The Romantic Suspense -- NovelTea Series

The Final Two Installments

2009-08-17T11:33:00.006-04:00

Thats right, NovelTea will have two more stories and then it will be all over. At first I was sad at the prospect and then I got excited. Not because I wanted to be done but because I knew I could write a great ending to the series.

I don't know what format the final two stories will come--one long novel or two short ones. I'm waiting to hear from my editor. But both stories are written and I'm very happy with them. :D Can't you see me grinning??

NovelTea Takes a Holiday consists of two short novels: A NovelTea Murder Mystery and Finale á la NovelTea.

The blurbs:

A NovelTea Murder Mystery: Book Three in the NovelTea Series (Juliet's story)

A quiet vacation disturbed by a ghost and murders—can’t a girl catch a break?

Juliet Truesdale hoped for peace on one of the islands in the Outer Banks away from her consultant work with the Domestic Security Agency and one of their agents whom she let get a little too close too soon. When the suspect in the murder of a US senator is seen staying at the same inn as Juliet, she is thrown back into the fray as Agent Grant Gerard asks for her assistance in apprehending the suspect and discovering what terrorist group hired him for the job. Things get more complicated as unexplained things begin to happen including a new murder within the walls of the quiet inn. Is it the work of the resident ghost as some believe or is it something much more sinister?

Finale á la NovelTea: Book Four in the NovelTea Series (Grant's story)

There’s only so much a spy can take before he reaches the breaking point.

In the course of his work, DSA Agent Grant Gerard has only had one goal in mind—to the catch the bad guy. But as he heads into the Christmas season, one thing after another adds up to him questioning his sanity. From kidnapped cats, nosey neighbors, Christmas Eve burglars, and family obligations to surprising job changes and possibly solving the puzzle that’s been terrorizing his dreams for last five years. If that wasn’t enough, a woman from his past appears on the scene which just might drive the current love of his life, Juliet Truesdale, away from him forever. Or he just might find a way to balance it all—capture the bad guy, promise his life to the woman of his dreams and find that happily ever after á la NovelTea.

I hope to have good news about these last two books very soon.

The End--is it the end??

2009-03-27T07:25:00.005-04:00

It is an exhilarating feeling to finish a story – to know that your hard work and time away from the family has been worth it. I wrote the final words to NovelTea Takes a Holiday back in November. I edited and polished that ms for two months and finally submitted it to my editor. My editor ( I love her) she decided she wanted a different ending. The one with the great big HEA and way romantic. So, you know what I did?? I rewrote it. I took her advice and changed the ending. And I really love it. :) I hope that very soon that contract will fall into my email inbox. What a great feeling that will be.

In the meantime, here is an UNEDITED Excerpt from the new ms. Hope you enjoy it.

From the end of a chapter and into another--all from Juliet's POV. NovelTea Takes a Holiday:

A thin layer of clouds crowded around the moon, making the night sky dark and eerie. My mind darted to the story about the murdered woman haunting this place. If my husband had been having an affair and bumped me off I'd be a pretty angry spirit too. The wind suddenly picked up even harder and began to swirl into my eyes. Grains of sand pelted my back as I spun to face the opposite direction. Through the quiet of night, the sound of a woman screaming echoed along the beach. A disturbing kind of scream that set prickles down my spine.

Oh, it's not a scream. It's just a…a…Why couldn't I think of something natural that it could be? Then my mind twirled around the idea that Tom Hemmings no Jeff something…Mallory that was it. He probably murdered his uncle—a US Senator. Who was next? A hand flew to my throat as I heard that same ghastly sound. Or was it ghostly. My mind was far too fanciful tonight. I'd been staying here for two weeks. Why now was my imagination out of control? My dreams were going to keep me up all night. The shrill screech cut through the air again. It still made my heart pound, but I was certain it was not a woman. It was that Eastern screech owl that Mr. Joyner spoke of this morning. Of course, it was. I breathed out a quick breath bringing myself under control.

The wind blew hard again so I clamped my eyes shut tight. Once the gust calmed, I blinked and peered across the beach to a shining light glimmering off the top of a dune far out in the distance. I stared harder. It looked like someone was standing there dressed all in white. My God! A ghost! That murdered woman! The gale shifted, sending sand my direction. Swiveling to the side, I avoided gaining more sand down my throat. I'd had enough night air. It was time to go in. Now I was starting to see things. It was only the moon reflecting off the white sand.

As I hurried across the wood planks back toward the inn, the owl screeched and I jumped, letting out a squeal of my own. I felt foolish as I paused at the top of the dune. At least, there was no one around to hear me.

