Friday, November 19, 2021

Happy Thanksgiving!

This Week's Newsletter
Ashleigh's YA Reads           Ashleigh's Romance Reads          Ashleigh's Whodunits

This week's newsletter contains the following features:
(Feel free to skip ahead to what you want to read)


What's new with Ashleigh?

Thanksgiving has always been a very special time for me, filled with many traditions. When I was young, my brother and I would watch the Macy's parade in awe, marveling at the floats and admiring the dancers. My favorite was always the Rockettes, as I dreamed of becoming one some day. After the parade, we would get dressed in our fancy clothes and go to my grandparents' house for our traditional seven-course meal. I was sixteen years old before I realized that not everyone celebrated the holiday with as much food as my family.

Since my holiday tradition was so important to me, I decided to include it in Hartfield Chronicles. You can read more about it in Episode 59.

This week marks the one-year anniversary of One Night In Sedona. As you may know, I wrote this novella as part Inkfort Press's inaugural publishing derby. After being assigned the cover, I had 10 weeks to write, beta, edit, and publish the book. It was my first venture into the cozy mystery genre and I fell in love.

In my last newsletter, I promised that I would tell you more about this year's NaNo project. After the success of One Night In Sedona, my cozy mystery novella, I decided to try a cozy mystery series. Thanks to some reader input, I found a unique main character that they determined was lacking in the genre. I also discovered a setting that has been underutilized, as I have yet to find it used for a cozy series.

Although I loved the first story in my book, I didn't feel I had a great relationship with my main character. I knew I would need to write a second book to really get to know her. So, I decided to dedicate this month to learning about my main character. And, I must say, in writing this second book, I feel I understand her a little better. Here is what I've learned.

Emma is in her late-twenties and the director of marketing and public relations at the place where these murders keep happening. She is addicted to lattes, though she will settle for coffee or diet soda if necessary. In her free time, she enjoys playing basketball and is a decent artist, although she is better at animation than realism.

However, despite becoming better acquainted with my main character, I could still use some help. I love nicknames, but I haven't found Emma's yet. I especially want one for her boyfriend. She calls him Sherlock, but he doesn't know what to call her. Her best friends usually just call her "Em" or "Emma", though she and her bff will call each other "Sweetie". (I'm open to suggestions on that one, too.)

So, I'm asking for some input. Feel free to email me or leave comments on my blog. Do you have any suggestions on some cute nicknames for my main character?

You can still monitor my NaNo progress on my website. I try to update the information daily. Good luck to everyone else who is participating. We're in the home stretch. We can do it!

Hartfield Chronicles

Hartford Chronicles Melinda and Pat are both happy to celebrate Thanksgiving with their families. But when rumors of Pat and another girl appear in the celebrity gossip columns, his relationship with Melinda is tested.

Hartfield Chronicles follows the lives of Melinda, Pat, and their friends as they navigate their way through boarding school life. Each episode features two stories, one from Melinda's point of view and one from Pat's, along with an excerpt from Melinda's writing journal. New episodes are published every ​Friday.

Here's what you've missed

  • Episode 59: Celebrate Thanksgiving with Melinda and Pat and their families
  • Episode 60: Melinda babysits her neighbors


Reviews from Ashleigh's Bookshelf

Dahlia's Backstage Pass
For Young Adult readers

Dahlia's Backstage Pass

Ethan Cobalt

Dahlia has her entire life planned. In a few weeks, she and her on-again/off-again boyfriend will go to college. She will become a nurse, he a doctor. Together, they'll volunteer for Doctors Without Borders and see the world. Most importantly, she'll be able to leave the trailer park she calls home. But when an old friend calls out of the blue, Dahlia realizes she can't turn down his offer to work with his band. Suddenly, her world is turned upside-down and she must question everything from her career goals to her relationship.
      Murder at the Abbey
For Mystery readers

Murder at the Abbey

Frances Evesham

When human bones are discovered in the river, Libby and the rest of the historical society are excited to learn they most likely belonged to a 16th century monk from the nearby abbey. They organize on overnight ghost hunt, which results in the attack of a friend. Now, Libby and Max must try to identify the culprit before someone else is injured.
check out my review
check out my review


Free Books

Saving Vengeance

Saving Vengeance

An exciting & romantic Forest Tales series prequel

He wants to save her life, but she wants revenge at any cost.

Forced to choose between loyalty to the king and what is right, Gavin spares an innocent woman’s life, only to discover that saving her won’t be as easy as he thought.

All Laurel wants is revenge on the man who murdered her sister, even if that means sacrificing herself in the process. When a masquerade ball provides the perfect opportunity for her plan, will she succeed?

Or will the price of vengeance be too high?

Fleeing with Lust

Fleeing with Lust

Seductive, Surprises!

Work Drinks! What's there to worry about?

