after waking, the shadow of the dream lingered. Some days, her chest remained so tight she could not manage a full breath until midday.

Rhys wasn't part of the silver vision that had plagued Breena for the past four years. He never had been. But in her current unrelenting state of anxiety, she'd become obsessed with his safety. Perhaps it was her mind's attempt to avoid dwelling on her disturbing dreams. She

wasn't sure. She only knew she couldn't rest until she'd seen Rhys alive and well, with her own eyes.

She knew it was wrong. And most likely, unnecessary. Rhys wasn't some novice traveler. Just the opposite. He'd roamed Britain for fifteen years seeking Druid initiates for Avalon. In all that time, he'd not come to harm. But this time, he'd been gone so long. Nearly a full year. According to old Mared, Avalon's healer, Rhys had never before stayed away so long.

What if, this time, he did not return?

What if, this time, something had happened?

What if Breena never saw him again….

No. She would not think it. She could not bear a world without Rhys in it. She'd loved him for so long. Nearly all her life. And that was the problem, wasn't it? Rhys did not take her love seriously. He did not take her seriously. He was eleven years her elder, and her brother's best friend. Like Marcus, Rhys considered Breena nothing more than an amusing, and sometimes annoying, little sister.

Her chest was hurting again, her ribs squeezing too tightly. It had been a month since she'd gotten a full night's rest. She was so, so tired. She wouldn't be able to close her eyes at all tonight unless she knew Rhys was well.

She would look quickly, and be done with it. No one need know. Not Gwen. Not Marcus. And certainly not Owein. As Avalon's only other Seer, and her mentor, Breena's uncle w

ould be especially disappointed if he knew what she was about. And if Owein learned that this was not the first time she'd misused her Druid power? She shuddered to imagine how angry he'd be.

The afternoon sunlight was fading quickly, sinking into the mist surrounding the sacred isle. The air carried a hint of the coming winter. The leaves had begun to drop from the apple trees, exposing branches heavy with fruit. But the ancient yew that sheltered the Grail s pring was ever green. The pool of red-tinged water that bathed its roots was the most powerful scrying surface Breena knew.

Calling a vision of the present or past was not so difficult—seeking knowledge of the future was infinitely harder. Scrying for Rhys was not likely to give her more than a dull headache, or a faintly sour stomach. Small price to pay for her peace of mind.

If Rhys ever found out…. No. Breena would not think of that, either. Rhys was

an intensely private man. He would be furious.

The autumn grass crunched under her feet. She approached the Grail spring with reverence. The sacred water collected in a deep, moss-ringed pool before spilling in a crooked rivulet down the hill. Sinking onto a smooth, flat rock at the edge of the pond, she crossed her legs under her skirts and leaned forward.

She drew several deep breaths, and, with some difficulty, emptied her mind. Her vision blurred. She grew heavy, as if she were sinking into the earth. Becoming part of the Great Mother's body.

Vast currents of life energy vibrated just under the soil, collecting and flow ing in much the same way as streams and rivers did on the earth's surface. This was true the world over. But nowhere were those unseen paths of power so strong as here on Avalon. An ocean of power rested beneath the sacred isle of the Druids.

It was to this awesome force that Breena surrendered her mind and her magic. Into that vast sea, she cast a Word, and spoke Rhys's name.

Excerpt #2 coming tomorrow! All the best!

Joy
www.joynash.com

A letter from Rhys, Druid hero of Silver Silence

2009-10-20T09:51:00.008-04:00

Silver Silence, book 3 of my Druids of Avalon trilogy is in bookstores Tuesday Oct 27. I'm celebrating with excerpts, lost scenes, an interview and a week-long contest!

Please consider including your email with your post so I can contact you quickly if you win! And if you don’t…check out more chances to win at www.joynash.com.

Thanks and good luck to all!

And now, a letter from Rhys, the Druid hero of Silver Silence:

To the Once and Future Readers of my tale,

I left Avalon as a lad of fourteen winters.

It was not my choice. The sacred isle was my soul-home. It was there I learned the magic of the Goddess. The white mists cast by Cyric, my grandfather, hid my clan from its enemies. To my mind, there was no reason a Druid should venture into the outside world.

Cyric knew differently. My grandfather's visions showed him a time when the Light would fade from Britain, when war and chaos would threaten the survival of our people. Only on Avalon, hidden in the teachings of The Lady, could the Light survive long enough, grow strong enough, to influence that grim future.

But we were too few on Avalon. We needed children touched by Druid magic, to be trained as Keepers of the Light. It was my duty and my burden to search for those children. I vowed to bring them to Avalon, whatever the cost.

And so began my exile. I was little more than a child myself, carrying no more than the clothes on my back and a harp made by my own hands. Frightened almost beyond my wits. Terrified by every shadow on the road. The first winter storm nearly killed me. I'd wanted it to kill me.

And then came spring. And Breena.

She was a small child when I first saw her. Round and grubby, always smiling. When I looked at her in just the right way, the white Light sang about her head and shoulders. A happy child, well loved by her parents, who were far too trusting in offering a bed to a homeless Celt bard--even one so young as I. For I'd recognized, at first sight, Breena's rare magic. She belonged to Avalon. I would take her there.

Eleven years passed before I succeeded. Eleven long years during which I was a frequent guest in Breena's home. Her family welcomed me, never dreaming I was a viper in their midst. By the time she grew to womanhood, she was deeply embedded in my heart. I did not dare reveal my feelings. Her brother was my friend—he knew Breena, in her innocence, fancied herself in love with me. That she spun happily-ever-after fantasies in her dreams.

She was so young--in years and in experience. A child. I was a man grown, hardened by duty and eternal wandering. Avalon, populated by the Druids I'd plucked from every corner of Britain, was no longer my home. At last, Breena came to dwell on the sacred isle. She learned to master her magic. I was sure she would take a Druid mate. I was even more certain that man would not be me. I remain a wanderer. I will ever be.

And then Myrddin arrived, crashing into my time and my life on a tide of arrogance and forbidden deep magic. The wily old Druid snatched Breena from the very shadow of Avalon, and plunged her into a future of war and chaos…and a deadly Silver Silence.

I followed.

~Rhys

Excerpt #1 coming on Friday! All the best!

Joy

www.joynash.com

I'm in a cookbook!

2009-10-05T13:07:00.011-04:00

My recipe “Mom’s Stuffed Eggplant” is featured in then new PaperBackSwap.com cookbook!

My contribution is a yummy Italian dish with eggplant, ricotta, ground beef, and tomato sauce. One of my childhood favorites.

The PBS cookbook contains over 200 pages of recipes submitted by Paper Back Swap members AND some of their favorite authors, including:

Angela Hunt, Barbara Delinsky, Bertrice Small, Beverly Lewis, Carla Neggers, Charles David, Christopher Moore, Dave Barry, David Anthony, Diana Gabaldon, Elmer Kelton, Joy Nash :-), Judith Tarr, Julie Garwood, Karen Dinino, Ken Follett, Laura Fitzgerald, Linda Rosencrance, Linda Woods, Lisa See, Lisa Shearin, Margaret Atwood, Margaret Weis, Mindy Klasky, Philippa Gregory, and Rob Palmer!

$12.00

Cookbook order info here

Joy Nash
www.joynash.com

Available NOW!

Santa Honey Anthology

Who's coming down YOUR chimney tonight?

I'm a cover girl!

2009-09-28T10:33:00.003-04:00

Wow, I'm a cover girl :-)

Check out the November issue of Romantic Times Book Reveiws magazine to read all about me and Silver Silence, the third book in my Druids of Avalon trilogy!

4-1/2 stars! "Nash beautifully presents another slice of the Arthuran legend featuring characters with great depth. She seamlessly merges the hero's and heroine's maturation with Druid legends as they move 300 years [into the future] to help ensure Arthur's birth. This tale, full of adventure and romance, will suck you in and be long remembered. As it moves to its startling and totally unexpected conclusion, readers will gasp for breath."

New TV Season starts next week!

2009-09-18T06:00:00.000-04:00

I'm looking forward to the new TV season next week! Here are the three shows I'm hooked on. Of course, two are on at the same time! God bless TIVO and TV network Internet broadcasts. :-)

My Inner Geek LOVES The Big Bang Theory. Rock, Paper, Scissors, Lizard, Spock, anyone?

THE BIG BANG THEORY - 2009 Premiere - CBS Monday, Sept. 21, 9:30 p.m. ET

Numb3ers is more Chicken Soup for my Geek Soul - with hot, hot men and FBI chase action! I started out this series in love with Charlie's character - a gorgeous, brilliant mathematician, hopelessly awkward with women. The longer I watch, the more I like Don - FBI tough, an emotionally conflicted warrior, hopelessly dysfunctional with women. Sensing a trend here?

NUMB3ERS - CBS - 2009 Premiere - Friday Sept 24, 10:00 p.m. ET

When I'm sick of how much the Numb3ers father-and-sons team love each other in between crime-fighting scenes, I'm ready for an episode of House! Don't we all wish we had the guts to call the hypocrites to the carpet a la Dr. House? I wonder if drug rehab has softened his style. I hope not!

HOUSE - Fox - 2009 Premiere - Monday, Sept. 21 8:00 p.m. ET/PT

Happy TV watching!

Joy
www.joynash.com

Coming Sept 29!

Santa Honey - A Christmas Anthology

Who's coming down your chimney tonight?

Joy's DragonCon Photo Album

2009-09-13T17:09:00.011-04:00

Coming off a busy week - still fighting my day-night reversal from DragonCon. THREE back-to-school night meetings this past week, and then yesterday I drove out to Pocono-Lehigh Romance Writers in Easton PA to give a talk on The Mythological Hero. Whew.

Finally got to catch up on my sleep last night :-)

Other good news - found out that I'm a double finalist in New Jersey Romance Writer's Golden Leaf Contest - in the paranormal category for Immortals: The Crossing, and in the Long Contemporary category for A Little Light Magic! :-)

Uploaded all my pictures from DragonCon at last, including men in kilts and men with bare chests. :0)

Check out my complete Joy's DragonCon Album, 49 photos, now up on my Facebook page - not to worry if you're not on Facebook, all and sundry can view the album:

Enjoy!

Joy
www.joynash.com

Coming Sept 29!

Santa Honey - A Christmas Anthology

Who's coming down your chimney tonight?

Getting in touch with my inner Klingon...

2009-09-07T08:49:00.002-04:00

I'm in total Star Trek fangirl mode here at DragonCon. When I wasn't at our dealer booth yesterday talking to readers, I was stalking Star Trek stars :-)

Saw Spock, Kirk, Picard, Janeway, Malcolm McDowell (the evil genius who killed Kirk!) - also secondary characters Harry Kim and Reg Barclay...

But the most fun was the Miss Klingon Empire Beauty Pageant - and running into Miss Klingon Empire 2009 later on the street...

DragonCon Day 2

2009-09-05T08:11:00.005-04:00

cool costumes!

DragonCon update

2009-09-04T08:46:00.006-04:00

Here I am at DragonCon!

Set up our booth in the Marriott Marquis Ballroom last night, in between wandering around the Marriott gawking at the costumes. Saw a Star Wars Storm Trooper at the bar, numerous pirates and hot men in kilts (a great fantasy for sure!). Zombies are really popular this year - A Zombie Elvis was making the rounds!

And I haven't even gotten to the other hotels yet...

Internet at the hotel is slower than molasses on Mars...So check for pics of our booth on Caridad Pineiro's blog at http://www.caridad.com/blog/

More coming up...

Joy

DragonCon!

2009-08-28T11:19:00.008-04:00

Whooohooo! I'm headed to DRAGONCON!!

If you're one of the bajillion heading to Atlanta on Labor Day weekend (and especially if you happen to be PATRICK STEWART, LEONARD NIMOY, WILLIAM SHATNER or KATE MULGREW, lol), be sure and stop by my booth for a chat!

You can find me with the with the

Bump in the Night Authors
Marriot Marquis, Marquis Ballroom, Booth 707.

I'll be hanging with authors Susan Kearney, Susan Sizemore, Caridad Pineiro, and Raz Steel. We'll be signing books and also giving a bunch of stuff away. And don't miss Dorchester Publishing's Kindle Giveaway - loaded with your choice of three books by Dorchester DragonCon authors. Raz Steel and I will have details available at the booth.

If you're not up for DragonCon this year - don't despair. Stop by my website and check out my special DragonCon book giveaway contest, going on all month.

See you in Atlanta!

Joy Nash
www.joynash.com

Available October 27!

Silver Silence: Druids of Avalon #3

When the wizard Myrddin spirits Breena away to the future, Rhys follows

Why can't men see mold? (or dust, or dirt, or...)

2009-08-15T16:02:00.003-04:00

I returned home recently from a week+ at the beach with the kids - the DH had to work, so he didn't come with us.

Here's what I found in my poor house after 9 womanless days:

In the basement: Glass with an inch of juice and a quarter inch of green and black mold in the bottom, abandoned by one of the kids (no one is owning up to it) and subsequently unseen by their father, even though it sat just a few feet from his computer.

On the kitchen counter: Unopened bag of potato bread hamburger rolls, completely covered in green mold inside the bag. DH didn't notice it.

In the breakfast nook: I left an antique glass milk bottle filled with flowers from the garden - they flowers were just about dead before I left, but I forgot to throw them out. There they sat, right next to the table where DH ate his meals, growing slime and mold in the clear glass bottle just a couple feet from his head. He never noticed.

In the refrigerator: Two cartons of sour milk. Not sure what DH was putting on his cereal in the AM.

To be fair, my husband does do his share (and more!) of cooking, laundry, and grocery shopping. And I'm sure that if he noticed dirt and mold, he would do something about it. He just doesn't notice it.

I swear, it must be something on the Y chromosome. Anyone else notice this phenomenon?

Joy

this sure beats Here Comes the Bride...

2009-07-31T06:00:00.001-04:00

Priceless! Wish I'd thought of this for my wedding... no, scratch that - my mother would have FREAKED!

Here's hoping this couple really does last "Forever" - I have a feeling they will :-)

Joy

Chocolate Zucchini???

2009-07-29T06:00:00.001-04:00

Feast or famine!

Some summers my garden is overtaken by squash borers and refuses to produce a single zucchini (zucchino??). That's not the case this year - I've got zucchini coming out my ears!

I sent out a plea on facebook for recipes and got some fantastic suggestions and links to recipe sites. Grilled zucchini, zucchini lasagna, stuffed zucchini, zucchini bread, zucchini frittata...

By far the most unusual -- and tasty -- recipe is Chocolate Zucchini Cake. This cake was so moist and yummy! My two teenage sons, who would not be caught dead eating zucchini on its on, practically inhaled it. I found it here

I omitted the cinnamon and the nuts. I didn't make the icing glaze, but just used cream cheese icing from a can. 45 minutes cooking time was plenty for my oven - I think 50 minutes would have dried the cake out a bit too much. I suspect this cake would be great with coconut, but since the kids don't like coconut, I didn't try it. If you do, let me know how it turns out!

Chocolate Zucchini Cake

Ingredients
* 2 1/2 cups regular all-purpose flour, unsifted
* 1/2 cup cocoa
* 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
* 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1 teaspoon cinnamon
* 3/4 cup soft butter
* 2 cups sugar
* 3 eggs
* 2 teaspoons vanilla
* 2 teaspoons grated orange peel
* 2 cups coarsely shredded zucchini
* 1/2 cup milk
* 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans
* Glaze (directions follow)

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

1 Combine the flour, cocoa, baking powder, soda, salt, and cinnamon; set aside.

2 With a mixer, beat together the butter and the sugar until they are smoothly blended. Add the eggs to the butter and sugar mixture one at a time, beating well after each addition. With a spoon, stir in the vanilla, orange peel, and zucchini.

3 Alternately stir the dry ingredients and the milk into the zucchini mixture, including the nuts with the last addition.

4 Pour the batter into a greased and flour-dusted 10-inch tube pan or bundt pan. Bake in the oven for about 50 minutes (test at 45 minutes!) or until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pan 15 minutes; turn out on wire rack to cool thoroughly.

5 Drizzle glaze over cake.

Glaze: Mix together 2 cups powdered sugar, 3 Tablespoons milk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Beat until smooth.

