a snippet to tease you …

Great news! The second installment in my Love on the Lake Series, Whispers in Autumn, is due out next month from Black Lyon Publishing, right on schedule!

     When her help in solving a brutal child murder case results in a threat against her life, ghost whisperer Dove Denning flees to the safety and tranquility of Shadow Lake. On the brink of emotional collapse, Dove sees the deserted campground as the perfect place to hide out from the world and the faceless stranger who stalks her. Police advise her to trust no one if she wants to stay alive. It’s advice Dove plans to keep. Until she meets the one man who can save her from herself…

Here’s a snippet to tease you…

In the bathroom, she slipped out of her dress and pulled on a nightgown. She washed her face, brushed her hair, and headed back to the living room, yawning. A night of driving and a day of festivity had finally caught up with her. Sleep would come easily this night.

            Crossing the room to pull the curtains closed, she froze when she saw a figure standing on the dock; a young girl in a black bathing suit. Her skin was milky white, her hair long and untamed. Dove pulled in a breath. Don’t get involved…

            She closed her eyes, exhaled softly. When she opened them again, the girl was still there, regarding her pensively with her dark, shadowy eyes.

            Don’t…

           

            Ignoring her inner voice, Dove slid open the door and stepped outside. She stood without speaking, her gaze locked with that of the specter.

            You can see me? The girl finally asked.

            Yes.

 

            None of the others can.

 

            What do you want?

 

            I want … I want you to tell him I’m sorry. Please?

 

            Who?

 

            She choked on a sob. My dad.

 

            Who are you?

 

            Silence fell like a thick, dark veil. The ghost drew closer. Shivering in her nightgown, Dove braced herself against a blast of frigid air, against the sheer, raw strength of the emotions that swirled like a cyclone inside the girl. Images exploded in her brain, one after another: a small girl splashing in the water, running with a jar of lightning bugs, riding piggyback high on a man’s shoulders. She watched as each impression gave way to the next, as the pretty little girl became a lovely young woman. She saw her competing in a high school swim meet as a crowd of onlookers cheered, dancing in a lavender gown, a string of pearls around her pretty neck, riding a ten speed bike, her hair dancing in the wind. And then came a final, horrible image. A blood curdling scream as she plunged head first into the icy lake, her hands groping blindly in terror and confusion as the water closed in around her.

            Dove nearly buckled beneath the force of its fury as the specter fought to gain entry into her being. Summoning her inner strength, she steeled herself against the onslaught until she felt its energy begin to weaken. Its fervor lessened and then disappeared, leaving only a whispered breath of air in its wake.

            I’m Chelsea …   

WHISPERS IN AUTUMN

COMING MARCH, 2010

From Black Lyon Publishing

http://www.blacklyonpublishing.com

Snow!

 It really shouldn’t surprise me. I mean, I’ve lived in Western New York for all of my life, give or take a year. I’m no stranger to snow, and yet, when an inch and a half came our way in early October, my initial reaction was — “No way!”  Some years it just happens that way. Other years I might not get my first glimpse of the white stuff until February. I never can be sure of when, but one thing I can be absolutely sure of is that it will show up, sooner or later, and usually plenty of it.

 I say I don’t like snow. It messes up my plans. It makes driving dangerous. It wreaks havoc on people’s homes, and if enough of it falls at once, it can keep me stuck inside for days. And yet, winter just would not be winter without it.

 Without snow we would be deprived of the joy of snowmen, the gift of an unexpected day off from school. The twinkling Christmas lights on Main Street wouldn’t seem as twinkly, and the fire crackling on the heart just wouldn’t seem as cozy if not for this magical manna swirling down from the skies.

I walked outside early this morning to a glistening wonderland. I had to pause for a moment just to take in the beauty all around me; the sugar coated trees, the sparkling creek, the sheer, unspoiledness of nature’s majesty.

 Snow. It’s inconvenient. It’s unpredictable. Sometimes it’s downright nasty. But like a naughty child or a thoughtless lover, it can be so utterly captivating that it melts my heart, and I forgive it every time.

it’s all about choices

As human beings we make choices every day. Some are small and insignificant, like whether to have cereal for breakfast or a bagel. Some choices are bigger and more important, like which college to attend, and what career to pursue. Some choices, like choosing a life partner or whether or not to have children are life changing. I made a life changing choice at the tender age of twelve.