Victoria is stuck at another work party when she comes across Isabel. Isabel steals her heart with a smile. Victoria can’t help but kiss her back when Isabel plants one on her, even though she has a husband. But before the kiss can move any further the two pull apart, Victoria immediately panics before Isabel convinces her it’s all okay. Influenced by Isabel’s smile, Victoria says yet to meet Melech, her husband. A drink and a drugging later, the three of them land in bed together. Victoria can no longer control her desires for Isabel, due to the Molly. The night quickly goes south. The next morning, frantic to satiate her desires for Victoria, Isabel gets into bed with Melech but is thankfully interrupted by Victoria. Melech is torn away from the two by work and Victoria takes the opportunity to tell Isabel the truth about her husband. Within minutes the two women decide to do anything and everything to get away from Melech. But will he catch up to them in their lust filled love?

Death in the afternoon

Vanished

How far would you go to save a life?

An Undercover Detective Saves Others
But She Needs to be Saved too

Homicide detective Ava Locke is good at what she does. But more importantly, she’s committed. An insomniac with a dark, yet blurry past, she works tirelessly to make the world a little bit better. But little does she know that everything is about to change.

When Ava’s Chief calls upon her and her partner Carl to take on an urgent case, Ava must go undercover to try and solve it. But she soon finds that there is more to the case than she had ever thought, and it begins to bring up some harrowing memories she was happier to forget...

As a dangerous and unstable man kidnaps girls from all over the city, Ava and Carl are in a race against time, not only to save the lives of the missing girls, but of Ava herself.

Want more free books? Check out these giveaways!

YA & NA November Fever Romantic Sentiments


Other Books on Sale

The Genie's Gift

The Genie's Gift

A Fantasy Adventure for ages 9+

The Genie’s Gift is a lighthearted action novel set in the Middle East of the 15th century. It draws on the fantastic creatures and culture of The Arabian Nights.

Thirteen-year-old Anise, shy and timid, dreads marrying the man her father chooses for her. Her aunt tells her about the Genie Shakayak, the giver of the Gift of Sweet Speech. He lives high atop Mount Quaf, many weeks’ journey across a barren desert. The way is barred by a dozen dangers and trials. But those few who cross the desert and defeat the guardians of the mountain receive their reward. From that day forward, their words drip like honey from their lips, charming all who hear them, and no one can deny them anything they ask.

Anise is determined to find the genie and ask for the gift, so she can control her own future. But the way is barred by a series of challenges, both ordinary and magical. Anise can’t even speak in front of strangers. How will she get past a deadly ghoul, a sorceress who turns people to stone, and mysterious sea monsters? Will she ever reach the top of Mount Quaf—and if she does, can she convince the Genie to give her the gift?

Where Weavers Daire

Where Weavers Daire

Stuk on the Hollow Book 1

Ten years after the last war, Melinda Scott discovers something in deep space and is dragged back into a world her family was banished from. Now with Necromancers to her left, Liches to her right and humanity in the middle it’s up to her to figure out why someone is trying to kill her. Where Weavers Daire is the first book in a new rip-roaring space opera series in the same vein as Babylon 5, Firefly, Farscape and Star Wars!

Creeper in the Sleeper

Creeper in the Sleeper

A Paranormal Women's Fiction Cozy Mystery

Who wants to play hide and shriek?

Lindsey finally convinces her best friend to go glamping, but their getaway sours when they find (then lose) a dead body on the first day of their trip!

Though her clairvoyant powers arouse suspicion, a nosy park ranger is the least of Lindsey's problems. As bodies keep dropping - and disappearing - she faces an impossible challenge. How do you stop a killer who's already dead?

You may also like these books

November Mystery Romance HIDDEN GEMS


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Hartfield Chronicles Episode 60 Now Available

Friday, November 5, 2021

It's National Novel Writing Month

This Week's Newsletter
Ashleigh's YA Reads           Ashleigh's Romance Reads          Ashleigh's Whodunits

This week's newsletter contains the following features:
(Feel free to skip ahead to what you want to read)


What's new with Ashleigh?

This month marks my third consecutive participation in National Novel Writing Month. I first attempted it in 2019 with a middle grade novel that I only anticipated would be about 25-30K words. When I finished that project, I was still under the 50K NaNo goal, so I started working on its sequel. I finished it, and reached 50K, three days into December.

However, I learned a lot about myself and my writing through that process. Although this was not my first novel, I credit experience as the kickstart to my writing career.

One year, I kept a running total on my blog for readers to watch my progress. This year, I've learned how to update the bar daily. I am extremely excited about the project I have chosen and I look forward to telling you more about it in my next newsletter.

Are you a writer participating in NaNo? Or have you before? I would love to hear about your experiences. Feel free to share them in the comments below.

But, that is not my only news. Today marks the return of Hartfield Chronicles on its brand new website!

Hartfield Chronicles

Hartford Chronicles Melinda and Pat are both happy to celebrate Thanksgiving with their families. But when rumors of Pat and another girl appear in the celebrity gossip columns, his relationship with Melinda is tested.

Hartfield Chronicles follows the lives of Melinda, Pat, and their friends as they navigate their way through boarding school life. Each episode features two stories, one from Melinda's point of view and one from Pat's, along with an excerpt from Melinda's writing journal. New episodes are published every ​Friday.