Cut in thin slices to serve. Makes 10-12 servings.

I dare you to TRY to eat just one piece. It can't be done!!!

Joy Nash
www.joynash.com

Available NOW!

A Little Light Magic

Summer at the Jersey Shore has never been so hot!

Harry Potter!

2009-07-17T09:55:00.003-04:00

I'm happy to report that I'm not yet too old to stay awake through a midnight movie :-)

DH and I took 6 teenagers (including 3 of our own) to see Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince last Tuesday night for the first showing at midnight. I thought the movie was very well done, and the chemistry between Daniel Radcliffe, Emma Watson, and Rupert Grint is by this time about as natural as can be. Helena Bonham-Carter is a totally magnificent Bellatrix Lestrange.

It was interesting to watch the character of Dumbledore change from all-powerful and all-knowing wizard to frail and sometimes uncertain old man as he prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice in the cause of good. I heard quite a few girls in the theater sniffling during the death scene, and I felt a bit like crying myself. It was as if we were all losing a grandfather.

As usual, it was unfortunate, if unavoidable, that so much content from the book couldn't be included in the movie (without making me stay up until dawn rather than 3am, at any rate). Even though the movie was titled "HP and the Half-Blood Prince," the entire mystery of figuring out who was the Half-Blood Prince was pretty much left out of the movie.

Looking forward to Deathly Hallows I + II. I'm so glad they decided to make two movies for the last book!

All the (sleepless) best,

Joy

Eeeeeew!

2009-07-10T06:00:00.000-04:00

Beware! Sometimes the creepiest things happen in your own back yard.

I found that out in a big way a couple days ago. I’m lounging on the back porch when I feel some kind of insect crawling/buzzing near my ear. Not thinking too much about it, I brush it away. What happened next was bizarre. Instead of flying off, the thing dashes RIGHT INTO MY EAR!

OMG! I slap at my ear and dig my finger in. The thing burrows in deeper. I jump up and shake my head like a crazy woman. I can feel the thing crawling around in my ear, and it is about the WORST THING EVER. I don’t even know what kind of bug it was! But it wasn’t any tiny little thing. A fat fly? Or…OMG - a YELLOW JACKET? OMG! How long before it stings me? Images of Star Trek: Wrath of Kahn explode in my brain. I know just how Chekov felt when Kahn’s slug thing slithered into his ear.

Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeew!

I run inside the house screaming for my husband, who’s in the basement playing video games with the kids. He yells back for me wait a minute. Wait a minute? Wait a minute? While some alien bug burrows into my brain and takes over my thought processes? I can feel the thing wriggling. I’m clawing at my ear. “Wait a minute” suddenly sounds like grounds for divorce.

“No!” I scream. “I need you NOW!”

My panic must have cut through the video game haze. The DH bounds up the steps, my son and daughter on his heels.

“I’ve got a bug in my ear! Get it out! Get it out now!”

I’m thinking DH will need tweezers, or will have to haul me to the emergency room, but luckily as soon as I stop clawing at my ear long enough for him to look, the bug decides that maybe this nice dark hole isn’t quite the safe haven it had supposed. It crawls out and drops onto the floor.

It’s a creepy skinny black beetle with pincers.

My hands are shaking, I can’t breathe, and my ear is bleeding from a gash inflicted by my fingernail. DH gallantly scoops up the monster and disposes of it. I gulp in a lung full of air and try to calm down. My son thinks this is the coolest thing. My daughter puts her hands over her ears and declares that she’s never going outside again in her entire life.

DH says he hopes the thing didn’t lay any eggs while it was in there.

Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeew!

meet me at...

2009-06-24T09:14:00.004-04:00

Hope to see you online or in person at one of the following events!

Sunday June 28 – 8-11 pm ET
Writerspace Beach Party Chat
More than 100 authors - register before the chat to be eligible to win many, many prizes! I’ll be joining the chat around 10 pm ET, and giving away a copy of A Little Light Magic!
Event info: www.writerspace.com/beach/

Jersey Shore Booksignings - if you're nearby, please stop to say hello!

Friday, July 3, 7-9 pm
Island HalfPrice Books
9412 Ventnor Avenue, MARGATE, NJ (where A Little Light Magic takes place!)
event info: 609-822-0300

Tuesday, Aug 4 11 am - 1 pm
SunRose Words and Music
756 Asbury Avenue, Ocean City, NJ
event info: 609 399-9190

DragonCon!

September 4-7
DragonCon Science Fiction/Fantasy Convention (OMG, my FIRST DragonCon ever!!!!)
Atlanta, Georgia
event info: www.dragoncon.org

All the best!

Joy Nash
www.joynash.com

Available NOW!

A Little Light Magic

Summer at the Jersey Shore has never been so hot!

Happy Summer!

2009-06-21T15:18:00.008-04:00

Summer is here! Hooray!

And I will cling firmly to that calendar fact, even though the weather around here has not been very summerlike. It's been rainy and unseasonably cool. But hey, that just means the sun is due to be out soon, right?

In the meantime, all the rainy weather has forced armies of ants out of the ground to invade my kids' bedrooms.

First they went to my son's room, where a few days ago he woke to find a juice glass from a couple days before (he hadn't brought it down to the kitchen) covered with ants. Thinking quickly, he killed all the ants, washed the glass, and sprayed his room with the best insect deterrent he had on hand - his Axe deodorant. (hey, if Avon Skin So Soft can keep away mosquitoes...) Figuring I would be less than pleased (he was right), he didn't happen to mention the invasion to me.

The ant army, choking on Axe fumes, staggered across the hall to his sister's room - a place that has a lot in common with an archeological dig. The ants were soon happily roaming amid years of junk, hunting (and finding) candy & gum wrappers and soda tabs. There were enough of the little critters to send my daughter to sleep in the basement last night.

The upshot is that the ants have managed to get my daughter to do what her mother (aka ME!!) has tried and failed to do for the last three years - clean off her desk and dresser!!

Yay ants!!

And now for the moment you've been waiting for - my last three Countdown winners!! They are...

dsadler53 - commented on 6/19 post at 9:41 pm

Laney4 - commented on 6/15 post at 3:12 pm on 6/16

Armenia - commented on 6/17 post at 12:40 am on 6/18

Congrats!

Each winner will receive her choice of one of my backlist books - Immortals: The Reckoning Anthology, Immortals: The Crossing, Deep Magic, Immortals: The Awakening, The Grail King, Celtic Fire, Crystal Shadows, Ultimate Warriors, or Alien Encounters.

To aid your choice...check my website - www.joynash.com - for info on all my titles. Please respond by email to joy@joynash.com with your snail mail address to claim your prize. If you respond by Tuesday nite, I'll be able to get your book out to you this week. If not, it'll be sometime after the 4th of July.

Thanks to all of you for counting down to summer with me these last couple of months! It's been a blast! I'll be taking a bit of a break until after the 4th of July.

If you happen to be at the Jersey Shore for the holiday weekend, you're invited to stop by Island Half-Price Books, 9412 Ventnor Ave, Margate New Jersey (609-822-0300) on Friday July 3, from 7-9 pm, where I'll be chatting with readers and signing copies of A Little Light Magic.

Be sure to check back here after the 4th of July--especially on Fridays--when I resume blogging. You'll hear more about my fall releases Santa Honey and Silver Silence, and about The Watchers, my new paranormal series about the fallen angels known as the Nephilim, which is set to debut in 2010 with back-to-back releases.

Thanks!

Joy Nash
www.joynash.com

Available NOW!

A Little Light Magic

Summer at the Jersey Shore has never been so hot!

Silver Silence

2009-06-19T11:06:00.010-04:00

Days until the Summer Solstice: 2 !!!!!

Day in the life of a paperback writer... (cue Beatles music)

Yesterday I was proofing the galley pages for Christmas Unplugged, my novella in the October Santa Honey Anthology, when my editor called wanting to discuss edits on Silver Silence, my November Druids of Avalon book. Here's the abridged version of what she said:

"Loved it, loved it, loved it! Couldn't put it down, but... it's running a bit long so I cut out Chapter Two and axed a few flashback scenes, plus I have a bunch of other questions. I'm emailing the file, can you read it through and do the edits by Monday?"

LOL. So now you know what I'm doing for the weekend.

So far I've read about the first quarter of the book, where my editor's cyber red pen did most of its work. I have to admit, the pacing of the story has really improved. That's why editors get the big bucks, right?

Though I do love the lost flashback scenes. I wrote them to show the long pre-story history between the hero, Rhys, and the heroine, Breena. They'll not disappear completely, though. I've already decided they'll be joining the other "Before the Book" and "Between the Books" Druids of Avalon shorts on my website.

In the meantime...here's the very first sneak peek of Silver Silence....

Duty dooms Rhys to wander the endless roadways and wild forests, searching for Druid initiates for Avalon. It’s a hopeless, solitary life, that drives Rhys to take refuge in shameful dark passions, even as he longs for the young, innocent sister of his best friend.

When Breena disappears into the dangerous and mystical Lost Lands, Rhys does not hesitate to follow. He finds himself in Britain’s grim future, a troubled time when the dark magic Breena has foreseen threatens to extinguish the Light of Avalon.

And Rhys discovers that only together can he and Breena unravel the secret linking their past with the future King that is Britain’s last hope.

Excerpt...

The shore was cold and damp. The seat of Rhys's breeches was wet where his arse touched the ground. The discomfort was welcome. Or, if not exactly welcome, tolerated. It allowed Rhys to focus on the wretchedness of his body, rather than the wretchedness of his soul. For that small distraction, he was grateful.

Silence spread like a woolen blanket over Avalon. Far off, a raptor screeched. Perhaps it was Hefin, hunting. The village, however, slept. Rhys had tried to do the same, on the spare pallet in Trevor's roundhouse. He was as tired as he could ever remember--exhausted in soul as well as body. But sleep would not come.

Sleep never came to him easily, here on Avalon.

Aye, he could drop off at a moment's notice camped by the road, under trees and sky. He slept effortlessly in vermin-ridden hay lofts, or wrapped in a thin blanket in front of some stranger's hearth. And he'd slumbered soundly in any number of beds belonging to widows and whores.

But here in Avalon, surrounded by the people he loved, and who loved him in return, he could not sleep. His loneliness was too profound, his hurt too deep.

He wanted what he could not have. Desperately.

Gwen had scolded him soundly for staying away so long. He was sorry to have frightened his twin. Once they had been so close, they had shared nearly every thought, but now Gwen's husband was first in her heart, and her connection with her twin had faded. Still, his sister loved him deeply, even if she understood him less well. He wondered if she suspected that Breena was the reason Rhys had stayed away so long.

Now that he could no longer tell himself she was too young to give herself to a man, he could not look at her without wanting her beneath him. Or on her knees, her red lips parting eagerly. Or bent over a bed, or chair, or even a log… he broke the thought with a shudder of guilt.

Perhaps there might have been hope, had Breena been raised in poverty, as Rhys had been. Until four years ago, Breena's home had been a prosperous Roman estate. She'd been born to luxuries Rhys hadn't even known to dream of during his own childhood. The comfort and security of the Celtic settlement of Avalon was a primitive life for her. The hard life of a wandering minstrel's wife? He almost laughed. Unthinkable.

He stared into the fog and the darkness. He should not have come. Visiting Avalon, far from comforting him, had only driven loneliness and hopelessness deeper into his cold heart.

"Rhys?"

He would have known her voice at a hundred paces. As it was, she spoke from only a few steps behind his back. He dropped his head and pressed his forehead to his bent knees. He could not face her. Not now. Perhaps if he gave no answer, she would simply leave.

He should have known better. Even as a small lass, Breena had been too stubborn for her own good.

"Rhys, what are you doing here all alone? Are you...all right? You're not ill, are you?"

He admitted defeat by lifting his head. "Nay."

He didn't look back as she approached. His body tightened as she neared, the scent of roses wafting before her. He could not suppress the wholly inappropriate hardening of his body.

She stood beside him, just visible in his peripheral vision, hesitant, shivering. His first instinct was to pull her into his arms and warm her. But because he had some measure of honor left, he did not.

"Why are you here?" Her teeth chattered a little. She rubbed her arms. "The whole village is asleep."

"You are not."

She did not answer. He did not rise, nor did she move to sit. He glanced up at her, but could not discern her expression in the darkness.

"But you should be asleep," he said. "Did you follow me, Bree?"

"Yes," she confessed. "I woke and...I needed air. I opened my shutters, and saw you leave Trevor's roundhouse. When you did not return..."

"You should not have come after me. You should be in bed."

She hugged herself more tightly. "I...have not been able to sleep much of late."

He caught the tremor of fear in her voice. "The silver visions?" he asked sharply. "Have they returned?"

"Yes, the visions..." She blew out a white plume of breath. "But that is not all. You were gone so long. Even Gwen was frightened for you. As for me...I think of you often, Rhys. Especially at night, when I..." Her voice faltered.

Dear gods in Annwyn! He did not want to hear this. She stood so close now, her skirt brushed his knee. Exactly when she'd moved, he did not know.

She sat down beside him. He fought the urge put his arm around her. Or get up and run. He wasn't sure which he wanted to do more.

"The ground is wet," he said.

"I don't care."

A heavy silence fell between them. It lengthened into awkwardness. The night seemed to contract around him, until the darkness contained nothing but the lap of water on the shore, the shush of Breena's breathing, and his own pounding heart.

He inhaled her scent. She must have put rose oil in her bath water. It was a Roman fragrance, very much prized by wealthy women. The aroma seemed to draw a thin, straight line between them. He did not try to cross it. He knew better.

Unfortunately, she did not. "Will you stay the winter in Avalon? I...I do hope so. Everyone has missed you." She paused. "I have missed you."

He was ashamed at how fiercely he drank in those four words. She had missed him. His cock responded, even as he fought to remain detached from a rush of tangled emotions. In the grand scheme of things, it did not matter that Breena missed him.

"I'll stay perhaps a sennight," he said. "Until the harvest feast. After that...I must go."

She uttered a sound of dismay. "But that is hardly any time at all! Gwen will not have it, Rhys, I am telling you that right now. She will not allow you to--"

"My sister has no authority over my comings and goings." The words were harsher than he'd intended.

Breena sucked in a breath. "I...I didn't mean to imply that she did. Only...only that she loves you. She misses you dreadfully when you're gone."

"No one should miss me. I am not a part of Avalon."

"How can you say that? Why, you're the most important part of us! Without you, the sacred isle would be all but deserted. Most of us are only here because you brought us."

It was true. Of Cryic's original small band of Druids, only Mared and Padriag remained. And Gwen, of course. All the others... Dead. Or lost.

As Rhys was.

"I'm used to wandering," he told her. "I am more comfortable on the road."

"What nonsense! You could not possibly be."

He made no reply.

"Mared says in the past, when Cyric was alive, you visited far more often, and stayed longer. But now that your grandfather is dead, and your freedom greater, you stay away. Rhys, is it...is it because of me? Do you...do you hate me so much?"

He turned so abruptly she lurched backward. He grabbed her arm to steady her. He released her an instant later, as if he'd touched a hot coal.

"I could never hate you." He swallowed. "How could you imagine such a thing? You are like a sis--

"I am not your sister! I never was, and I don't want to be. Rhys, I lo--"

"Gods in Annwyn, Breena!" He jerked to his feet. "Do not say it. Please."

She stared up at him. "Why not? It is the truth."

"What you want from me can never be the truth between us."

Slowly, she pushed to her feet, regarding him with sober eyes. "Rhys. You are shaking."

He was. He turned and paced a few steps away. His hand went to the back of his neck. He needed some space.

But her voice followed. "I understand now why you rejected me that day at my father's house. I know why you flung all those hurtful words at me. I was too young for what I was asking of you. But, Rhys, that was four years ago. I'm no longer that girl. I'm a woman now."

He clenched his teeth. Gods. Aye, she was a woman. A lush, tempting...

Her words battered him. "There's no longer any need to push me away. Don't you see? I love you, Rhys. I always have, and I always will. And I think you l--"

Something snapped inside him. He spun around, and stalked toward her. "Breena, stop. Before you say something you'll regret."

"No! I won't. I'll say what's in my heart. I lov--mmph!"

