08.02.09
New Reader Review for Winter of the Heart
Winter of the Heart
by E. G. Parsons
A historical romantic novel, set in the USA of the post civil war era.
A young woman applies for a job as teacher on an estate in South Carolina, but gets more than she bargained for. Her employer is similarly affected, a grim mask soon falling off as romance blossoms. Both, however, have a past and it soon comes back to haunt them, and in one case claim them. Or will it?
A nicely written story, which captivates the reader right from the start. The scenes are described with great clarity in the historical backdrop of those years in the 19th century.
The story benefits greatly from a good characterisation, on both sides of the spectrum of good and bad. The parallels between the two central characters, which lie central to the story, are uncanny but appear by no means contrived. A momentum is always maintained in this story, even when there is little activity due to the conditions on the ground.
The eventual outcome provides closure for both the main personalities, and hope for a third – I am looking forward to the sequel in 2010.
E.G. Parsons has written a great story, one that shows a deepening and progression in her writing.
I wish Winter of the Heart well.
Guido Blokland
05.01.09
LASR Reviews Winter of the Heart
LASR (Long and Short Reviews) gives WINTER OF THE HEART a four and half book review. It’s also up for ‘best book of the week’, so if you have time check in at http://www.longandshortreviews.com/LASR/recentrev.htm tomorrow (Saturday May 2, 2009 or Sunday May 3, 2009) and vote for it. Thanks, Elizabeth
“This touching historical takes readers on an emotional journey that is hard to forget as a woman in an abusive relationship seeks to make a better life for herself and finds a love she never expected…” Read more – http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.com/2009/04/winter-of-heart-by-eg-parsons.html
03.03.09
Review From Working Girl Reviews
Black Rock: A Time for Love
By E. G. Parsons
Buy Link: http://www.amazon.com/Black-Rock-E-G-Parsons/dp/1601541716
This book has been on my TBR (To Be Read) pile for quite awhile. I was waiting until I was in the mood for a good historical romance to read it. What a mistake that was! If I had known just how good Black Rock: A Time for Love was going to be I would have read it weeks ago.
The author sets the stage for this wonderfully intriguing story with a brief prologue. The year is 1846. On a small ranch in the town of Wild Rose, Texas, two ranch hands have mysteriously disappeared inside the magnificent black rock from which Black Rock Ranch takes its name.
As the story opens, more than fifty years later, twenty-year-old Roxanne Ingram is looking forward to returning home to Black Rock Ranch after ten years in a Boston girls’ school. Shortly before her departure, Roxanne gets word that her beloved father has passed away, and she will be retuning as sole heir to the family ranch. Confusion is added to grief, when, attempting to settle the estate, Roxanne discovers the date of birth recorded for her in the family Bible does not match the one she has always known to be her true birth date. Touring the ranch, which she now owns, Roxanne has an unexpected encounter with Collin, who has come to study the giant black rock on the edge of her property. She is outraged by his rudeness, but can’t help being attracted to the irresistibly handsome Colin. Shortly after her encounter with Colin, Roxanne meets charming Brad Wellman, the wealthy rancher whose property adjoins her own. As both men vie for her affections, it becomes a race against time for the two men — one a deadly villain, and the other a prince charming who holds the key to the shocking secrets of Roxanne’s origin.
If you’re looking for a beautiful historical romance you need look no further than Black Rock: A Time For Love. The author is so in tune with the late 1800s that it almost seems as though she must have lived them in a former life. The clothing, customs, and dialogue are written to perfection as the story moves seamlessly from one breathtaking scene to the next. The paranormal twist to this story is a most intriguing and welcome bonus. Roxanne is a thoroughly likeable heroine, and Colin will steal your breath away! I highly recommend this book to any lover of paranormal and/or historical fiction, or to anyone who just plain loves a good story.
Honeybee
12.21.08
Poetry – Whispering Stream
Through poetry and short stories four authors, Brintha J. Gardner, Debbie A. Stevens, M. Jean Pike, and E. G. Parsons reflect on life ~ both the good and the bad. This book is dedicated to those providing shelter to the homeless and all royalties earned will be donated to family shelters.