Here's what you've missed

  • Episode 58: Melinda tells her mother about her new relationship while Pat tells his siblings.


Reviews from Ashleigh's Bookshelf

Down with the Dance
For Middle Grade readers

Down with the Dance

C. T. Walsh

Nerdy Austin just wants to survive middle school. Unfortunately, with his popular older brother in his grade and a new principal who has marked him as a troublemaker, surviving is easier said than done. When the Halloween dance is put in jeopardy--more than once--Austin starts to take matters into his own hands to save his school year.
      Pumpkin Spice
For Romance readers

Pumpkin Spice

Belle Bailey

Marigold can't wait to enter the annual pumpkin pie baking contest, even if it means she will be partnered with a professional chef. However, things get off to rough start when they must first share a vending booth and then determine whose recipe to use for the contest. With the appearance of their rivals, Marigold and Sawyer work doubly hard prove they can make the best pumpkin pie.
check out my review
check out my review


Free Books

Honorary Prince

Honorary Prince

Bonus story in the Royal Family Saga

Honorary Prince is a special bonus book that overlaps Part Three of Billionaire Crown Prince (The Young Princes), features alternate point-of-views of scenes from Billionaire Hero and Billionaire's Brother.

Follow Alex, Jr.'s journey from a rebellious playboy through his tragic car accident when he has a near-death experience, which he calls a journey to paradise, and claims to have been in the presence of God. Witness his transformation dedicating his life to God and speaking out against teen drinking.

Watch him fall in love with Ellen, struggle to maintain the standards God expects of him, and attempt to heal his body and heart.

The Guy from the Library

The Guy From the Library

A sudden puppy short story

She's ready for a new chapter.

Andrea trusts books more than boys. After all, they don’t embarrass you or make mean jokes, and they’re certainly clear about their intentions. But Jackson from the library seems genuinely friendly amidst this sudden puppy situation. Is it possible he could be her next chapter?

"The Guy From the Library" is a short and sweet sudden puppy story, set in the world of Somerville Downs.

Death in the afternoon

Death in the Afternoon

A Fun, quirky, cozy mystery

Crop circles, a dead farmer, and a wet-behind-the-ears reporter. What could go wrong?

Meet Mallory Hemingway, reporter—er, receptionist—for the Harmony Times. Distant cousin to the famous Ernest Hemingway.

She’s got a stuffy, snob of a boyfriend, a overbearing mother, and a boss who thinks she’s best left to answering the phones at the paper.

But a hot tip comes in about a strange crop circle at the Farmer’s Farm down the road and Mallory decides to investigate. When she arrives at the scene, she finds a dead body and now she’s neck deep in a mystery.

As Mallory’s investigation leads her from the farm next door to the giants of the agricultural industry, a dramatic tale of intrigue and blackmail begin to appear, but is she getting too close to the truth?

The farther down the rabbit hole she goes, the more she fears for her own life. She promises herself if she solves this case—or even makes it out alive—she’s taking that caretaker job at the Hemingway House down in Key West and starting a new life.

Want more free books? Check out these giveaways!

ya & na clean & wholesome I need you


Other Books on Sale

Caged Hearts

Caged Hearts

A Clean forbidden romance

Zoologist Grace Parker is better with animals than she is with people. Trust has been difficult for her ever since her boyfriend cheated on her with a mean girl back in high school. The one constant in her life has always been Mary’s Zoo.

And Ethan Stewart.

Ethan is everything Grace wants in a guy: besides his obvious good looks, his kindness and consideration are difficult to ignore. He’s always known Grace has a unique connection to the animals, and because of him, she gets paid doing something she loves.

But being with Ethan is forbidden. In fact, dating him could have dire consequences for the zoo. On the brink of bankruptcy, the new owners want Ethan to marry their daughter. Ethan is a world-renowned zoologist, and having him not only as part of their staff but part of their family will only make them look more worthy.

Grace must come to terms with these conflicting feelings of love and loyalty if she’s finally going to open her heart to anyone who doesn’t have fur.

Owned by the Alien

Owned by the Alien

A SciFi Alien Romance

Abducted by aliens and bound for a breeding zoo.
I thought things couldn’t get any worse...

I was abducted by aliens.
Yep, you heard me right.
Aliens.
But they’re not little green men.
They’re gorgeous creatures called Titans.
Heaven help me.

Hard. Callous. Cruel.
That’s how the crew describe their captain.
After their attempted mutiny, he comes to me for aid.
Help him recover from their poison and he’ll return me to Earth.

There’s just one catch.

Healing requires the use of my body for one whole night.
If I give him what he needs, will he keep his word?
And will sleeping with him make me his fated mate for all time?

Always on Duty

Always On Duty

A Klondike Mystery Novella

A relaxing vacation at sea...what could go wrong?

Officer Cassidy Peck needs a vacation and when her parents can't go, she takes over their cruise tickets and invites her new friend, Caryl-Anne Newsome to go with her. All is good until a passenger is reported missing and Cass has an idea who might be to blame. After all, she's always on duty.

You may also like these books

November Mystery Romance damn good mystery


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