He'd covered her mouth with his palm. His other hand gripped her shoulder. "Don't," he pleaded. "Don't."

Her eyes were huge. In the moonlight they looked gray rather than the clear blue he knew them to be. And in them...a spark of dangerous, feminine knowledge.

Her lips parted. Her breath bathed his palm. Before he could react, before he could even think, she tasted his skin with the tip of her hot, wet tongue.

The tiny point of moisture caused his brain to seize. His body, already more than half hard, flashed into full arousal. And still, he might have resisted. Might have pulled back completely, and retained some shred of his honor.

If she hadn't pressed her open palm on his stomach.

And slid it downward, slowly.

;-)

Joy's Countdown to Summer's final week of prizes...

Three readers will receive winner's choice of any book from my backlist, including hard to find small press releases.

Alien Encounters (my novella is "Dream Guardian" in this futuristic anthology which also features stories by Ashley Ladd, Dominique Tomas, and Jane Toombs - New Concepts Publishing)
Ultimate Warriors (my novella is "Heroes Incorporated" in this superhero anthology which also features stories by Jaide Fox, Breena Lyons and Michelle M. Pillow - New Concepts Publishing)
Crystal Shadows (full length fantasy romantica novel from Ellora's Cave)
Or...the winners can choose any one of my first six Dorchester books, Celtic Fire, The Grail King, Immortals: The Awakening, Deep Magic, Immortals: The Crossing, Immortals: The Reckoning Anthology.
Check my website - www.joynash.com - for more info on all my books!

Comment on any post from Monday June 15 until Saturday June 20 for a chance to win. I was going to choose the winner at the precise moment of the Summer Solstice on Sunday June 21, until I googled it and found out that's 1:45 AM EDT! Since I'll most likely be sound asleep at that time, I'll pick the winners sometime after I wake up on Sunday, and post by Sunday night.

Good luck!

Joy Nash
www.joynash.com

Available NOW!

A Little Light Magic

Summer at the Jersey Shore has never been so hot!

Sneak Peek - Santa Honey

2009-06-17T10:03:00.005-04:00

Days 'till the Summer Solstice: 4

It's Christmas in June time! Here's the very first sneak peek of my humorous contemp novella "Christmas Unplugged" from Dorchester's upcoming October Christmas Anthology SANTA HONEY.

Christmas Unplugged: 2 Brothers + 2 Sisters + 0 Electricity = 1 Unforgettable Holiday

Casey’s little sister Emma, having dumped her cheating boyfriend, is left with a fully paid, non-refundable Christmas getaway for two at Dutch Gorge, a remote Adirondack lodge.

Casey agrees to come along to nurse Emma’s broken heart...just as long as she can bring her laptop and catch up with some work over the holiday. Except Emma neglects to enlighten her big sis on one important detail about the weekend…

Casey reached into the trunk for one last bag.

"Might as well leave that one," Matt told her.

She glanced up at him. "What?"

"That's a computer, right?"

"Yes."

"Then why bring it in? You won't be able to use it."

She straightened, setting one hand on the open trunk door and trying to grip both her bag and his flashlight in the other. The beam bounced wildly.

"You mean because this God-forsaken crack in the Earth's crust is in a satellite blind spot? I already know that. My GPS lost its signal even before we started down the mountain. So I'm guessing there'll be no Internet, either. But that's okay. I can work without it."

He snorted. "Can you work without electricity?"

She froze in the act of slamming the trunk. Her eyes jerked to his, and even in the darkness, he could tell they were appalled.

"Without electricity? You can't be serious."

"Perfectly serious, honey. Dutch Lodge is off the grid."

Her head swiveled toward the house. "But...there are lights--"

"Gas light," he said. "And oil lamps. Don't tell me you didn't notice? It's usually the first thing that guests comment on."

"No." Her voice was barely more than a whisper. "I didn't notice. But...what about TV? Hot water?" She sucked in a breath. "Heat?"

"Sorry, no TV. But there's plenty of hot water, courtesy of a mountain spring Uncle Fred piped in years ago. A large propane tank out back takes care of the gaslights and water heaters. And there's a fireplace or wood burning stove in every room. Don't worry, you'll get your hot baths, and you won't freeze."

"But--no electricity? How can anyone live without electricity?"

He laughed. "It's not so bad. I grew up here, you know, and managed to survive."

"But...but..."

The sounds of her sputtering shock made him wish for a stronger flashlight. "Didn't you know about the electricity? It's all in the brochure your sister was waving arou--" He cut off, and laughed outright.

"What's so funny?" she demanded.

"You didn't read that brochure, did you? And your sister didn't tell you."

Casey slammed the trunk. The crash echoed off the sides of the gorge like a gunshot.

"No," she ground out between clenched teeth. "She did not. But she is certainly going to answer for it now."

Still clutching her laptop case, she flung herself in the direction of the house, her footsteps hard and fast. Well, as hard and fast as footsteps could get in six inches of new snow.

"You know," he said, juggling the baggage as he fell into step beside her. "Most guests at Dutch Lodge consider the lack of electricity a good thing. In fact, it's the reason most people come here. To get away from civilization."

"Yes, well, I like civilization just fine. I don't want to get away from it. No electricity," she added under her breath. "This is insane. That brat is going to die. Painfully."

That repressed violent streak again, Matt thought, impressed.

"She's just lucky I've got some battery life. If I make it to tomorrow morning, I might let her live."

"Why?" Matt asked. "What happens tomorrow morning?"

She spun toward him, stumbling, then catching her balance. The flashlight beam glanced off the white ground. "What happens in the morning is that we're leaving. Whether Emma wants to or not."

Matt couldn't suppress a bark of laughter. "Leaving? Sorry to disappoint, but I really doubt that's gonna happen."

"Oh, it's going to happen, all right. The instant the sun comes up, I'm outta here."

The wind chose just that moment to kick up a wintery blast. "I'm curious," Matt shouted over the rising wind. "Did you happen to check the local weather report before driving into the gorge?"

They'd reached the house. Casey stomped up the three steps to the porch before turning to glare down at him. "No."

He smiled.

Trepidation crept into her voice. "Why do you ask?"

"Because I was listening to the update on the shortwave just before you got here. This storm's turning nasty, and it's going to last all night. They're predicting two feet."

"Two feet?" Casey's mouth fell open. "Of snow?"

"Well, not of rose petals," Matt assured her. "So I'm pretty sure no one's going anywhere tomorrow. Least of all you."

Joy's Countdown to Summer's final week of prizes...

Three readers will receive winner's choice of any book from my backlist, including hard to find small press releases.

Alien Encounters (my novella is "Dream Guardian" in this futuristic anthology which also features stories by Ashley Ladd, Dominique Tomas, and Jane Toombs - New Concepts Publishing)
Ultimate Warriors (my novella is "Heroes Incorporated" in this superhero anthology which also features stories by Jaide Fox, Breena Lyons and Michelle M. Pillow - New Concepts Publishing)
Crystal Shadows (full length fantasy romantica novel from Ellora's Cave)
Or...the winners can choose any one of my first six Dorchester books, Celtic Fire, The Grail King, Immortals: The Awakening, Deep Magic, Immortals: The Crossing, Immortals: The Reckoning Anthology.
Check my website - www.joynash.com - for more info on all my books!

winners - contact me!

2009-06-16T16:52:00.002-04:00

I forgot to mention in yesterday's post ....winners Ruby, Phyllis and Darby'sCloset - please email me at joy@joynash.com with your snail mail addresses!

Thanks!

Joy

Winners and final countdown week preview!

2009-06-15T18:35:00.004-04:00

Days 'till the Summer Solstice: 6

This week's winners!

Darby'scloset (commented on 6/14 post on 6/15 @ 12:47) - choice of an Immortals title by Joy Nash: Immortals: The Awakening, Immortals: The Crossing, or Immortals: The Reckoning (anthology)

Phyllis C (commented on 6/10 post on 6/11 @ 11:45 pm) - Insufficient Mating Material by Rowena Cherry

Ruby D (commented on 6/8 post on 6/12 @ 12:52 am) An Accidental Demonslayer by Angie Fox

And now we're down to our last week before summer! I can hardly believe it. What's up? A recipe, a musing, and the VERY FIRST SNEAK PEEKS of my upcoming fall releases:

October - a humorous contemp novella "Christmas Unplugged" in the Christmas Anthology SANTA HONEY (also featuring stories by Sandra Hill and Kate Angell)
November - SILVER SILENCE - a Druids of Avalon novel - Rhys and Breena's story!

I'll also be giving away three final countdown prizes this coming week - three lucky readers will recieve winner's choice of any book from my backlist. That's including my small press books, which I'm told can be hard to find these days in print form. Luckily, I still have a few rattling around in the basement :-)

Small press works, in order of publication...

Alien Encounters (my novella is "Dream Guardian" in this futuristic anthology which also features stories by Ashley Ladd, Dominique Tomas, and Jane Toombs - New Concepts Publishing)
Ultimate Warriors (my novella is "Heroes Incorporated" in this superhero anthology which also features stories by Jaide Fox, Breena Lyons and Michelle M. Pillow - New Concepts Publishing)
Crystal Shadows (full length fantasy romantica novel from Ellora's Cave)
Or...the winners can choose any one of my first six Dorchester books, Celtic Fire, The Grail King, Immortals: The Awakening, Deep Magic, Immortals: The Crossing, Immortals: The Reckoning Anthology.
Check my website - www.joynash.com - for more info on all my books!

Comment on any post from today (Monday), until Saturday June 20 for a chance to win. I was going to choose the winner at the precise moment of the Summer Solstice on Sunday June 21, until I googled it and found out that's 1:45 AM EDT! Since I'll most likely be sound asleep at that time, I'll pick the winners sometime after I wake up on Sunday, and post by Sunday night.

Good luck!

Joy Nash
www.joynash.com

Available NOW!

A Little Light Magic

Summer at the Jersey Shore has never been so hot!

Summer Recipe - Roasted Pepper Pesto

2009-06-14T15:09:00.005-04:00

Days 'till the Summer Solstice: 7

Wow, can you believe it? Only one week to summer! And at the moment, my mind is on food. I love roasted peppers – and freshly roasted peppers are much tastier than the jarred variety.

Here's a completely quick and easy recipe for a fresh red pepper pesto that will have everyone thinking you did something complicated in the kitchen :-) I served it over butterfly pasta, with black and green cured olives and a salad on the side, to rave reviews from the family!

Roasted Red Peppers

Sweet, thick-skinned peppers work best for roasting. Cut raw red bell peppers in half, remove stem and seeds. Broil in oven on low, about 2-3 inches from broiler, for about 30 minutes, turning every 10 minutes or so. (Watch constantly, because there will be a lot of steam and you don't want to burn the peppers by putting them too close to the heat.) You can also cook them on a grill.

Once they're soft, take the hot peppers out of the oven and put them in a paper bag with the top folded over. Let sit for about 20 minutes, then remove peppers from the bag and peel off the skins, which will come off very easily! Eat immediately or refrigerate for later. Will keep several days in the fridge. Use some of your fresh roasted peppers to make...

Roasted Red Pepper Pesto
Makes 4 servings

1 tablespoon olive oil
6 cloves fresh garlic
1-1/2 cup roasted peppers
½ cup grated Parmesan or Romano cheese
½ cup ricotta cheese
2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley
3 tablespoons fresh chopped basil
3 small green onions (bulb and part of stem), chopped
salt to taste

Peel and saute garlic cloves in olive oil until just tender (you can also use the garlic raw if you like). Put garlic and all other ingredients into a food processor or blender and mix until smooth. Serve over pasta, or spread on crusty Italian bread. The pesto will keep a couple days in the fridge, so you can make it ahead of time. Great for a party!

Don't forget!! Last day for this week's prizes: Comment on any post from Monday June 8st, through today, Sunday June14th, for a chance to win one of two new prizes:

Any Immortals title by Joy Nash: Immortals: The Awakening, Immortals: The Crossing, or Immortals: The Reckoning (anthology)
Insufficient Mating Material by Rowena Cherry

And one former prize! - Dina, who won Angie Fox's two book set last week has told me she already owns Angie's first book, An Accidental Demonslayer - and would like to offer another reader the chance to win. (Isn't she a sweetie?) So post this week and you might win An Accidental Demonslayer, too!

The three winners will be chosen at random sometime after 4 pm on Monday, and posted (hopefully) Monday night.

Good luck!

Joy Nash
www.joynash.com

Available NOW!

A Little Light Magic

Summer at the Jersey Shore has never been so hot!

Summer fun - Camping!

2009-06-12T10:16:00.012-04:00

Days 'till the Summer Solstice: 9

Is it Friday already???

Only a few hours left to get ready for my Girl Scout camping trip! I'm taking 5 high school girls to a huge Girl Scout/Boy Scout camping weekend - a sea of tents and pop-up canopies in a large grassy field. There'll be outdoorsy competitions, campfire skits, an outdoor movie, an outdoor dance - the whole nine yards. Except sleep. Don't think there will be too much of that going on!

Camping is another fun summer activity I enjoy. Group camping is fun, but I do prefer the less hectic pace of family camping. My husband and I had tons of fun introducing the kids to camping when they were little. The dh prefers primitive camping, so no cabins, RVs, trailers or even electrical hook ups for us! Strictly tent-and-outhouse/bathhouse camping.

There was usually some fishing involved, which I'm not much good at, so that meant a lawn chair and a romance novel for me while the troops were casting out their lines :-) As the kids got older, we started reading books out loud around the campfire at night - a couple years ago we took turns reading an Agatha Christie mystery, and totally hooked the kids into later reading every AC novel they could get their hands on!

Now my kids are in that teenage stage where family camping doesn't hold much appeal - if they're going to forgo Facebook for an entire weekend (ie, all eternity) and go camping, they'd rather do it with friends. But I can still look at my family camping pictures and remember the good times! Above pic: my kids back when they were small enough to pick up and swing around. Below: look closely! - a fawn unexpectedly visited our campsite one spring.

Coming up in the final week of the Countdown to Summer ... more summer recipes!

Roasted Red Pepper Pesto...

Parmesian Zucchini Bake...

and more :-)

Don't forget!! This week's prizes: Comment on any post from today, Monday June 8st, through Sunday June14th for a chance to win one of two new prizes:

Any Immortals title by Joy Nash: Immortals: The Awakening, Immortals: The Crossing, or Immortals: The Reckoning (anthology)
Insufficient Mating Material by Rowena Cherry

And one former prize! - Dina, who won Angie Fox's two book set last week has told me she already owns Angie's first book, An Accidental Demonslayer - and would like to offer another reader the chance to win. (Isn't she a sweetie?) So post this week and you might win An Accidental Demonslayer, too!

The three winners will be chosen at random and posted on Monday June 15.

Good luck!

Joy Nash
www.joynash.com

Available NOW!

A Little Light Magic

Summer at the Jersey Shore has never been so hot!

Great summer read - Insufficient Mating Material by Rowena Cherry

2009-06-10T09:49:00.005-04:00

Days 'till the Summer Solstice: 11

Today's treat is another Great Summer Read!

Rowena Cherry writes a fantastically witty futuristic romance series featuring a race of muscular, sexy djinn who are always ready for a fight! These single-minded macho heroes are very stubborn and thick-headed when it comes to pursuing their female djinn mates, which tends to lead them into some hilarious situations.

Insufficient Mating Material has earned a place on my keeper shelf because of its witty dialogue, laugh out loud scenes, and the very clever chess theme (hence the double-entendre of the word "mating" in the title).

From INSUFFICIENT MATING MATERIAL

Just because Tarrant-Arragon—the high handed hero of FORCED MATE—decreed that his sharp-tongued, scandalous, fashionista sister (the one who made a film of herself having sex with an unsuitable stranger) should be married does not mean that the planned Royal shotgun wedding will go off without a hitch. For one thing, the "unsuitable stranger" turned out to be his greatest rival, not only for the Imperial throne, but also for Djinni-vera, the last virgin of Djinn blood royal. For another, that stranger could not be seen to survive his attempt to assassinate Crown Prince Tarrant-Arragon, so he must have a new face and identity… And the indiscreet Princess Martia-Djulia can never be told the truth.