Paperback ISBN: 978-0-557-02741-5
Hardcover ISBN: 978-0-557-02561-9
Buy the paperback, hardcover, or digital copy here or buy the paperback on Amazon
Thank you for your support of the wonderful people who provide shelter to those without homes.
12.08.08
Review for Winter of the Heart by E. G. Parsons
Recommended Read from AllBooks Review:
Pre-Pub Reviews
Genre: Historical Fiction
Title: Winter of the Heart – ISBN: 1440491682 or EAN13: 9781440491689
Author: E. G. Parsons
It is 1876. Megan Connors, alias Maggie Bertram is married to a horrible, abusive man. She manages to escape and acquires employment as a school teacher on a ranch, owned by Charles Donovan, in South Carolina. The instant chemistry between Megan and her new employer is obvious to everyone. Life seems to be improving by the day. A rather strange encounter with the ghost of Charles first wife, Rachel is rather unsettling. It seems that Rachel wants Megan to help Charles find love. Charles is still haunted by a letter that Rachel left just before her death.
Megan loves her job and now has a new friend, Alicia Jordan. One day Megan’s world is shattered when William O’Brian, her husband, finds her and insists on taking her with him. In spite of his feelings for her, Charles Donovan does nothing to stand in William’s way and Megan leaves.
When Charles realizes that the man is a beast and Megan might be in danger; he hires a private investigator to find her. He cannot deny his love for her. Megan, abused and locked in her room struggles to be free. One night she can no longer tolerate the abuse and she again escapes. Will Charles find her? Will she survive the mountain winter on her own? Will William reappear and recapture her? All of these questions will be answered in Winter of the Heart.
The characters are realistic and colorful, the plot is suspenseful and the entire story is overflowing with heartfelt emotion. Romance fans will love this book. A book that readers will have trouble putting down until the final conclusion. Well written, well researched and a very entertaining read.
Highly recommended by Shirley Roe, Allbooks Review. www.allbookreviews.com
Review From RWU:
Desperate to escape her abusive home life, Megan Connors flees to rural South Carolina, where she accepts a position as a schoolteacher on a prosperous but secluded ranch. Wealthy ranch owner Charles Donovan, a man haunted by the ghosts of his past, is immediately attracted to the beautiful, headstrong Megan. Though Megan shares the attraction, she resists her feelings for Charles, afraid of the terrible secret that casts a dark shadow across her newfound happiness. Together, these star-crossed lovers must reconcile both past and present dangers if they are to lay their ghosts to rest and find a future together.
I opened the cover of Winter of the Heart expecting a romance that would sweep me off my feet. As always, E. G. Parsons delivered. The imagery in this novel is exquisite, allowing the reader to envision life in 1800’s as clearly as if she were staring into a beautiful and lifelike painting. Charles and Megan are likeable, believable characters that you can’t help caring about and I thoroughly enjoyed spending time with them. The plot has something for everyone; history, romance, a hottie hero and it even contains a shivery ghost story for lovers of paranormal romance. All these factors combine to make Winter of the Heart E. G. Parsons’ most beautiful love story yet.
Review from RWU (Romance Writers United) http://rwunited.freehostia.com/woth.htm
12.01.08
Review: In The Shadow Of The Dragonfly
From above the shadows … light
Orphaned and impoverished, Gray Baldwin is a lost soul in search of a home, a life, and most of all — love. Kicked from foster home to foster home, at last a restored motorcycle and the onset of adulthood give him the means to leave behind all the ols threats, struggles and losses that haunt him. When he accepts a job at Hanwell Construction, life’s promising new start is both his hope and his torment. The spoiled daughter of a well-to-do business owner, pretty Hope Hanwell has a past to reconcile and a few tragic secrets of her own. She wants for nothing — and everything, pushing love as far away as she can until love pushes back. When Gray and Hope meet, theirs is a story of heartbreak, redemption and fate at its most devastating.