In order to impress a boy named Stuart Ritsenthaller, I chose to start smoking cigarettes. It is a choice I’ve had to live with for the past thirty-four years. Looking back, I don’t remember whether Stuart was even all that impressed. But I do know, after a bout of pneumonia sent me to the hospital for a chest x-ray early this summer, my doctor was not impressed at all. In fact she was downright alarmed.

Choices…

I knew I had to end my love affair with nicotine, and the prospect scared the hell out of me. I’d heard about the cravings, the headaches, the irritability. Who needed it? So I started slow, using the taper down method. It worked pretty well. Within two weeks I’d cut my pack a day habit in half. The next few weeks were like trying to walk up a water slide backward. Some days I’d do really well, lighting up only five or six times in a day. Other days I’d backslide and smoke ten or twelve. The experience really brought out my inner brat. I became prone to emotional temper tantrums, unable to handle being told “No.” But at the same time another voice screams that I have books to write. Football games to go to. Gardens to plant. Like that Aerosmith song says, “I don’t want to miss a thing.”

It’s not easy to quit smoking. It’s not fun. But then, neither are the alternatives. With that thought in mind, a month ago I set a quit date of September third. That’s tomorrow. With the ‘big day’ now literally around the corner, I have to admit I’m scared to death. Scared of the cravings, the withdrawal, the irritability. Scared of failure.

 But failure would be a choice, too, and one I can’t afford to make. With a lot of prayer, and a little help from my friends, I’ll get by. One day, one craving, one choice at a time.

New Review From The Romance Studio

Shadow Lake M. Jean Pike

 Contemporary romance

Available from Black Lyon Publishing

ISBN: 978-1-934912-14-0 April 2009

Emma Beckman, a thirty-year-old widow, was almost destitute. She desperately needed a job but her life was such a shambles she had trouble finding anything she could do. She decided to answer an ad for a 5-month-a-year job at Shadow Lake Campground. She didn’t expect to be hired, but she was desperate and had to try. Her last job was a disaster. When she refused to submit to a fellow employee, he jeopardized her job. Her dilapidated vehicle was not up to making the trip to and from the campground.

Shane Lucy married at eighteen, seventeen years earlier, and was the father of a sixteen year old trouble boy, Mick. It started when his mother, Shane’s wife Blair, left them the year before and never contacted them again. When Emma walked into the camp store, Shane’s temper scared her to death. She was so fragile, she was sure she couldn’t work for him. He watched her walk and leave out after he was so rude.

This book has an author who is new to me—M. Jean Pike. I loved her writing style and the ability she has to keep this reader mesmerized. The fact that Emma was fragile and emotionally struggled did not make her a weak character. Likewise, the rough and gruff Shane was vulnerable in his own right. The supporting cast members were dynamic, vibrant people who greatly added to the enjoyment of the storyline. Even the unpopular ex-wife had a pivotal role.

This great work has such an interesting story that I believe everyone would enjoy it. I highly recommend it to anyone. It is a beautiful love story without blatant sexual activity. I highly offer this to you as one book even younger people would enjoy. It is a great book which who’s storyline will remain even after the great ending.

Overall rating: 5 Hearts

Sensuality rating: Mildly sensual

Reviewer: Brenda Talley August 31, 2009

Working Girl Reviews Loves Waiting For The Rain!