Chapter One

Tigron Empire of the Djinn
Ark Imperial, Operating Theater

Damn them! Prince Djetthro-Jason eyed the masked males and the unpleasant array of implements they were preparing to use on him. He hadn't told them every damn thing, and he wasn't about to. No way was he going to invite anyone to take a laser to his privates.

Ahhh, Fewmet! The "battlefield analgesia" was wearing off. During the duel, which he'd begun as Commander Jason and ended—defeated—as Prince Djetthro-Jason, he'd felt almost no pain despite the damage that Prince Tarrant-Arragon had inflicted.

Now, his massively bruised thigh throbbed heavily, his neck muscles ached, and his jaw… it hurt even to think about his jaw. Perhaps worse—but less so by the moment—was the damage to his alpha-male machismo as he lay strapped down, stark naked in the Ark Imperial's operating theater, preparing his mind for surgery without anesthetic. Also for "the fate worse than death" which was to come.

If Tarrant-Arragon had observed Great Djinn tradition, the duel they had fought less than an hour ago ought to have been to the death.

Why had Tarrant-Arragon not killed him? To the victor went the Empire, the Ark Imperial, and gods-Right to any female he wanted. Although Tarrant-Arragon had crippled his leg and shattered his jaw, he should have fought on. Why hadn't he? What was left for him?

What indeed? He, Djetth—as he'd call himself for short from now on, since he couldn't go back to using any of his former aliases—was to be the Great Djinn equivalent of a broken thoroughbred stallion put out to stud. He had no illusions about why Tarrant-Arragon had made an excuse not to finish off his younger rival.

The Great Djinn were nearly extinct. In twenty years' time, Tarrant-Arragon's and Djinni-vera's children would need true-Djinn mates, all entitled to the silent D- prefix to their royal Djinn names. That's why!

When the "fate worse than death" had been spelled out, it had been sheer bravado to mumble that he wanted to marry Princess Martia-Djulia.

Maybe he did. Maybe he didn't.

Maybe he still wanted Djinni-vera, who'd been the last Djinn virgin in all the Communicating Worlds—and beyond—and betrothed to him, until Tarrant-Arragon abducted her by force and took her virginity.

What consolation would it be to have Tarrant-Arragon's sexy, fashionista bitch of a sister in his power and in his bed?

Djetth winced at the savagery of his thoughts about Martia-Djulia. Shards of pain shot along his broken jawline. Hell's Teeth! If he and Martia-Djulia were going to make a go of it, she'd have to have a shorter name. Maybe Marsh. Or Jewel….

"Well, Djetthro-Jason, are you ready to be carved up for your new identity and your new life as my little sister's glorified love slave?"

From somewhere out of Djetth's line of sight, Tarrant-Arragon taunted him, stressing the part of Djetth's real name that he'd used until his cover as "Commander Jason" was blown and he was overpowered and arrested.

Djetth did not turn his head. The pain in his face and head was intolerable enough without moving.

"Ahhh, I do believe that Our Imperial surgeons are ready to take out that distinctive jagged scar on your cheek," Tarrant-Arragon crooned. "And screw up your jaw."

What else might they do while he was under the laser and the knife? While his face was open, might they carve out a sensory gland or two? Implant a tracking device? Use his broken jaw as an excuse to weld a mask over his head?

Prince Djetthro-Jason would be a latter day 'Man In The Iron Mask' if they realized how closely he resembled Crown Prince Tarrant-Arragon. Which he would, without his scars, his colorful contact lenses and his long, blond-dyed hair.

Djetth glanced at the treacherous, turncoat 'Rhett, who'd been his bloody useless "second" at the duel, and who was still hanging around.

What for? Damn him. 'Rhett was way too much the intergalactic statesman for his own—or anyone else's—good.

If the patient lost consciousness, Tarrant-Arragon could decide that the chances for galactic peace would be better if Djetthro-Jason were neutered… one way or another. Given the secrets 'Rhett knew, 'Rhett might agree.
"No—" Djetth groaned with the unexpected agony of trying to speak. He wanted to refuse anesthetic again. How he wished there was somebody present whom he could trust!

A door swished open.

"Does he have to be in such pain?" The cause of all the trouble spoke from the doorway. She sounded on edge, as if she felt his pain telepathically.

Djinni-vera! No longer his Djinni. By conquest, by the irrevocable exchange of vows, and finally by her own choice, she was Tarrant-Arragon's.

By All the Lechers of Antiquity, how he loved her! At that moment. For coming. Mentally Djetth qualified his thoughts. Djinni-vera might not love him now, but she was honorable to the core. Tarrant-Arragon wouldn't dare do anything dastardly in front of her.

As she glided to his surgical table, Djetth looked at her wildly, helplessly, with mute appeal, hoping that she would read his mind and help him this one last time.

Djinni-vera's amethyst eyes widened as if she had Heard him and understood. Her gaze averted, she reached out and dropped a gauzy white cloth of some sort over his monstrously inappropriate erection.

To others, her action might have looked like public modesty on her part. Djetth assumed that Djinni had read the part of his mind that was worrying about his striking tattoo that only showed up in the dark or when suitably excited.

Thank you! he thought. Please help me. Stay.

She nodded, and took his fettered hand with her undamaged left. "You've been macho about this too long, J-J. Why won't you let them put you to sleep?"

"Careful, my love," Tarrant-Arragon said, moving possessively to her side. "You can never call him J-J again. Nor any one of his damned traitor's aliases. Not J-J, not Commander Jason. Traitors cannot be seen to survive their attempts on my life. Commander Jason is officially dead, and everyone—including Martia-Djulia—must believe it. From this day forward, he's Prince Djetthro-Jason."

"What a mouthful…" Djinni began, then her changing expression told him that she must have read a thought-pun he couldn't resist. "Djetth!"

She frowned sternly.

"I know you Great Djinn males can't help thinking of sex all the time. But, it's not helpful. As long as you have your saturniid gland, you're dangerous."

Not dangerous to you, kid. You won't ovulate while you're pregnant, and probably not for a while after that, he thought back at her.

Her mouth twisted in a wry smile.

"You'd be safer if you let them remove it."

Some aspects of Royal Djinn maleness one would rather die than surrender, he rejoined, hoping she would not read his darker thoughts.

"Martia-Djulia would be better off if you couldn't have the rut-rage again, too…." As she spoke, Djinni tossed her head as if shaking off a bothersome fly.

Djetth wondered if Djinni had unexpectedly Channeled someone else's reasoning. Djinni couldn't possibly know how savagely Martia-Djulia liked to be served in bed.

"I saw Palace footage of you having the rut-rage with Martia-Djulia." The little mind-reader's voice rose in protest at the thought he hadn't meant her to sense.

You saw? You saw what, exactly? His thought question was a ploy to distract her from the rut-rage, but no sooner had he asked than he dreaded how detailed her reply might be.

"What you might expect, given that the camera was behind a mirrored ceiling, and you were on top," she retorted, keeping his tattoo a secret. "Tarrant-Arragon fast-forwarded you, because you went at it so long."

"Not that long," Tarrant-Arragon murmured maliciously, probably to remind them that he was listening to Djinni's half of the conversation.

"Long enough," Djinni said. "Djetth, you might already be a father."

"Granted, that is remotely possible," Tarrant-Arragon sneered while appearing to examine a wicked looking lancet. "Let's hope you weren't that thorough, Djetthro-Jason, or your firstborn would have to be—and remain—a bastard. Unfortunately, my slack-wit of a sister can't keep a secret. If Martia-Djulia thinks Commander Jason got her pregnant, the rumor will be all over Court before we get home, and before she hears that her lover is dead."

Djetth felt an inexplicable distress at the idea that he could never claim this theoretically possible child as his own.

"Shall we begin?" Tarrant-Arragon's too perceptive eyes ranged over Djetth's body, lingering for an instant on the cloth covering his penis. Not for the first time in his life, Djetth thanked the Great Originator that Tarrant-Arragon had lost the power to read minds.

"I am staying with him," Djinni announced, gripping his hand tightly.

Djetth was careful not to wrap his fingers around hers or to respond to Djinni's comforting touch in any discernable way. Touching the Heir Apparent's Mate was yet another act of Treason punishable by death.

"Very well, my love. You may stay as long as you keep your gaze on his face." Tarrant-Arragon's lips curled into a sneer. He had certainly noticed the hand-holding.

"Djetthro-Jason, I'll ask you for the last time: Have you declared every identifying mark on your body that my sister might recognize? Every scar…?"

"Yes!" Djetth snarled back, one eye on Djinni to see whether her face betrayed his lie.

Head turned, distracted by Djinni and the explosion of pain in his face from speaking aloud, Djetth forgot that his neck was exposed where 'Rhett could reach it.

He felt a cold, numbing touch of 'Rhett's fingers on his most vital acu-pressure point, strove to turn his head, and couldn't.

'Rhett was using Djinncraft on him! Damn 'Rhett and his secret agendas!

The growing paralysis had not yet reached Djetth's eyes. As his vision dimmed, his desperate gaze met the cool green, inscrutable eyes of his bastard cousin and half-brother, 'Rhett.

He'd be lucky to wake up with a new face, a new and dangerous identity. If he woke up.

Find out more about Rowena's sexy djinn at www.rowenacherry.com

Don't forget!! This week's prizes: Comment on any post from today, Monday June 8st, through Sunday June14th for a chance to win one of two new prizes:

Any Immortals title by Joy Nash: Immortals: The Awakening, Immortals: The Crossing, or Immortals: The Reckoning (anthology)
Insufficient Mating Material by Rowena Cherry

And one former prize! - Dina, who won Angie Fox's two book set last week has told me she already owns Angie's first book, An Accidental Demonslayer - and would like to offer another reader the chance to win. (Isn't she a sweetie?) So post this week and you might win An Accidental Demonslayer, too!

The three winners will be chosen at random and posted on Monday June 15.

Good luck!

Joy Nash
www.joynash.com

Available NOW!

A Little Light Magic

Summer at the Jersey Shore has never been so hot!

Winners & my favoroite summer sport!

2009-06-08T10:00:00.011-04:00

Days 'till the Summer Solstice: 13

Don't forget this fun contest! Author Emily Bryan is holding a contest in which the winner will get a chance to name a character in her summer 2010 book Stroke of Genius. Details at emilybryan.blogspot.com.

Despite my best intentions, I didn't get to the blog to post over the weekend! So sorry. My only excuse is that I took advantage of all the nice weather to spend time with my kids, my garden, and my favorite summer sport - bicycling.

In the sports world, my hand-eye coordination isn't the greatest, so I'm not much for any sport that has a ball involved. In school, I was the classic picked-last-for-every-team-in-gym-class kid. I did join the swim team in high school, but mainly to hang out with my friends, and I can probably count on one hand the number of events in which I didn't finish dead last. But we did have a lot of fun!

In my early twenties, I discovered bicyling - for fun, not for competition. I joke that bicycling is the perfect sport because you can do it sitting down!

With lots of encouragement from my dh and a cycling team, this no-sports girl even managed to complete three MS 150 mile (in two days) bikeathons! The last one of those loooong rides for me was 15 years ago, though.

Now that I'm fortysomething, I content myself with much shorter, more leisurely rides close to home. This year my husband got me a nice comfy gel bicycle seat for my birthday, so I'm all set. I usually ride with my youngest son, who likes bike riding as much as I do :-)

Now for last week's winners! Congrats to all - drop me an email at joy@joynash.com with your snail mail address and your choice of book to claim your prize.

A Gerri Russell backlist book - either Warrior's Lady, Warrior's Bride, or The Warrior Trainer. Winner: Carol L., commented on June 3 post @ 7:22 am June 4.
A Joy Nash Druids of Avalon backlist book - either Deep Magic, The Grail King, or Celtic Fire. Winner: librarypat, commented on June 1 post at 10:08 pm.

This week's prizes: Comment on any post from today, Monday June 8st, through Sunday June14th for a chance to win one of two new prizes:

Any Immortals title by Joy Nash: Immortals: The Awakening, Immortals: The Crossing, or Immortals: The Reckoning (anthology)
Insufficient Mating Material - a fantastic futuristic romance by Rowena Cherry (excerpt to come this week!)

And one former prize! - Dina, who won Angie Fox's two book set last week has told me she already owns Angie's first book, An Accidental Demonslayer - and would like to offer another reader the chance to win. (Isn't she a sweetie?) So post this week and you might win An Accidental Demonslayer, too!

The three winners will be chosen at random and posted on Monday June 15.

Good luck!

Joy Nash
www.joynash.com

Available NOW!

A Little Light Magic

Summer at the Jersey Shore has never been so hot!

To Tempt a Knight by Gerri Russell

2009-06-03T14:24:00.009-04:00

The Countdown Continues!

Days 'till the Summer Solstice: 18

Today, for your pleasure, another Great (Late) Summer Read, coming Aug 25th! Geez. Wish I didn't have to wait that long for this one - I love hunky knights!

To Tempt a Knight by Gerri Russell

In the light of the moon, the pale woolen cloth nearly glowed. But it was the bloodred cross sewn onto the fabric at the side of the cloak that riveted her attention. A Templar’s cloak.

Siobhan’s gaze shot to William’s. “Yours?”

He nodded as he settled himself on the ground next to the opening.

“How long have you been …” She hesitated, not quite certain how to phrase what she wanted to know.

“Hiding?” he provided for her.

She nodded.

“It feels like a lifetime, but in reality it’s been only four years for me.”

Sorrow lingered beneath his words. “Do you miss your home?”

He averted his gaze, hiding any emotion the darkness might not conceal. “I never truly had a home. All my life I’ve lived by my sword. It shelters me, feeds me, and protects me.”

“It sounds very lonely,” she said, casting a glance at his profile in the darkness of the cave.

“It gives me what I need.”

Siobhan hesitated from asking more because of the dour tone of his voice. She’d touched on something that he didn’t want to discuss. As her eyes adjusted to the pale moonlight, Siobhan looked around the small cave. Nothing but bare, damp rock surrounded them. The soft surge and retreat of the waves sounded below. She crossed her arms over her chest, hugging the scroll close to her, trying to ward off the chill of the night.

“We can’t risk a fire,” he said as though he sensed the shudder that raced through her just then. “Come, sit beside me.”

She sat, leaning back against the shale wall, then held the leather casing that contained the scroll in her lap. With hesitant fingers, she brushed the leather surface.

“What’s on the scroll?” he asked, his tone even now.

“I’m not certain.”

Even in the darkness she could see his puzzled frown. “You risked your life for that scroll and you do not even know what it contains?”

She frowned down at the leather that protected the contents inside. “My father sent me to retrieve this moments before he was abducted.” She turned toward William. In the half-light his face was a study of dark planes and angles. “I can’t help wondering if he knew something would happen to him today.” She bit down on her lip as she fingered the container’s cap. “This is all I have left.” She didn’t expect him to understand.

“Open it,” he said softly with no accusation in his tone. Did he understand? Or was he anxious for her to reveal the scroll’s secrets for another reason?

Could she trust him? William had saved her life today … Her own curiosity forced doubts about William’s interest aside.

She forgot about the cold. She forgot about the tragedy of the day. She forgot about everything as carefully, almost afraid to breathe, she opened the leather casing and gently shook out the papyrus scroll inside. She unrolled the papyrus. Straining her eyes in the half-light, she stared down at line after line of her father’s dense code. Even if she’d been able to see it clearly, she doubted she could identify the words he’d hidden in the strange code. She angled the paper toward the cave’s opening, trying to catch what light she could. Dark shapes appeared. A map? She sighed. “It’s too dark. I can’t make anything out.”

“Then any discoveries will have to wait until first light.” He shifted beside her and with a rasp of sound, drew his sword. He set the weapon across his lap, his hand on the hilt. “Just in case,” he said as he settled back against the wall. “You had best sleep. Who knows what challenges tomorrow will bring?”

She knew he was probably right. She rolled the scroll and placed it back in its protective leather casing, then held the treasure close to her chest, protecting what she had left of her life with her father.

She tried to block the sound of the surf, but the further darkness only made her more aware of her surroundings—especially the man sitting next to her, a sword gripped in his hands. “Why did you come to see my father today? Did you know de la Roche would come as well?”

He shifted, turning toward her in the darkness. His face was cast in complete darkness now. And for a moment she wondered if he’d planned that, secluding himself in darkness. “Nay. ‘Tis mere coincidence that de la Roche appeared when he did, although there were those of us who suspected he would show himself sooner or later.”