IN THE SHADOW OF THE DRAGONFLY A Literary Love Story
My Review:
In The Shadow Of The Dragonfly
By M. Jean Pike
Black Lyon LLC
ISBN: 978-1934912072
***** Five Stars….
Gray Baldwin was born into poverty and neglect. After losing his prostitute mother at the age of eight, he’s given into the custody of his first foster mother. Gladdy teaches Gray the true meaning of love, home and family. Despite the many pitfalls in his life, he never forgets those lessons and clings to his dreams of finding true love with a home and family of his own to belong to. When he meets Hope and her family, he believes he’s found what he’s been looking for his entire life.
Beautiful and spoiled, Hope Hanwell has never wanted for anything, at least on the surface. She’s never known her mother and bears the heavy weight of guilt for a later tragedy on her young shoulders. Hope has her flaws and is, at first, not very likable, but the author offers deeper insight and the reader gets a glimpse of the lovely person she could become. Hope wants Gray, but with nothing more serious in mind than a summer fling and has no idea how drastically their love affair will affect her life.
A literary love story, yes, but In The Shadow Of The Dragonfly by awarding winning author M. Jean Pike is much more than that. Through the lives of the very real people living within it’s pages, this story allows the reader to examine the pain, heartbreak, love, and hope that dwells within the hearts and minds of all mankind. With great strength and courage these characters overcome heartache and tragedy, moving on with their lives and forging a better tomorrow for future generations. In The Shadow Of The Dragonfly touched me on an emotional level seldom felt and I know these characters will live in my heart for a very long time. I can’t remember ever having read a more satisfying story and highly recommend it to all.
Author/Reviewer, E. G. Parsons – http://egparsons.com
Visit M. Jean Pike’s Wesite: http://www.freewebs.com/mjeanpike/
11.08.08
Free E-Reader Contest
Just a reminder–you still have until December 15 to get in on the free Sony e-reader contest at The Wild Rose Press. It’s simple to enter and if you’re not into e-readers, it would make a lovely Christmas gift for someone you know. If you’ve purchased or plan to purchase Black Rock: A Time For Love any time, anywhere between Sept. 22, 2008 and Dec. 15, 2008 you can enter to win. All you need is your receipt. This includes e-book or paperback. You may also enter by buying one of the other participating authors’ books or enter without purchasing anything. Here’s the link for the contest: http://thewildrosepress.com/publisher/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1588&Itemid=135
Good luck,
Elizabeth
10.31.08
Happy Halloween ~ Legend Of Jack-O’-Lantern
Jack was a lazy farmer and spent more time at the local pub drinking and betting than tending his crops. He was a prankster and all his mischief making did nothing to endear him to his friends and neighbors. Jack felt sure this was the devil’s doing and if Satan would stop putting so many temptations in his path, he could make a turn for the better.
Now Jack figured the devil was as fond of betting as he was and devised a plan to trap him. He’d met Satan at the pub on many a dark night and it was always the same with the devil offering riches and fame in return for Jack’s soul. Jack of course refused such offers, not wanting riches and having no use for fame. He did, however, want to be less of a sorrowful burden to his family and stop all his evil shenanigans.
Although his wife argued vehemently against his scheme, Jack decided to proceed. He was confident the plan would succeed, not to mention, it allowed him to go to the pub every night with a legitimate excuse. He didn’t have long to wait. A few nights passed and Satan once again joined him at his table, buying him ale and making the usual offers in return for his soul.
“You truly want my soul, Devil?”
Satan laughed. “You know I’ll have you sooner or later, Jack. Why not take my offer and enjoy what’s left of your wretched life?”
“I’ll make a wager with you. There’s a tree on the south end of my land. It grows straight and tall with limbs only at the top. Now, many a man has tried to climb the tree, but none has made it to the top. Even with you being the devil and all, I don’t think you can do it. If you can climb to the top without slipping back down or falling, I’ll take your offer and you can have my soul.”
Satan loved a good bet, but he was slightly irritated that this miserable mortal doubted his ability to accomplish such a simple task. “I can climb your tree, Jack, never fear. Lead the way.”