Waiting For The Rain

Waiting for the Rain

 M. Jean Pike

Champagne Press, 2007

ISBN 978 1 897445 21 1

Buy Link: http://www.amazon.com/Waiting-Rain-M-Jean-Pike/dp/1897445210/+

 This has been a rainy week in my world so it seemed the perfect time to settle in with Waiting for the Rain by M. Jean Pike. I wasn’t sure what to expect after reading the description on the back cover. The book had more depth and beauty than I expected. I found it to be a breath of fresh air in the paranormal romance genre. It is skillfully written, full of unique scenes, a few colorful characters, heartache, sacrifice, drama, suspense and of course a sexy leading man. In some ways the story reminded me of a modern, adult version of Tuck Everlasting. This book is a love story that offers hope but . . . is that hope medical, miracle or magic—readers will have to decide. If you like unpredictable books you will enjoy the many twists the author takes you on in this story. The book is categorized as a paranormal romance novel and although it is a romance, it is not light, fluffy or full of silly sexual innuendos. The romance in Waiting for the Rain is believable and tasteful. The paranormal aspect will come upon readers slowly and quickly build into a beautiful tale. This book is easy to read in one sitting, but you better start it early in the day because you may not want to put it down until you get to the end. This is an emotional love story that shows the hope a sacrifice can offer one we love. Readers will go through a swing of emotions while reading of a love that sacrifices and heals but may not be destined to endure forever. Readers will enjoy the way the author gets right to the heart of the story. It only took me a page or two to be hooked. The leading lady, twenty-eight year old Willow (Willy) is diagnosed with cancer. Before telling her husband, Tom, her sad news, he announces that he wants a divorce because he has found someone new. Having no desire for his pity, Willy refrains from telling him her medical news and instead agrees to the divorce and turns to the help of her friends. Realizing her time on earth may be coming to an end she desires to follow one of her dreams. Always an admirer of the majestic eagle, she wants to photograph one before she is too frail to do so. Her journey into the woods proves to be a life-altering trip. After experiencing car trouble and lack of cell phone reception, she meets Darby, a reclusive, gruff but handsome stranger with plenty of tragedy of his own. War veteran Darby lives in Baker’s Gully away from humanity with his faithful dog Lucky as his main companion. The beautiful art work on the book cover gives a brief glimpse into the world that will captivate Willy who is strangely drawn to Baker’s Gully and can’t seem to rest until she finagles a way to stay in the abandoned rose covered cabin not far from Darby’s place. Readers won’t be surprised when Willow and Darby begin to fall in love, but will be surprised by the direction their love takes them. Both have lost a first love, neither is looking for a new love yet they are drawn to each other as in a fairy tale. If you believe in true love, if you believe miracles or magic can get you where you want to go, this book is for you. The book is well written with accurate portrayals of the time period involved. The main characters are fully developed and the scenes are beautifully described. Through clear and vivid descriptions, readers will feel like they have been to Baker’s Gully before. I enjoyed getting to know Willow and I was fascinated by Darby. I appreciated the depth of both characters. Willow’s situation is easier to figure out but readers will have questions as they get to know Darby, his past and his beautiful property. Could Darby have the secret to the fountain of youth? Will he be able to help Willy? Will Willy let him? These are questions that come to mind for the reader. The author introduces to some colorful minor characters with interesting pasts and hearts of gold. Some readers may not approve of the lifestyles and choices of certain characters but will find them believable and true to form throughout the story. Readers will sense a heart of friendship in Sid, the loyalty of hard as nails lawyer Zoe, the jokester in off-color, disgruntled Toots, and the weakness in the loves of Tom and Marilyn. The development of these characters allows the author to insert scenes written with humor, sarcasm, grief, romance, sacrifice, sorrow and love. The ending of the book causes one to stop, think and review the story as a whole. If you are like me, you will reflect upon it for a time. Willow and Darby stayed with me for several days after I left Baker’s Gully. This is a thought-provoking story that reminds us that into every life some rain must fall. Rain is there for all of us. Our lives can be spent remembering the rain, waiting for the rain or embracing the rain. A choice is offered. Jean Pike has given us a fresh, unique love story: A love for all times. Waiting for the Rain is a keeper! I predict that readers will want to return to Baker’s Gully to read this story more than once.

–Pearl

Rating: 5 Shoes

http://workinggirlreviews.wordpress.com/

The Girls

Ok, so I’ve spent the last four months sitting in the passenger seat of my own car with my son behind the wheel. As hair raising as giving driving lessons to someone you still think of as being ten-and-a-half can be, I’ve discovered a pastime that’s even more frightening. Walking.

 Yes, walking.

 You’re probably thinking I’ve lost my mind. After all, what could be so scary about a peaceful walk down a quiet, country road, surrounded by birds and wilflowers — a place where you can walk for miles and barely see another soul? Well, it’s not the human souls I’m worried about. It’s the big, furry, black ones. Diamond Girl and Emmy Lou. Otherwise known as “The Girls.”