A gust of cool wind touched Siobhan’s cheeks. She pulled the cape he’d given her closer around herself. “Those of us?” she prompted.

She could feel his gaze upon her. “The Templars. Your father has information we desperately needed.”

“And now that he’s gone…?”

“I am hoping you have that information. Or that the scroll we saved from the fire contains something we can use to find what it is I need.”

Siobhan’s hands tightened on her father’s work. A surge of hope moved through her. Today’s events had taught her one thing. She needed this man’s help if she were ever to rescue her father from de la Roche’s clutches. Could the scroll help her secure his aid?

“What do you need?” she asked, trying to temper her growing excitement. This man was still a stranger. His motives were unproved.

“The Holy Lance. It’s the one piece of the Templar treasure de la Roche wants above all the rest. Your father was the treasure’s guardian.”

A shiver rippled across her nape. Her father had told her stories of many legendary treasures over the years, but she’d had no idea he was so intimately connected to them.

“My father called it the Longinus Spear …” Her voice trailed off in wonder. She shifted, trying to see his face in the darkness. If only she could see his eyes. Then she’d know whether he was being honest or not. “How do you think I can help you?”

“It’s how we can help each other, Lady Siobhan.”

“Please, just call me Siobhan. No one ever refers to me as anything more.”

“Siobhan. Help me locate the Spear, and I’ll help you find your father and get you both to safety.”

She knew nothing about this man, except that he had saved her from de la Roche earlier and that he had gone back into her burning home to rescue the scroll without fear for his own life. Were those things enough to trust him with her father’s life? His deepest secrets?

“Do we have an agreement?” he asked, his voice deep, expectant.

She nodded. Then realizing he could not see her any better in the dark said, “Aye.”
“Then you had best try to get some sleep because tomorrow will be another difficult day if I know de la Roche.”

Instantly, her mood sobered at the reminder of the dangers outside of their dark cave, no doubt the reason he’d drawn his sword. “Will you be able to sleep?” she asked.

“Nay.”

Siobhan released a soft sigh. She doubted she’d find sleep this night either. Her lack of sleep wouldn’t stem from the ever-present danger, even though she knew she should be more fearful of discovery than she was. Instead, her mind filled with a million possibilities of what secrets the scroll might reveal.

She shifted her gaze to what little she could make out of William. Did her father truly have something to do with the Knights Templar?

Coded text … Drawings …

What could her father be involved in?

This week's prizes: Comment on any post from Monday June 1st, through Sunday June 7th for a chance to win one of two prizes:

Winner's choice of Gerri Russell 's backlist - Warrior's Lady, Warrior's Bride, or The Warrior Trainer.

Winner's choice of one Joy Nash Druids of Avalon backlist books - Deep Magic, The Grail King, or Celtic Fire.

Winners chosen at random and posted on Monday June 8.

Oh! Almost forgot - another fun contest. Author Emily Bryan is holding a contest on her blog - and the winner will get a chance to name a character in Emily's summer 2010 book Stroke of Genius.

Wonder if you get to pick whether the character you name is good or evil? lol :-) Details at emilybryan.blogspot.com.

See you Friday!

Joy Nash
www.joynash.com

Available NOW!

A Little Light Magic

Summer at the Jersey Shore has never been so hot!

Winners!

2009-06-01T09:44:00.005-04:00

Days 'till the Summer Solstice: 20

Last Week's Winners!! Congrats to all :-) Please email your snail mail address to joy@joynash.com to claim your prize. If you won a t-shirt, please also send your choice of size.

Druids of Avalon series three book set: Celtic Fire, The Grail King, Deep Magic by Joy Nash ---Kytaira, commented 1:29 am Tues May 26 on the Monday May 25th post.
Lucy the Elephant tee-shirt, direct from Margate, New Jersey! - Margay, commented Tues May 26th @ 8:52 AM.
Angie Fox two book set: The Accidental Demonslayer and The Dangerous Book for Demonslayers. Dina, commented Fri, May 29, @ 6:43 pm
Angie Fox "Kiss My Asphalt" tee-shirt - DSadler53, commented Sun May 31 @ 4:46 pm.

Upcoming prizes: Comment on any post from today, June 1st, through Sunday June 7th for a chance to win one of two prizes:

Winner's choice of a backlist book from author Gerri Russell - catch Gerri's excerpt this week!

Winner's choice of one of my Druids of Avalon backlist books - Deep Magic, The Grail King, or Celtic Fire.

Winners chosen at random and posted on Monday June 8.

Joy Nash
www.joynash.com

Available NOW!

A Little Light Magic

Summer at the Jersey Shore has never been so hot!

Miniature Golf!

2009-05-31T06:00:00.001-04:00

Days 'till the Summer Solstice: 21

Today's summer love: Mini-golf!

I am a pretty mean mini-golf player. Just ask my kids. Even as teenagers, they still have a hard time beating me. This is because I must have played about a bazillion holes of mini golf in the summer when I was a kid.

This mini-skill does not, alas, translate to a great "big" golf game. Before I had kids, I tried to learn real golf, but could never master the art of the big golf tee-off. All I could manage were worm-burners and hard slices and hooks.

But who needs big golf, anyway? Big golf courses do not have windmills, pirates, sunken ships, mermaids, and gorillas. And it's a lot harder to get a hole-in-one.

Beware: Mini-golfing with small children can be hazardous!

My youngest son didn't quite know his own strength. When he was about 3 or 4, he teed off a bit too hard at mini-golf and smacked a lady at the next hole over right on the ankle. Ouch!

That was definitely one of my more embarrassing moments as a mother. I'm planning to get the kid back in a few years by showing his naked baby pictures to his first girlfriend. :-)

BTW, these pics are from Congo Falls mini-golf on the Ocean City, NJ boardwalk, one of my favorite summer mini-golf places!

Don't forget - Last day to comment on any post from May 24th to 31st to enter this week's contest for the following prizes:

Druids of Avalon series three book set: Celtic Fire, The Grail King, Deep Magic by Joy Nash
Lucy the Elephant tee-shirt, direct from Margate, New Jersey!
Angie Fox two book set: The Accidental Demonslayer and The Dangerous Book for Demonslayers
Angie Fox "Kiss My Asphalt" tee-shirt (Angie's excerpt of her latest "The Dangerous Book For Demonslayers" will appear on Friday May 29th)

Four winners will be chosen at random and posted tomorrow Monday June 1.

See ya tomorrow!

Joy Nash
www.joynash.com

Available NOW!

A Little Light Magic

Summer at the Jersey Shore has never been so hot!

Iced Tea!

2009-05-30T06:00:00.002-04:00

Days 'till the Summer Solstice: 22

So I decided one week was not enough to cover all my favorite edible/drinkable summer treats! Since I grew up in a big Italian family where LOVE was pretty much synonymous with GOOD FOOD, this is not surprising.

Today's spotlight is on Iced Tea. This is one summer treat that's cool, refreshing, and (as an added bonus) pretty easy on the waistline if you make it yourself rather than suck down the super-sweet bottled variety (which is sooo easy to do when you're thirsty).

I'm ever on a quest for fast and easy in the kitchen (as opposed to in the bedroom, lol), so I was really excited a few years back when I discovered the absolute easiest way ever to make iced tea: Lipton Cold Brew Tea Bags + Crystal Lite or Country Time lemonade powder.

I don't know what Lipton does to the tea in the cold brew tea bags, but all you have to do is put one of the oversized cold brew bags in a quart of water and put it in the fridge for about 10-15 minutes and you've got tea! Then just pour in a tall glass and add a big scoop of lemonade powder. No boiling, no mess, no problem!

You can't get much easier than that, even with one of those goofy easy buttons from Staples.

It's sometimes hard to find the cold brew tea in the store, so when I do spot it, I buy a bunch of extra boxes. I haven't had to resort to ordering it online yet, but I see it's available on netgrocer.com in case you want to try it and can't find it in your local stores.

Don't forget - you've got until Sunday May 31 to comment on any post from the 24th to the 31st to enter this week's contest for the following prizes:

Druids of Avalon series three book set: Celtic Fire, The Grail King, Deep Magic by Joy Nash
Lucy the Elephant tee-shirt, direct from Margate, New Jersey!
Angie Fox two book set: The Accidental Demonslayer and The Dangerous Book for Demonslayers
Angie Fox "Kiss My Asphalt" tee-shirt (Angie's excerpt of her latest "The Dangerous Book For Demonslayers" will appear on Friday May 29th)

Four winners will be chosen at random and posted on Monday June 1.

See ya tomorrow!

Joy Nash
www.joynash.com

Available NOW!

A Little Light Magic

Summer at the Jersey Shore has never been so hot!

Great summer read - Angie Fox Demonslayer

2009-05-29T06:00:00.001-04:00

Days 'till the Summer Solstice: 23

I'm baaaack!

Wow, it was kinda weird not posting for a few days. I'll be continuing on with the Countdown until the Summer Solstice on June 21, since that's such an important date for Tori in A Little Light Magic.

Check with me on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and maybe on the weekend, too :-)

For today's Great Summer Read, I have a real treat. You've heard of The Dangerous Book for Boys, The Dangerous Book for Girls, and maybe The Dangerous Book for Dogs, but none of them hold a candle to The Dangerous Book for Demonslayers by NYT Bestselling author Angie Fox!

Angie's giving away a two book set to one lucky reader who comments on any post this week. The winner will receive the aforementioned Dangerous book, along with Angie's first demonslayer novel, The Accidental Demonslayer.

A second lucky winner will get one of Angie's "Kiss My Asphalt" tee-shirts!

And on with the excerpt...

From The Dangerous Book For Demonslayers....

Chapter One

The Hairy Hog biker bar stood on an acre and a half of scrub brush, right off Highway 40. The beer was cold, the pool table fixed and the juke box jinxed to play two-for-one Lynyrd Skynyrd. Not that we’d been able to enjoy it for long.

We were blowing through Defiance, New Mexico, with my grandma’s gang of witches on a somewhat sensitive, definitely secretive rescue. Good thing the biker code didn’t leave room for our hosts at the Hairy Hog to be asking a lot of awkward questions.

We’d stopped long enough to buy a few rounds downstairs before bunking in the attic. Well, some of us. I crept back into the bar with the sunrise and saw that the rest of the “Freebird” crowd had opted simply to pass out in their wooden bar chairs and on the stained concrete floor. From the look of it, not to mention the smell, they’d spilled as much booze as they drank.

I fiddled with one of my silver stud earrings like I did every time I was nervous. Just my luck the sleeping beauties weren’t going anywhere.

Jesus, Mary, Joseph and the mule. I hadn’t wanted to do this in front of people, unconscious or not.

“Pardon,” I mumbled as I braced one hand on a rust-flecked cigarette machine and eased a black boot up and over the very hairy man who seemed to be using the selection knobs for a pillow. His mouth slacked open and a snore rumbled in his throat. Of course he wouldn’t have noticed if I’d tap danced across his what-nots, but I was raised as a good Southern girl and, well, old habits die hard.

I blew out a breath and smoothed my purple suede skirt. Things would work out. They had to. I didn’t even want to think of what could happen otherwise.

Instinct had pulled me out of bed at dawn. I’d dressed quickly and strapped on my weapons. My new demon slayer mojo gave me an insane attraction to trouble. Right now, it was leading me to the long, dark hallway that ended at the kitchen of the Hairy Hog. I cleared my throat against the stale cigarette smoke crowding the narrow space, as if the worst wasn’t right around the corner.

My heels struck the floor like gunshots, but there was nothing I could do. Chances were, whatever was in the kitchen knew I was coming.

Focus. I touched one hand to the rough, wood planks that lined the hallway. The other, I rested on the round, flat switch stars at my belt. They were the demon slayer weapon of choice, and let’s just say I didn’t go anywhere these days without them.

My heart pounded. I focused my breathing, prepared for the attack. I could see the danger like a dot of light in my mind.

A grinding, screaming machine kicked on. Demonic robots? I ran the last three yards, kicked my way past a plastic trash can and threw the kitchen door open.

“Eeeeeya!” I hollered, ready to strike.

Grandma lurched away from the sink, clutching a handful of her Hairdoo by Harley T-shirt. “Crimeny!” She hollered in a rusty Southern twang born from years of Metallica concerts and Jack Daniels straight from the bottle. “You want me to reach seventy-nine?”

“Stay where you are.” Grandma wasn’t the type to let herself get ambushed. But there was something very, very wrong in here.

I scanned the small industrial kitchen. An exhaust fan rattled over the stove. Dented pots hung from nails tacked into the wall and an ancient refrigerator huddled in the corner. Crumbs littered the counter, along with empty pretzel bags and a half-collapsed beer can pyramid. The place reeked of overcooked grease and sour mayonnaise. At least I didn’t detect the sulfuric stench of demons. “Cut the disposal,” I said.

“Oh for the love of Pete.” Grandma shoved her long gray hair out of her eyes and flipped a switch. The metal monstrosity grumbled to a stop.

“Keep back,” I ordered. A large pot rumbled on the stove. Perhaps full of imps or other minions of the devil? I stalked the stainless steel vessel of evil.

Grandma threw a skinny yet surprisingly strong arm in front of me. “Don’t open that. Those poached eggs have at least another minute left.”

“Well geez, Grandma.” How could she be worrying about eggs at a time like this? I surveyed the kitchen again. I had to be missing something. The chill along my spine, the fear at the back of my throat, my basic demon slayer instincts had never lied to me before.

“Did you know your left eye is starting to twitch?” Grandma asked. “You need to chill out. You’re tighter than a bull’s ass at fly time.”

Sure. Relax. If I’d done that last week, Grandma would still be in the second layer of hell. I was the slayer of the group – the only one who could kill demons. I was also insanely attracted to anything that could chop off my head, steal my soul or wipe out North America. And right now, no one seemed to care but me.

Oh my god, how hilarious was that excerpt????

Don't forget - this week's BIG Countdown to Summer prizes:

Comment on any post from Sunday May 24 through Sunday May 31 to enter the contest for the following prizes:

Druids of Avalon series three book set: Celtic Fire, The Grail King, Deep Magic by Joy Nash
Lucy the Elephant tee-shirt, direct from Margate, New Jersey!
Angie Fox two book set: The Accidental Demonslayer and The Dangerous Book for Demonslayers
Angie Fox "Kiss My Asphalt" tee-shirt (Angie's excerpt of her latest "The Dangerous Book For Demonslayers" will appear on Friday May 29th)

Four winners will be chosen at random and posted on Monday June 1.

See ya!

Joy Nash
www.joynash.com

Available NOW!

A Little Light Magic

Summer at the Jersey Shore has never been so hot!

A Little Light Magic Release Day

2009-05-26T05:00:00.016-04:00

A Little Light Magic is here!

Days 'till the Summer Solstice: 26

Wow, I can't believe it's release day for A Little Light Magic! I've been having a great time with the Countdown, and I've received so many offers of book giveaways from my fellow Dorchester authors, that I've decided to continue the party and prizes all the way to the Summer Solstice on June 21. Though I won't be keeping up the pace of a post-per-day, lol. Be sure to check back 2-3 times each week to see what's up.

I'll be popping up at a number of blog and romance sites this week, so stop by to say hi!

May 26, find me at:

Fresh Fiction

Emily Bryan's Blog

A Book Blogger's Diary

Night Owl Romance's Blog and Virtual Signing (see below for booksigning info)

May 27, find me at:

The Romance Book Club Blog

Writerspace live Chat, 9 PM ET

May 28, find me at:

Midnight Moon Cafe

Also, this is way cool: Dorchester Publishing has a new feature on their website - Browse Inside Widgets!