The two left the pub and walked the short distance to the tree. Satan removed his hooded cape and shimmied up the tree without any problems at all. “I made it, Jack, and now you’re mine.” His laugh echoed hollowly from the top branches.
Jack hurriedly removed his hunting knife and carved a cross on the trunk, as high up as he could reach. “Think again, Devil. I’ve trapped you. You can’t come down unless I remove the cross.”
Satan howled in anger when realizing he’d been tricked. He was trapped in the blasted tree and would have to bargain with the man to gain his freedom. “What is it you want, Jack?”
“I’ll carve out the cross and set you free if you promise to never again set temptation before me.”
“Agreed! Let me down.”
Jack’s plan had worked. He could now go about his life without the danger of falling to temptation. Unfortunately he was never allowed to reap the benefits. The very next day, the same tree was felled in a storm and came crashing down on poor Jack, taking his life. Having been involved in more than a few evil misdeeds, Jack was denied entrance to Heaven. It would seem the devil would have his soul after all.
But Satan was still angry at having been tricked and would not allow him into Hell. Jack was doomed to walk the earth in the cold darkness for all eternity. He begged the devil to have pity and Satan relented by giving him a single glowing coal. Jack found a large turnip and carved out the middle and front. He placed the burning ember inside and used it to light his way.
Many have claimed to see the swaying of Jack’s lantern on dark nights and most especially on All Hollows Eve. Perhaps you will, too.
I hope you enjoyed my version of this old Irish folktale. For more fun and free treats, Visit the blogs below—if you dare!
Any ghoul or goblin leaving a comment will be put in a drawing for a $20 Amazon gift certificate. Come back next week to see the winner, if there is one…(cackles with glee). Elizabeth
http://alishapaige.blogspot.com
http://www.myspace.com/betty_hanawa
http://michelehart.blogspot.com/
http://www.marlymathews.blogspot.com/
http://elizabethmeltonparsons.wordpress.com/
http://alienplaces.blogspot.com/
http://sherilewiswohl.wordpress.com
http://sisterwriters.blogspot.com/
http://www.skypuringtonwrites.blogspot.com
http://barbaraedwards.net/blog/blog.asp
http://bethcaudill.blogspot.com/
http://MyBlog.SusanneSaville.com
http://tarahscott.tarahscott.com
10.01.08
In The Shadow Of The Dragonfly by M. Jean Pike
Dragonfly Cover
From above the shadows … light
Orphaned and impoverished, Gray Baldwin is a lost soul in search of a home, a life, and most of all — love. Kicked from foster home to foster home, at last a restored motorcycle and the onset of adulthood give him the means to leave behind all the old threats, struggles and losses that haunt him. When he accepts a job at Hanwell Construction, life’s promising new start is both his hope and his torment.
The spoiled daughter of a well-to-do business owner, pretty Hope Hanwell has a past to reconcile and a few tragic secrets of her own. She wants for nothing — and everything, pushing love as far away as she can until love pushes back. When Gray and Hope meet, theirs is a story of heartbreak, redemption and fate at its most devastating.
IN THE SHADOW OF THE DRAGONFLY A Literary Love Story by M. Jean Pike
ISBN: 978-1-934912-07-2
Available from Amazon.com and Black Lyon Publishing in e-book and paperback.
Watch for my review of this book coming soon.
09.23.08
Free Sony E-Reader
The Wild Rose Press Fall 2008 SONY eReader giveaway is under way. The contest is sponsored by several authors, including yours truly, E. G. Parsons. So if you’ve been wanting to purchase a copy of Black Rock: A Time For Love, now would be a great time. Between September 22 and December 15, 2008 purchase any title from any of the participating authors listed on the contest page and you will be eligible to enter our contest. There’s also a way to enter without purchasing anything. Click the link below for more details. The winner will receive a Sony ereader loaded with flash drive, excerpts and, a free e-book of their choice. Good luck!
Participating authors and staff members of The Wild Rose Press are not eligible. I will also post a link in the sidebar blogroll to the contest page.
http://thewildrosepress.com/publisher/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=1588&Itemid=135