 The Girls have been very naughty since awakening from their winter’s nap this year. They’ve trampled my lily beds. Destroyed four of my bird feeders. At a neighbor’s house, they tore off the vinyl siding in search of a hive some prolific honey bees had built underneath. Diamond Girl and her two daughters  ventured into our yard last night while I was writing. Lucille came charging to the window in my office, tail whipping, barking joyously. Not her intimidating ‘stranger bark,’ but one that clearly said, “Let’s play.” Heck, she probably thought they were overgrown Labs. I glanced out the window just in time to see the trio lumbering across the yard. I gotta admit it. They were cute. From this side of the window. I love wildlife as much as the next gal, however…

 I don’t wish to encounter them unawares on a lonely country road while I’m out for my daily exercise. But I also don’t want to give up my walks. What to do?

 Remembering something I’d heard about bears being afraid of loud noises, I considered taking along a pair of pots and pans, clanging them together as I walked. But that would be silly. Then I remembered something else I’d heard about bears being afraid of fire. Hmm…   

 Patting myself on the back for my amazing problem solving skills, I headed to the Dollar General and bought myself a Tiki Torch and a lighter. Plan was, if I ran into The Girls, I could simply light up the torch and wave it at them. Back home, I pulled on my walking shoes and filled the torch with lamp oil just as my son entered the kitchen. He asked about the torch, so I happily told him my plan.

He stared at me. “You’re not actually going to carry that thing down the road in broad daylight, are you?”   

“Why not?”

“Because you’ll look ridiculous.”

“To who? There’s no one around, remember?”

“Well yeah, but still…”

From the perspective of an athletic sixteen-year-old who can run the 200-Meter sprint in 26.4 I guess it did seem a little odd. I mean, a forty-six-year-old crazy lady in pink Capris marching down the road carrying a Tiki Torch, like some sort of modern day cavewoman.

 But hey, the way I see it, that in itself has gotta scare ‘em.

I Wonder…

This little robin sat on my porch for most of the day, pretty much ignoring the persistent voice of his mother, who sat in the treetop above.

Much as I sat sipping coffee, knowing there was work to be done on my Work In Progress,  but ignoring that nagging, persistent voice that insisted Let’s get crackin.

Watching the robin, I had to wonder. Was he afraid. Or just feeling lazy?

At the foot of the trail…

In early spring I noticed a male Eastern Blue Bird hanging around a weathered old bird house in my front yard. I’d intended to get out there once the weather turned warmer and clean it out, since last year it was occupied by a rather prolific pair of chickadees. Before I got the chance, the female blue bird arrived and the pair set about busily gathering nesting materials for their new home.

 

this old house

For the next couple of weeks, while the female was busy inside with her eggs, the male would sit on the fence post and chatter at me as I weeded my garden. Captivated by my beautiful guests, I did some research. Though named our state bird in the 1930’s, the numbers of Eastern Blue Birds in New York State has greatly declined in the last fifty years. A shortage of nesting sites can be attributed to modern development, careless use of pesticides, and an influx of non-native birds competing for precious nesting spots. Happily, with the popularity of “nest box projects” across the state, the numbers of Eastern Blue Birds are on the rise once again.

 

Miss New York

Needless to say, as the weeks passed, I fell in love with these pretty little birds that have become symbols of hope and happiness and I decided to start my own nest box project. In addition to the existing house, my son and I put up a second house last night (Wal Mart, $9.99). Already this morning, a curious pair of blue birds was checking it out!

 

I’ve discovered that they are as useful as they are lovely. Blue birds not only fill my yard with beauty and song, they eat their weight in mosquitoes and other undesirable insects. I hope that eventually my two little houses will expand into a bona fide blue bird trail, but as they say, every journey begins with a single step.

 I have begun it.

 

home sweet home!

The rest is up to them.

How Does My Garden Grow…

A little bit overgrown, since I’ve been down the past few days with pneumonia, but overall, it is fending for itself quite well without me.

With nibbling bunnies

And beautiful birds

And lovely ladies all in a row…

New Interview at Romance Junkies

I’ve just completed a new interview over at Romance Junkies. Check it out! 

http://romancejunkiesreviews.com/artman/publish/interviewarticles/M_Jean_Pike.shtml