This nifty tool allows you to browse inside Dorchester books before buying online, kinda like you were standing in the bookstore! All the newest Dorchester books have them, and some of the older ones, too. Here's the widget for A Little Light Magic:

Night Owl Romance virtual booksigning info:

Buy A Little Light Magic, or any of my backlist books, between Monday May 25th and Sunday May 31
Send the proof of purchase to Night Owl Romance (NOT to me!) per the details on the NOR website.
Receive a signed bookplate and bookmarks from me in the mail.
Comment on my May 26th guest blog at NOR for a second chance to win a prize direct from Night Owl Romance. Hope to "see" you at the signing:-)

This week's Countdown to Summer prizes:

Comment on any post from Sunday May 24 through Sunday May 31 to enter the contest for the following prizes:

Druids of Avalon series three book set: Celtic Fire, The Grail King, Deep Magic by Joy Nash
Lucy the Elephant tee-shirt, direct from Margate, New Jersey!
Angie Fox two book set: The Accidental Demonslayer and The Dangerous Book for Demonslayers
Angie Fox "Kiss My Asphalt" tee-shirt (Angie's excerpt of her latest "The Dangerous Book For Demonslayers" will appear on Friday May 29th)

Four winners will be chosen at random and posted on Monday June 1.

See ya!

Joy Nash
www.joynash.com

What I love about Summer - Parades!

2009-05-25T06:00:00.002-04:00

Happy Memorial Day!

Days 'till A Little Light Magic: 1

Days 'till the Summer Solstice: 27

Today is Memorial Day, so I'll be out at a parade this morning, waiting for all three of my kids to march by with their school bands - one clarinet, one saxophone, one bass drum. In the meantime, my husband and I will enjoy civil war re-enactors, classic cars, horses, old-time bicycle riders, clowns, Irish dancers, patriotic floats, Boy and Girl Scouts, politicians throwing candy, the local DAR chapter, and the most important parade participants of all, our local veteran groups.

Parades are fun, but let's not forget to honor the reason for the holiday today - the men and women who gave their lives for our country.

A heartfelt thanks to all veterans, especially combat veterans and the families of our fallen heroes, who have made the ultimate sacrifice for all of us.

Don't forget to stop by my Virtual Booksigning at Night Owl Romance. Here's how it works: Buy A Little Light Magic, or any of my backlist books, between Monday May 25th and Sunday May 31, send the proof of purchase to Night Owl Romance (NOT to me) per the details on the NOR webite, and receive a signed bookplate and bookmarks from me! Comment on my May 26th guest blog at NOR for a second chance to win a prize direct from Night Owl Romance. Hope to "see" you at the signing:-)

This week's Countdown to Summer prizes:

Comment on any post from Sunday May 24 through Sunday May 31 to enter the contest for the following prizes:

Druids of Avalon series three book set: Celtic Fire, The Grail King, Deep Magic by Joy Nash
Lucy the Elephant tee-shirt, direct from Margate, New Jersey!
Angie Fox two book set: The Accidental Demonslayer and The Dangerous Book for Demonslayers
Angie Fox "Kiss My Asphalt" tee-shirt

Four winners will be chosen at random and posted on Monday June 1.

Joy Nash
www.joynash.com

Coming May 26!

A Little Light Magic

Summer at the Jersey Shore has never been so hot!

A Little Light Magic Book Video! and Winners!

2009-05-24T09:00:00.001-04:00

Days 'till Memorial Day: 1

Days 'till A Little Light Magic: 2

Days 'till the Summer Solstice: 28

I just love, love, LOVE my book video for A Little Light Magic!!

And here's something else new - a Virtual Booksigning at Night Owl Romance.

Here's how it works: Buy A Little Light Magic, or any of my backlist books, between Monday May 25th and Sunday May 31, send the proof of purchase to Night Owl Romance (NOT to me) per the details on the NOR webite, and receive a signed bookplate and bookmarks from me!

Comment on my May 26th guest blog at NOR for a chance to win another prize. Hope to "see" you at the signing:-)

And now, drum roll, please...

This week's Countdown winners:

Virginia - posted Friday May 22nd at 6:03 pm - The Grail King by Joy Nash

Marth E - posted on Tuesday May 19th's post @ 12:03 am on May 20th - Fallen by Cindy Holby

Patricia - posted Mon 18th @ 10:28 pm - Writer's T-shirt

Congrats to this week's winners! Send an email to joy@joynash.com with your snail mail address to claim your prize.

This week's Countdown to Summer prizes:

Comment on any post from Sunday May 24 through Sunday May 31 to enter the contest for the following prizes:

Druids of Avalon series three book set: Celtic Fire, The Grail King, Deep Magic by Joy Nash
Lucy the Elephant tee-shirt, direct from Margate, New Jersey!
Angie Fox two book set: The Accidental Demonslayer and The Dangerous Book for Demonslayers
Angie Fox "Kiss My Asphalt" tee-shirt

Four winners will be chosen at random and posted on Monday June 1.

Joy Nash
www.joynash.com

Coming May 26!

A Little Light Magic

Summer at the Jersey Shore has never been so hot!

What I love about Summer - Sunflowers!

2009-05-23T05:00:00.003-04:00

Days 'till Memorial Day: 2

Days 'till A Little Light Magic: 3

Days 'till the Summer Solstice: 29

Virtual Booksigning for A Little Light Magic!Check out Night Owl Romance for details on my virtual booksigning for A Little Light Magic.

Hope to "see" you there :-)

I am a sunflower fanatic. These flowers are so cheerful, so big, and so easy to grow, how can you not love them?

Every summer I grow all kinds of sunflowers in my garden. There are so many varieties to choose from, that I just can't decide on one or two! My absolute favorite is a type called Endurance, Seeds of Change organic seed company. This sunflower is a multi-branching type that grows about 8-10 feet high. Plant one seed and you will get at least FIFTY sunflowers on one stalk! You can cut them all summer for indoor arrangements and never run out.

When my kids were little, I got sucked into trying to grow a "sunflower cottage" I saw in a magazine. You plant sunflowers in a 10' square pattern and plant peas, beans, morning glories, or some other kind vine to grow up the stalks and across the square to form a roof. It looked so cute in the picture, and the magazine children were having so much fun!

But it you ever have the urge to plant a sunflower house for your kids, take my advice and DON'T DO IT. Sunflowers attract BEES. Lots of BEES. Which is a very good thing for a gardener, but not something you want to mix up with toddlers and small children. My kids would not go near their sunflower house!

Another caution about sunflowers. Their roots put out something in the soil that makes it hard for any other plant to grow. So if you plant them in your garden, make sure you plant them in the same place every year.

This week's Countdown prizes! Comment on any post from Sunday May 17 through TODAY Saturday May 23 to enter the contest for the following prizes:

The Grail King by Joy Nash
Fallen by Cindy Holby
T-shirt with the slogan "Careful, or you'll end up in my novel"

Three winners will be chosen at random and posted TOMORROW, Sunday May 24.

Joy Nash
www.joynash.com

Coming THIS TUESDAY May 26!

A Little Light Magic

Summer at the Jersey Shore has never been so hot!

Candle Magic and A Little Light Magic

2009-05-22T06:00:00.002-04:00

Days 'till Memorial Day: 3

Days 'till A Little Light Magic: 4

Days 'till the Summer Solstice: 30

It's no secret that I'm fascinated by all things magical and paranormal. While writing A Little Light Magic I had fun researching Candle Magic.

Tori Morgan, the heroine of ALLM , believes in magic. She reads Tarot, and looks for the future in a crystal prism. She’s also in possession of seven Candle Magic spell kits, given to her by a Cajun hoodoo witch.

A spell kit is a small bag containing a candle and other items - a written prayer, a prop, scented oil, spice, etc. - that you need to cast a particular Candle Magic spell. Typically, a spell kit is made up and blessed or "charged" by a witch who is strong in magic, and that magic is passed on to the person who uses the spell kit.

Tori’s recently inherited a rundown bungalow at the Jersey Shore, which she wants to renovate as a New Age shop. Only problem is, finding a contractor on the cusp of summer at the shore is like collecting beach sand in a sieve. Just about impossible.

In the opening scene, contractor Nick Santangelo takes a look at Tori’s job strictly as a favor for a friend, intending to turn it down. It’s a small job and he’s plenty busy with bigger stuff. He’s got no interest at all in doing Tori's work, even though Tori immediately catches his eyes. But Nick's a practical guy - he just doesn't have room in his life for Tori and -- as he calls it -- her "whacked out witch shop." He wishes Tori luck and walks out the door.

And then Tori remembers her candle magic spells. Seven colors for seven different situations.

White – The spell Tori casts in Chapter One is for help, and involves a white candle. And lo and behold, Nick turns around and comes back. :) This invocation has Tori sprinkling sugar, and raising the flame above her head.

As A Little Light Magic continues, Tori casts her remaining six candle magic spells, one by one.

Black – The color of reversal. Tori casts this spell using a mirror and a black candle, to banish negativity.

Yellow – The color of intelligence and confidence. Tori lights a yellow candle studded with cloves while seeking some much needed clarity of mind.

Orange – A color that attracts specific influences. Tori casts a spell involving an orange candle scented with cinnamon oil for success in her new business.

Green – Green candle magic can be used for problems concerning money, prosperity, growth, and abundance. Tori casts this spell for fertility. Her aids are green felt, a needle, and a hard-boiled egg.

Blue – Blue is the color of healing, peace, patience and happiness. The location of this spellcasting is important. It occurs on the beach, at the ocean’s edge (but any outside body of water will do). Tori casts this spell for good luck. The blue candle is set in a shell.

Red – Red is the eternal color of love. Tori casts a love spell with a red candle anointed with rose oil--but not for herself. Selfishly casting a love spell for yourself, or on a specific person, can backfire.

In A Little Light Magic, Nick is a practical guy. He doesn’t believe in magic. Tori does, with all her heart. Who’s right? Well, the proof is in the results, isn’t it?

This week's Countdown prizes! Comment on any post from Sunday May 17 through TOMORROW Saturday May 23 to enter the contest for the following prizes:

The Grail King by Joy Nash
Fallen by Cindy Holby
T-shirt with the slogan "Careful, or you'll end up in my novel"

Three winners will be chosen at random and posted on Sunday May 24.

Joy Nash
www.joynash.com

Coming May 26!

A Little Light Magic

Summer at the Jersey Shore has never been so hot!

Great summer read - Fallen by Cindy Holby

2009-05-21T06:00:00.001-04:00

Days 'till Memorial Day: 4

Days 'till A Little Light Magic: 5

Days 'till the Summer Solstice: 31

An excerpt of another great summer read today - Fallen by Cindy Holby.

I always enjoy Cindy's books, both her historical romances and her futuristic novels, which she writes under the pen name Colby Hodge. Fallen was out in January, when I was in a deadline cone-of-silence hell for my fall 2009 releases, and I missed it! (I hate it when that happens.)

After reading this blurb and excerpt, Fallen is at the top of my to-be-bought-next list. The emotion in this excerpt is gripping!

FALLEN
January 27, 2009
Dorchester/Leisure
ISBN 97800-8439-6026-6

He was the product of illegitimacy, son of a noble house with no claim to its title or riches. For John Murray, the only hope of a decent life was his career as a British Officer. Had she lost her heart when he rescued her from ruffians, or when she first looked into that face like a golden angel's? No matter when it began, Isobel knew there was no hope of a happy ending for a rebel Scottish lass and a red-coated Sassenach. Betrayed by the girl he loved. Disgraced before his commander, wounded in battle and left for dead, John thought he'd hit rock bottom. But the sweet touch of a lover he'd never thought to see again taught him no matter how far a man falls, with the right woman at his side, he can always stand tall.

Excerpt

Aberdeen. Scotland, 1773

A fine mist fell. John Murray could not help but shiver in his shirtsleeves as he stepped out into the damp gray gloom of early morning. A shudder moved down his spine as his eyes fell upon the post planted in the middle of the court yard at Castlehill. The ground around it was trampled, torn, mucky from the mix of rain and free flowing blood. Ewan Ferguson’s blood. No comfort for him there; his blood would soon join it.

Was she watching? His blue eyes scanned the ranks of his peers, all standing at attention in the despicable weather, all surely cursing his name because they’d been forced to rise early this miserable morning and watch his punishment.

Where was she? Surely they would force her to watch too, since it was her fault he was here in the first place. Surely they had made her watch her brother’s lashing as it was his fault that two men now lay dead.

There. He saw her. She stood next the general with her chin held high and her shoulders squared as if she had just handed down the sentence herself. In some strange turned-about way she had. Luckily for her the General was magnanimous in his show of mercy. She was a woman, after all, nothing more than an instrument in the treachery of her clansmen.

Her hair was plastered down against her head instead of the usual mass of springy curls that framed her face like sunlight. This morning it seemed darker than its usual reddish blonde. Her dress was stained dark with blood and the neckline gaped open, torn by him in his haste the afternoon they were together. Of course she would have no way to mend it, so it hung open, teasing him, tormenting him, just as she did the first time he met her. She had gotten into his head that day, damn her. She had no choice about the state of her dress, because her hands were tied before her. Even though the distance between them was great, he could feel her deep brown eyes upon him. Her gaze gave him a measure of satisfaction. A small measure, but something to hang on to.

If only they would lash her also. Did she not deserve it? Was not she as guilty as her brothers and her father in the planning and the plotting and the betrayal?

John’s stomach clenched in anger at the thought. No. It would not do to rip her pale, delicate skin. Knowing her as he did, he understood that she would rather take the lashing herself than watch it. She would suffer more that way. She deserved to suffer for what she’d done.

“Best get on with it lad,” Sergeant Gordon said. “Dread only makes it worse.”

John ripped his eyes from his desperate examination of her face and looked at the grizzled Sergeant who served as his escort.

“Aye, lad,” he said in his hoarse croak. “I’ve felt the lash. “Tis best not to think on it too much. Fear makes the muscles bunch across your shoulders and the pain is much worse.”

John flexed his shoulders as he took the first step into the courtyard. “How can I not think on it?” He’d seen lashings. Plenty of them. Twenty lashes was the usual sentence for dereliction of duty.

But General Kennsington had added another five because of the circumstances surrounding John’s transgression. His punishment was to be a lesson to all. Do not be swayed by a pretty face and the offer of favors. When John considered the loss of his reputation and the damage to his career, the lashes were nothing in comparison.

Still, he knew they were coming, and with them would come pain. John flexed his shoulders again. The mist had turned into a drumming rain and his shirt was soaked through. He felt goose bumps on his flesh. He hoped it was the cold that caused them, and not fear.

“I know what you’re thinking lad,” Sergeant Gordon continued as they walked the innumerable steps to the post. “You’re wondering how will it feel? Will I be able to stand it? Will I cry out like a babe?” Gordon was right all on accounts. John felt a newfound respect for the man as they continued the gut-wrenching walk across the yard.

Too soon they stood before the post and Gordon attached the hook to the bonds around John’s wrists. Gordon nodded to a corporal who jerked on a rope attached to a pulley and John’s arms were stretched above his head, pulling him against the post. His boots sunk into the muck and the corporal pulled again so that he was stretched up onto his toes.

“Let him down a bit lad,” Gordon instructed. “Ye might find yerself in the same predicament some day.” The corporal relented and John was able to place his feet more firmly on each side of the post.

Gordon looked beyond John to the burly man holding the lash. “He won’t be happy unless you cry out,” he said. “The man loves his job too well.” Gordon spat into the mud by John’s feet. “Sadistic bastard,” he added. He slipped a piece of wood in John’s mouth. “Bite down on it lad. Twill help.”

John nodded as he placed his cheek against the post. Gordon stepped behind him and ripped away his shirt. “Think on something else lad,” he added into his ear as the cold rain on his bare back let him know that Gordon had left him.

Think on something else…John blinked the rain off his eyelashes and looked toward General Kensington. He heard the sentence being read by Kensington’s aide, a nephew of the General’s with a squeaky voice and bad skin.

“Do you understand your sentence?” the aide asked, his voice breaking on the last part.

John looked at the general and nodded. The general raised his hand. His face looked sad and John knew that the man was thinking about his father. They were friends. It was the reason Kensington had requested John be assigned to him. What would Kensington have to say to his father about all of this?

Think on something else…He knew the lash was coming. He could sense it coiling and gathering. He heard it whistle threw the air.

John looked at her. Isobel. Izzy. It was her fault. He trusted her with his life, with his soul, with his heart, and she’d betrayed him.

He felt the sting of the lash. His back burned as he was slammed against the post.

“One,” the aide said.

Get on with it…

The next one came in the opposite direction. Marking his back with an X as if he were a target. His eyes stayed on Izzy. How easy a target he’d been for her. He’d fallen like a rock into sea. Sunk right into her plotting. Captured by a winsome smile and deep brown eyes that seemed to hold the secrets of time.

“Two.”

The next one landed straight across, the tail of the whip caressing his ribcage and tearing at the skin on his side as it hit against the bone.

John let out a hiss but kept his eyes on Izzy. Her eyes seemed huge in her face. At one time he’d thought he could get lost in those eyes.

“Three.”

Damn her eyes. Three lashes and his back felt as if it was on fire.

The next one struck straight down his spine. The man was thorough if nothing else. He seemed determined to flay every inch off his back in the strokes allowed. John pressed his wrists against each other as pain shot throughout every inch of his body. He pushed against the post, his body automatically seeking escape from the next blow.

“Four.”

Think on something else.

How could he not be tense when he knew it was coming? He heard the whistle of the lash once again. Felt his flesh tear. Felt the blood pour down his back. He groaned and clenched his teeth tighter into the wood.

“Five.”

Twenty to go. How could he stand it? He had too. Crying wouldn’t stop it. Begging wouldn’t stop it. Screaming his anger at the heavens would not stop it anymore than it would stop the rain that washed against his back and plastered his hair into his eyes.

Izzy. He stared at her, blinking against the rain. It was her fault. All her fault. Every bit of it. Izzy.

Izzy.

This week's Countdown prizes! Comment on any post from Sunday May 17 through Saturday May 23 to enter the contest for the following prizes:

The Grail King by Joy Nash
Fallen by Cindy Holby
T-shirt with the slogan "Careful, or you'll end up in my novel"

Three winners will be chosen at random and posted on Sunday May 24.

Check back tomorrow for more summer fun!

Joy Nash
www.joynash.com

Coming May 26!

A Little Light Magic

Summer at the Jersey Shore has never been so hot!

What I love about summer - Daylight Savings Time

2009-05-20T06:00:00.001-04:00

Days 'till Memorial Day: 5

Days 'till A Little Light Magic: 6

Days 'till the Summer Solstice: 32

Best review EVER from Fresh Fiction for A Little Light Magic - though I'm not sure this reviewer has an accurate handle on my mental capacities, LOL.

"Joy Nash is an absolutely brilliant genius. I laughed out loud, cried crocodile tears and had butterflies in my stomach while reading this beautiful story.” ~Mandy Burns, Read full review at Fresh Fiction

More what I love about Summer - Daylight Savings Time

Yay! When the clocks go back in the spring, can summer be far behind? It's a big life to my mood to have sunlight staying around later and later each day.

A few years ago I was lucky enough to travel to Inverness, Scotland right around the summer solstice. At ten pm we were taking a stroll on a country road, with the sun still blazing high in the sky. Twilight (or gloaming) didn't come until after eleven, and it didn't get dark until midnight. I think the sun came up again around 3 am, but can't say for sure, because I was always asleep by then. A day with so much daylight has awesome energy.

Where I live, we don't have that much sun, of course, but I really love the days when it doesn't get dark until 9 pm. Thank you, DST!

This week's Countdown prizes! Comment on any post from Sunday May 17 through Saturday May 23 to enter the contest for the following prizes:

The Grail King by Joy Nash
Fallen by Cindy Holby
T-shirt with the slogan "Careful, or you'll end up in my novel"

Three winners will be chosen at random and posted on Sunday May 24.

Check back tomorrow for more summer fun! Coming Thursday: an excerpt of Fallen by Cindy Holby!

Joy Nash
www.joynash.com

Coming May 26!

A Little Light Magic

Summer at the Jersey Shore has never been so hot!

What I love about summer - Fireflies

2009-05-19T06:00:00.000-04:00

Days 'till Memorial Day: 6

Days 'till A Little Light Magic: 7

Days 'till the Summer Solstice: 33

Flying bugs that light up. What a concept. Honestly, if fireflies weren't so normal, wouldn't you think they were something from a sci fi novel?

The first firefly of the season is a happy event. (As of today, I'm still looking for this season's first.) Some of my earliest childhood memories involve stalking through the back yard grass at twilight, swooping "lightning bugs" out of the sky and into a jar. By the end of the night I'd have a natural light bulb! When I unscrewed the top it was so much fun to watch all the little lights drift away.

I didn't realize until about ten years ago that fireflies are an East Coast phenomenon. They don't appear too often west of the Mississippi, and scientists don't really know why. I met a guy from Colorado who had never seen fireflies until he came east for graduate school, and he was fascinated by them. Even with all the incredibly beautiful scenery out west, it seems there's some natural beauty we easterners can call our own. :)

This week's Countdown prizes! Comment on any post from Sunday May 17 through Saturday May 23 to enter the contest for the following prizes:

The Grail King by Joy Nash
Fallen by Cindy Holby
T-shirt with the slogan "Careful, or you'll end up in my novel"

Three winners will be chosen at random and posted on Sunday May 24.

Check back tomorrow for more summer fun! Coming Thursday: excerpt of Fallen by Cindy Holby.

Joy Nash
www.joynash.com

Coming May 26!

A Little Light Magic

Summer at the Jersey Shore has never been so hot!

What I love about summer - Lifeguards

2009-05-18T06:00:00.001-04:00

Days 'till Memorial Day: 7

Days 'till A Little Light Magic: 8

Days 'till the Summer Solstice: 34

Ah, lifeguards. You just can't get tired of looking at these guys. When I was a giggly fifteen-year-old on the beach, my friends and I used to dare each other to go talk to the hunky guardians of swimmers.

Wearing my tiny-weeny bikini, I'd screw up my courage, suck in my gut, thrust out my virtually non-existent bust, and saunter over to the lifeguard stand to stare up at one of the bronzed gods.

The conversation would go something like this:

Me: "Do you know what time it is?"
Lifeguard: "Yeah. One-thirty."
Me: "Um, thanks."

Needless to say, I never got an invitation to the lifeguard ball!

Lifeguard competitions at the Jersey Shore are always fun to watch. Typically, there are swimming, rowing, and lifesaving contests. Each shore town sends its own team of lifeguards, who haul boats emblazoned on the side with the name of their own town to the host town.

A Little Light Magic takes place in a real New Jersey beach town - Margate, New Jersey. Here's a fun video of a recent Margate NJ Invitational lifeguard competition. Catch a glimpse of Margate's most famous landmark, the six-story Lucy the Elephant in the background.

Enjoy!

This week's Countdown prizes! Comment on any post from Sunday May 17 through Saturday May 23 to enter the contest for the following prizes:

The Grail King by Joy Nash
Fallen by Cindy Holby
T-shirt with the slogan "Careful, or you'll end up in my novel"

Winners & ALLM Excerpt #4

2009-05-17T06:00:00.004-04:00

Days 'till Memorial Day: 8

Days 'till A Little Light Magic: 9

Days 'till the Summer Solstice: 35

Yesterday's Relay for Life walkathon at my son's school went very well! Weather was warm, but not hot and the rain held off :-) Lots of money raised for a good cause - I hope someday we can say cancer is a completely curable disease. This picture is actually from last year, but this year's scene was much the same. The word "hope" is spelled out on the hill with paper bag candle luminaries. When its lit at night, it's very beautiful.

Yesterday's excerpt of A Little Light Magic continues...Winners of last week's countdown prizes, and next week's prizes, are listed at the end of the excerpt!

A Little Light Magic
from Chapter Two (continued from yesterday)

Nonna waved a disapproving hand. “Office, office. Always that office. It’s like you’re married to that job. You work too much, Nicky. When you gonna get a new wife? I want to see a great-grandson before I die.”

“Talk to Alex,” Nick muttered. “Or Zach.” Hell, even his youngest brother, Johnny, was more likely to fulfill that wish than Nick was. The very last thing Nick needed was another kid. Leigh had been more than enough to handle since day one. Another like her, and he’d have a stroke.

“Okay, then,” Rita said. “Don’t anybody wait up for me.” She disappeared into the living room. A moment later, Nick heard the front door slam.

Leigh stood. “Nonna, you go ahead with Dad. I’ll do the dishes.”

Nick raised his brows at his daughter’s sudden attack of domesticity. So she wanted him gone, did she? He wasn’t about to let her off the hook so easily.

“Grazie, carina,” Nonna said. “Nicky, don’t move. I’ll be right back.”

She disappeared in the direction of the bathroom, towing her handbag behind her. She’d carried the bag, a plain black patent-leather trapezoid with a big gold clasp and stiff, semicircular handles, ever since Nick could remember. The thing held the world.

Nick pushed his plate toward the center of the table, his eyes on his daughter. “So,” he asked her. “What is it I’m not going to agree to?”

Leigh headed to the sink with a stack of plates. “If you’re not going to agree to it, why bother talking about it?”

“Because I’m your father, that’s why. What’s up?”

She turned, still clutching the dishes. “Jason’s having a graduation party. All the seniors are going.”

“You’re only a junior.”

“Exactly! That’s why I have to go.”

“Aren’t Jason’s parents on a cruise?”

“Yes. But Beth is home from college. She’ll be there.”

“Jason’s sister is what—twenty-one?”

“Yeah. She’s an adult.”

“Oh, right. An adult who’ll buy the beer and disappear into her bedroom with her boyfriend. The next thing you know, you’ll be with Jason in his bedroom.”

“Oh!” Leigh’s blue eyes flashed daggers at him. “That is so unfair.”

Nick leaned back in his chair. Christ, but Leigh looked more and more like Cindy every day. The long, straight blond hair, the blue eyes, the high cheekbones. And, of course, the figure. About the only thing she’d gotten from Nick was her temper.

He sighed. “I don’t want you to get hurt, honey.”

“Jason wouldn’t hurt me! He loves me.”

Nick’s temper flared. “Oh, come off it, Leigh. How many girls do you think he’s told that one to?”

“One! Me. But you— Oh!”

She slammed the stack of dishes on the table. A soggy tomato flew off the top plate and struck Nick in the chest.

He jumped to his feet as it slithered down his shirt. “Jesus, Leigh!”

“God! You just won’t understand! You never do. You won’t even try!”

Nick tried to keep his reply calm, but didn’t quite succeed. “I understand better than you think. And that’s exactly why you are not going to an unchaperoned party with a muscle-bound lifeguard whose neck size is larger than his IQ.”

“Jason’s not dumb! He’s going to Rutgers in the fall.”

“That’s right. He’s leaving, Leigh. Do you really think he’s going to spend his Saturday nights texting you? Get real. He’s gonna find someone else. It’s inevitable.”

Leigh looked away, but not before Nick saw a shimmer of tears in her eyes.

“Ah, Christ, honey, I didn’t mean …” He reached for her, but she took a quick step back and his fingers closed on air. She was always dodging him these days. He couldn’t even remember the last time she’d let him touch her, let alone give her a hug, the way he had when she was little.

She hugged herself, blinking furiously at a point over his head.

Nick felt like kicking himself. Or better yet, kicking Jason.

“Look, honey, I’m just trying to protect you.”

“Don’t bother. I can take care of myself.”

He ran a hand over his face. She couldn’t take care of herself, not by a long shot, but there was nothing else he could say to her now that wouldn’t make things worse.

“Look, I’ve got some work to do at the office after I drop Nonna off. I should be home by eleven. Will you be okay here alone?”

“Let’s see … yeah, I think I can manage.”

He ignored her tone. “I’ll be back as soon as I can.” He paused. “No visitors. Understood?”

Leigh’s expression hardened. “Yes. Can I go now?”

Nonna chose that moment to reappear, her handbag clutched to her chest. Her knowing eyes darted first to Leigh, then to Nick.

“Dio in cielo,” she said. “I missed a fight.”

Winners, Winners....from last week...

Caffey - posted May 15 @ 9:17 m -A TASTE OF MAGIC by Tracy Madison
Cheryl S. - posted May 11 @ 3:54 pm - GOTCHA! by Christie Craig
Pam P. - posted May 12 @ 5:31 pm - SIREN'S SECRET by Trish Albright
housemouse88 - posted May 14 @ 8:16 am - THE MADNESS OF LORD IAN MACKENZIE by Jennifer Ashley
Librarysticher - posted May 16 9:50 pm - DEEP MAGIC by Joy Nash

Congrats to all! Drop me an email at joy@joynash.com with your snail mail addresses to claim your prizes. Note: First four books will be coming directly from Dorchester and will not be autographed.

Coming week's prizes..

The Grail King by Joy Nash
Fallen by Cindy Holby
T-shirt with the slogan "Careful, or you'll end up in my novel"

Comment on any post from TODAY, Sunday May 17 through Saturday May 23 to enter the contest. Three winners chosen at random and posted on Sunday May 24.

See ya tomorrow!

Joy Nash
www.joynash.com

Excerpt #3 - A Little Light Magic

2009-05-16T00:01:00.002-04:00

Days 'till Memorial Day: 9 - wow, can you believe it???

Days 'till A Little Light Magic: 10

Days 'till the Summer Solstice: 36

Today I'm out chaperoning for a good cause - my son's middle school American Cancer Society Relay for Life walkathon. This is my 4th year chaperoning this event for a very good cause - starting when my daughter participated in this emotional and inspiring event for the first time in 2006. That was six months after we lost my mother to pancreatic cancer, and lighting a candle luminary in her memory was very comforting. Let's hope the rain holds off for this year's event...

So while I'm keeping track of the kids who are walking to beat cancer...I hear those of you who are in the Dorchester Love Spell Book Club have already received A Little Light Magic!

For the rest of you - another sneak peek :-)

In the first two excerpts (posted May 4 & 5), you met contractor Nick Santangelo, and his quirky new client, Tori Morgan.

In today and tomorrow's excerpts, from Chapter 2, readers get a first glimpse of Nick's big fat Italian family - featuring the three women who drive Nick crazy: his teenage daughter, Leigh, his menopausal mom, Rita, and his incorrigible grandmother, Nonna Maria.

A Little Light Magic
from Chapter Two

The Santangelo women were arguing again.

Nick paused just inside his front door. The unrelenting rise and fall of feminine voices, more than anything else, told him he was home. He paused at the foyer table, dropping his wallet and emptying the change from his pocket into a jar he kept there for that purpose. He sometimes thought that if the women in his family ever stopped bickering, his house would collapse.

He didn’t pay any particular attention until he realized they were talking about him.

“Come on, Mimi …” Leigh said to her grandmother.

Nick could hear the exasperation in his mother’s reply. Rita enunciated each word slowly and clearly. “Leigh, forget it. Your father will never allow it. You know how he feels about Jason.”

“He’ll let me go if you say it’s okay!”

Nonna’s voice intruded, thin and pointed as a needle. “Where is Nicky? This chicken, it’s shriveled like a prune.”

Leigh’s voice came again, wheedling. “But I have to go! I promised Jason I’d be there.”

Jason again. Christ. Nick wished to God he’d never heard that kid’s name. He started for the kitchen with angry strides, his blood pressure rising with each step.

Rita’s voice rose. “Leigh, give it up already. Your father will never agree—”

He reached the doorway. “What won’t I agree to?”

The conversation came to an abrupt halt as three pairs of eyes, belonging to three generations of Santangelo women, turned toward him.

Nick’s right temple started to throb.

“What won’t I agree to?” he repeated a little louder when no answer was forthcoming.

“Nothing,” Leigh muttered. She grabbed a serving spoon and fork off the counter and turned to toss the salad.

“Nicky. At last.” Nonna laid a hand on his arm. “Grazie a Dio. I was about to call the cops.”

“I’m not that late, Nonna.” He planted a kiss on his grandmother’s withered cheek and allowed her to tug him to the head of the table. There was no way he was getting away with a quick sandwich now. He’d start World War III if he tried to get back to the office before Nonna’s chicken was reduced to bones and gristle. And with Leigh’s newest drama, whatever it was … Damn. He’d be lucky to get back to the office by nine.

Nonna forked chicken onto a serving plate while Rita pulled garlic bread from the oven. Nick, frowning, watched Leigh fling lettuce and tomatoes onto salad plates. If the waistband of his daughter’s shorts were rolled down any farther, he’d be seeing parts of her he hadn’t come face-to-face with since her diaper days. The thought made him slightly ill. Goddamn it all to hell. She hadn’t dressed like that before Jason.

Leigh turned to place the salad on the table. Moodily, Nick watched her. A father didn’t like to notice such things, but he could hardly deny the fact that Leigh had inherited her mother’s bustline. Cindy’s breasts had fried Nick’s brain in high school, and he had no doubt that Leigh’s assets were destroying a similar number of brain cells in Jason MacAllister’s thick skull. If all this was God’s idea of a sick joke, Nick wasn’t laughing.

He stared down at his salad. Christ. He wasn’t old enough for this. Damn it, he was only thirty-five. Other men his age were still changing diapers and coaching Little League. But Nick had been a horny, seventeen-year-old idiot when he’d gotten Cindy pregnant. Which was not a comforting thought, given Leigh’s horny, seventeen-year-old idiot boyfriend. Your father will never agree... Nick didn’t know what Leigh’s latest plea involved, but he was dead certain he wasn’t going to like it.

Nonna presented Nick with a plate. “This chicken shoulda been eat a half hour ago. Don’t blame me if it’s ruined.”

“I’m sure it’s delicious, Nonna,” Nick said, forking meat onto his plate. “You couldn’t cook a bad meal if you tried.”

A smile cracked Nonna’s face. “You’re a good boy, Nicky.” She sank into her chair and bowed her head while he muttered grace.

“Amen.” He took a piece of garlic bread and offered the basket to his mother.

Rita shook her head. “I’m on the Flat Belly diet. You know that, Nicky.”

He eyed her enormous salad, sprinkled with sunflower seeds and topped with a naked chicken breast. “Don’t you think you’ve lost enough weight, Ma? How much is it, now?”

“Thirty pounds. I’ve got another five to go.”

Nonna snorted. “Stop with the diet already. You don’t eat enough to keep a bird alive. A woman needs a little padding on her bones. You want my advice? Get rid of them hormone pills. They’re making you pazza.” She shook her head, but her tight gray curls didn’t shake with it. “And all that exercise! Santa Madonna. No woman should lift weights.”

“I think Mimi looks great,” Leigh offered.

She was right, Nick realized. Rita did look great, but the weight she’d lost was only part of it. She’d also gotten contact lenses, dyed her hair, and acquired a bright, clingy wardrobe. He eyed her fingernails, done in red, with fake tips. Or maybe they were real. Who the hell knew? The effect of all the changes was unnerving. Aside from a few laugh lines, Nick’s mother looked much the same as she had fifteen years ago.

Nick didn’t like it. It made him feel like he’d gone back in time himself, to the year he’d turned twenty. The year Cindy had left him, the year his father had dropped dead. It was a year he didn’t like to think about.

“And what was wrong with how your grandmother looked before?” Nonna demanded of Leigh. “She was fine. She don’t need to starve. She’s gonna get sick.”

“I’m okay,” Rita said through clenched teeth.

Nick knew better than to enter the estrogen-fueled debate. He kept his head down and ate. He was half-finished with his meal when Rita set her napkin down next to her barely touched plate. She rose, her chair scraping the tile.

“I’ve got to go,” she said.

“Go?” Nick asked. “Go where?”

“Church.”

He eyed her. “On a Thursday night?”

“I’m on the committee for the Fourth of July crab bake.”

Leigh nearly choked on her Diet Coke. “What? No way. You swore you were blowing that off this year. You said—”

“Never mind what I said. Fiona Hennessey begged for my help.”

“You’ve hated Fiona Hennessey since middle school,” Nick pointed out.

“Yes, well, that’s the very reason I couldn’t say no when she begged.”

Nonna was clearly displeased. “If Rita’s going out, who’s gonna drive me home? I can’t sit around here all night. I need to watch that new Survivor show.”

“Leigh can take you home,” Rita told her.

“No, I’ll do it,” Nick said, dropping his napkin on the table. “I’m headed back to the office anyway.”

Nonna waved a disapproving hand. “Office, office. Always that office. It’s like you’re married to that job. You work too much, Nicky. When you gonna get a new wife? I want to see a great-grandson before I die.”

Last day for a chance at this week's prizes...FIVE great summer reads courtesy of the nice folks at Dorchester Publishing. Comment on any post from Monday May 11 through Saturday May 16 to enter the contest. Five winners chosen at random and posted TOMORROW Sunday May 17.

A TASTE OF MAGIC by Tracy Madison
GOTCHA! by Christie Craig
SIREN'S SECRET by Trish Albright
THE MADNESS OF LORD IAN MACKENZIE by Jennifer Ashley
DEEP MAGIC by Joy Nash

See ya tomorrow!

Joy Nash
www.joynash.com

Summer Food - Peaches!

2009-05-15T00:01:00.003-04:00

Days 'till Memorial Day: 10

Days 'till A Little Light Magic: 11

Days 'till the Summer Solstice: 37

Ooh! Got my author's copies of A Little Light Magic in the mail yesterday. No matter how many novels I write, it's still the ultimate thrill to see the printed book in my hands!

But let's not digress from the topic at hand - summer food!

Peaches are another summer fruit I can't get enough of. They've just started coming into the stores around here, and they've been good, but nothing beats locally grown peaches. For me, the local peach picking season starts in July and runs into August.

You don't really need anything to improve a juicy ripe peach, but there are endless other ways to enjoy them. A nice drink is peach sangria - just slice the peaches into a pitcher of white or red wine and let it sit overnight in the fridge.

I also love peach shortbread. The following recipe is from the Joy of Cooking, which some humorous soul gave to my husband and me for a wedding present. (Another humorous soul gave us another famous "Joy of..." book, the full title of which will go unnamed...).

Peach Shortbread

Shortbread:
1 3/4 cups flour
1/2 tsp salt
1 tablespoon double acting baking powder
1 tablespoon sugar
4 -6 tablespoons chilled butter or shortening
3/4 cup milk

Fruit:
about 4 cups sliced ripe peaches
(also good with strawberries or blueberries, or a combination)

Topping:
whipped cream, cool whip, sour cream, or vanilla yogurt

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Grease and flour a 8-9 inch square, or 9-10 inch round, glass or ceramic baking pan. Slice fruit and put aside so it can get juicy while you make the shortbread.

Sift flour, salt, baking powder, and sugar. With two knives or a pastry cutter, cut butter into flour mixture until its well-mixed. Make a well in the middle and add milk all at once. Knead quickly and gently, about 8-10 folds. Press dough into pan. Brush top with milk. Bake 12-15 minutes. Cool 5-10 minutes, then invert shortbread onto dish. Slice into two layers.

Spoon sliced fruit between the layers, and also on top of the shortbread. Top with whipped cream or other topping of your choice. Serve warm. Serves 8.

Don't forget this week's prizes...FIVE great summer reads courtesy of the nice folks at Dorchester Publishing. Comment on any post from Monday May 11 through Saturday May 16 to enter the contest. Five winners chosen at random and posted on Sunday May 17.

A TASTE OF MAGIC by Tracy Madison
GOTCHA! by Christie Craig
SIREN'S SECRET by Trish Albright
THE MADNESS OF LORD IAN MACKENZIE by Jennifer Ashley
DEEP MAGIC by Joy Nash

See ya tomorrow!

Joy Nash
www.joynash.com

Coming May 26!

A Little Light Magic

Summer at the Jersey Shore has never been so hot!

The Madness of Lord Ian MacKenzie

2009-05-14T00:01:00.000-04:00

Days 'till Memorial Day: 11

Days 'till A Little Light Magic: 12

Days 'till the Summer Solstice: 38

Here's another fantastic summer read! The Madness of Lord Ian MacKenzie by Jennifer Ashley. If you love lush historical romance starring a hot, hunky, and emotionally tortured hero in a kilt, look no further :-)

Seriously, I was really intrigued when I heard that the hero of this book, Lord Ian MacKenzie, has a form a autism called Asperger's syndrome. He's brilliant, but out of step with the rest of the world. Since this is the 1800s, Ian's widely thought to be mad, and has spent time in a horrible insane asylum. While he understands that his brothers love him, Ian believes he's incapable of ever feeling that emotion himself.

A romance hero incapable of love? Wow, what a challenge for an author. But Jennifer pulls it off with her amazing talent as a writer. I thorougly enjoyed this book and will be recommending it every chance I get!

Jenn's sent over an excerpt....so read on!

From Chapter Two of The Madness of Lord Ian MacKenzie
Ian takes Beth into the Mackenzie box at the theatre.

The man sitting next to her couldn’t be called good by any stretch of the imagination. He and his brothers had terrible reputations. Even Beth, sheltered by Mrs. Barrington for the last nine years, knew that.

There were whispers of sordid affairs and stories of the scandalous separation of Lord Mac Mackenzie from his wife, Lady Isabella. There had also been rumors five years ago about the Mackenzies’ involvement in the death of a courtesan, but Beth couldn’t remember the details. The case had gained the attention of Scotland Yard, and all four brothers had removed themselves from the country for a time.

No, the Mackenzies were by no means considered "good" men. Then why should a man like Lord Ian Mackenzie bother to warn nobody Beth Ackerley that she was about to marry an adulterer?

“You could always marry me,” Lord Ian said abruptly.

Beth blinked. “I beg your pardon?”

“I said, you could marry me. I don’t give a damn about your fortune.”

“My lord, why on earth should you ask me to marry you?”

“Because you have beautiful eyes.”

“How do you know? You’ve not once looked at them.”

“I know.”

Her breath hurt, and she wasn’t sure whether to laugh or cry. “Do you do this often? Warn a young lady about her fiancé, then turn about and offer to marry her yourself? Obviously the tactic hasn’t worked, or you’d have a string of wives dogging your footsteps.”

Ian looked away slightly, his hand coming up to massage his temple, as though he had a headache coming on. He was a madman, she reminded herself. Or at least, he’d grown up in an asylum for madmen. So why did she not fear to sit here alone with him, when no one in the world knew where she was?

Perhaps because she’d seen lunatics in Thomas’s charity work in the East End, kept by families who could barely manage them. Poor souls, they’d been, some of them kept roped to their beds. Lord Ian was a long way from being a poor soul.

She cleared her throat. “It is very kind of you, my lord.”

Ian’s hand closed to a tight fist on the arm of his chair. “If I marry you, Mather can’t touch you.”

“If I married you it would be the scandal of the century.”

“You would survive it.”

Beth stared at the soprano on the stage, suddenly remembering that gossip painted the large-bosomed lady as a paramour of Lord Cameron Mackenzie, another of Ian’s older brothers. “If anyone has seen me dive in here with you, my reputation is already ruined.”

“Then you will have nothing to lose.”

Don't forget:
This week's prizes...FIVE great summer reads courtesy of the nice folks at Dorchester Publishing. Comment on any post from Monday May 11 through Saturday May 16 to enter the contest. Five winners chosen at random and posted on Sunday May 17.

A TASTE OF MAGIC by Tracy Madison
GOTCHA! by Christie Craig
SIREN'S SECRET by Trish Albright
THE MADNESS OF LORD IAN MACKENZIE by Jennifer Ashley
DEEP MAGIC by Joy Nash

See ya tomorrow!

Joy Nash
www.joynash.com

Coming May 26!

A Little Light Magic

Summer at the Jersey Shore has never been so hot!

Summer Food - Sweet Corn

2009-05-13T07:23:00.000-04:00

Days 'till Memorial Day: 12

Days 'till A Little Light Magic: 13

Days 'till the Summer Solstice: 39

My summer food hall of fame continues with sweet corn. Mmmmmm.....

As a kid, my sister and I spent a lot of time before each family party shucking corn. The husk was relatively easy to get off, but the silk? Forget it. The stuff clung to the ears of corn, to our hands, to our clothes, to everything. And cooking the corn on the cob could only happen after boiling a big pot of water, which took forever. Especially if you watched the pot, lol.

I don't have that sticky problem now. I learned a nifty trick for easy steamed corn. Just strip off one layer of outer husk, and snip off the silk end with a scissors. Then just pop it in the microwave for 3 to 3 1/2 minutes per ear, depending on your microwave and how fresh the corn is (fresh corn needs a little more time).

This makes the corn steam inside the husk perfectly. Careful peeling the hot husk off - the steam can burn you! But once it's off - enjoy! Preferably with butter and salt, but plain is delicious, too, if the corn is really sweet and fresh.

You can do up to half a dozen or so ears at a time this way - but you have to increase the time for each ear. So 6 ears would be 18 - 21 minutes. If you're having a huge crowd over, you might need to resort to the old boiling or steamer pot method. But for just a few ears, microwave rules!

Here's another treat you can make with your sweet corn:

Sweet Corn Fritters

1 cup sifted all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
1/4 cup milk
2 teaspoons melted butter
2-1/2 cup steamed sweet corn, cut off the cob
oil for frying.

Sift flour with baking powder and salt. In a separate bowl, beat eggs, milk and melted butter. Stir wet mixture into flour mixture. Add corn and mix with just a few strokes.

Heat a few tablespoons of oil in a frying pan until sizzling. Drop batter by a tablespoon at a time into hot oil and fry for 3 to 5 minutes, turning once. Serve hot!

Don't forget:
This week's prizes...FIVE great summer reads courtesy of the nice folks at Dorchester Publishing. Comment on any post from Monday May 11 through Saturday May 16 to enter the contest. Five winners chosen at random and posted on Sunday May 17.

A TASTE OF MAGIC by Tracy Madison
GOTCHA! by Christie Craig
SIREN'S SECRET by Trish Albright
THE MADNESS OF LORD IAN MACKENZIE by Jennifer Ashley
DEEP MAGIC by Joy Nash

See ya tomorrow!

Joy Nash
www.joynash.com

Coming May 26!

A Little Light Magic

Summer at the Jersey Shore has never been so hot!

Blueberries! - and "Boys of Summer" #2

2009-05-12T00:01:00.000-04:00

Days 'till Memorial Day: 13

Days 'till A Little Light Magic: 14

Days 'till the Summer Solstice: 40

"Boys of Summer" #2 - at the end of this post!

Summer blueberries are little bursts of sunshine!

I'm fortunate enough to live near a blueberry-growing area. Mid-to-late July, I'll be stopping at a farm market to buy a flat of blueberry pints. If the weather's been kind, they are plump and juicy and as addictive as candy!

When my oldest son was a toddler, he loved blueberries, or "blub-blubs." He's still a big fan of blueberry pie, so I'll be sure to make a couple of those for him. Blueberry pancakes are also a favorite!

I found this unusual and interesting blueberry recipe in my local newspaper a few years ago. The cornmeal flavor combines well with the blueberry sweetness. It's very easy to make and great with vanilla ice cream!

Blueberry Polenta Cake

1 cup cake flour (or 1 cup minus two tablespoons all purpose flour)
3/4 cup yellow cornmeal
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 large egg
1/3 cup plain lowfat yogurt
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon grated lemon rind
1 cup fresh blueberries
1 tablespoon confectioner's sugar (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Generously grease bottom of 9-inch cake pan, or line with parchment and spray with cooking oil.

In small bowl, mix flour, cornmeal, baking powder and salt. In large bowl, whisk sugar, oil, egg, yogurt, lemon juice and rind. Fold in flour mixture until just combined. Fold in blueberries. Transfer to cake pan. Bake until cake springs back when gently pressed in the center, about 35 minutes.

Cool on wire rack 10 minutes. Loosen edges with a knife before inverting and (gently!) removing from pan. Cool to room temperature before serving. Serves 8.

And now something else yummy...another hot summer man!

This hammering hunk is brought to you courtesy of Emily Bryan. Somehow, she found a photo of Nick, my contractor hero from A Little Light Magic :-)

Thanks, Emily! (And I hope you're having a fantastic time on your cruise with your own man...)

Don't forget:
This week's prizes...FIVE great summer reads courtesy of the nice folks at Dorchester Publishing. Comment on any post from Monday May 11 through Saturday May 16 to enter the contest. Five winners chosen at random and posted on Sunday May 17.

A TASTE OF MAGIC by Tracy Madison
GOTCHA! by Christie Craig
SIREN'S SECRET by Trish Albright
THE MADNESS OF LORD IAN MACKENZIE by Jennifer Ashley
DEEP MAGIC by Joy Nash

See ya!

Joy Nash
www.joynash.com

Coming May 26!

A Little Light Magic

Summer at the Jersey Shore has never been so hot!