"On edge, now, aren't we?"

I hopped back, my heart racing while I peered into the shadowy gazebo perched beside me. Inside, I made out the outline of a figure. It was similar to my dream this afternoon. Suddenly all the anxiety and fear which had come to life in my subconscious poured to the surface. Instead of running to the safety of the inn, I remained frozen to my spot as if a sudden ice age had come upon me. This was it…the end. My demise. There was no Grant to save me today.

The form rose from its seated position. Why didn't he say anything? In all those thriller movies, the murderer likes to talk and tell his victims exactly what he plans to do to them. It's part of their psychotic mind. Just my luck, I have a mad-man murderer who won't reveal himself to me. Isn't that just like a man?

As the intruder stepped into the light of the one and only lamppost, the rational came to me that there were no intruders on the island. This was a private island. The ferry made its last trip at five o'clock and I'd seen the people who got off. Locals. Every one of them. The yellow tint of the light bulb flashed off a familiar tint of blue eyes.

"Grant?"

Chapter Three

My fright had nearly taken over my senses so that my first inclination was to fly into Grant's arms. The emotions of my dream overcame me. In the dream state, more than anything, I had wanted to reach him and let him hold me and protect me. It was hard to push those emotions away. For some odd reason, there was moisture in my eyes. I was not going to ball like a child or worse a useless, frightened woman.

"What are you doing here, Grant?" I held my hands behind my back in the hopes that they'd stop shaking.

He smirked in his characteristic way. How many women had he used that smile on? I really didn't want to know. Leaning back against the post, he folded his arms across his black leather jacket, appearing as cool as a James Dean look-a-like. "What do you think I'm doing here, Juliet? Obviously, I missed you." He raised his chin, his mouth relaxed into a straight pose. "You missed me too, didn't you?"

"I…I've been busy and…"

"Busy?" His dark eyebrows rose in unison as he stood straight to his full six-foot-three height and inched toward me.

"Yes and, well, you didn't answer why you're here. I asked for some space. That I'd call you."

"And just when were you going to call?" He didn't seem at all like his usual humorous self. No, instead, he appeared like some sleek cat ready to pounce on me. He did have the Mr. Rochester inclination about him at times. At this moment, he reminded me of exactly how Charlotte Bronte's intense hero would have looked in this same situation—beautiful eyes glaring, kissable mouth firm, and strong hands clenched.

"I planned to call when I got back home." I stepped away from him and began teetering off the edge of the wood planking with the side of the grass speckled dune behind me. Flinging my arms out, I tried to regain my footing, but I seemed to be losing the battle against gravity—and fast. My bare feet were slipping and there was no way out of it. I would be eating sand in just a few milliseconds.

And then a hand grasped me at the waist underneath my poofed-out blouse and sweater, stabilizing my stance back onto the platform. As I stood on my flat feet once more, I plastered myself against Grant's firm form with my arms swung around his middle. I could hear his heart beating an elevated rhythm through his dark t-shirt, and it would have been fine with me if we'd stayed in that same position until the first break of dawn.

His warm hands smoothed gradually over the bare skin of my back, bringing me to shiver from stem to stern as I remembered the last time he'd touched me. The sensual memories of each and every stroke of his fingers over my body and every kiss from his lips were seared into my brain permanently. He brought his hand out from under my top and wrapped them around my shoulders, enveloping me in his warmth.

After a minute more, I released a slow breath and looked up to him. His brilliant, concerned eyes shone just as icy blue as I remembered, glowing bright under that single lamppost. Then he smiled—the over-confident one. "If you wanted me to hold you in the moonlight, all you had to do was ask, Juliet."

I pushed away and began to walk past him with my temper bristling. "Grant, don't start…"

He grabbed my hand and wrapped his other arm around my waist, forcing me back against his body. Stealthily, he stepped back until we were resting against the side of the gazebo. "Grant…"

He covered my mouth with his hand and looked up and over to the side. "Shh," he whispered.

Listening, I heard the front doors to the inn slam closed followed by the crunch of sand underfoot. Grant motioned for me to be quiet as he removed his hand and then led me down the embankment behind the gazebo. After he took a seat in the sand, I plopped silently beside him. He reminded me of a meerkat outside the den awaiting intruders. Following his lead, I remained alert, listening and awaiting our next move.

COMING SOON to The Wild Rose Press

Response on NT#3

2009-03-20T09:13:00.003-04:00

Well, I heard back from my editor on NovelTea Takes a Holiday this week. We're working out a couple kinks on the ending but I should have a contract on this one very soon and after that a release date. So for those of you hounding me (I love ya) for the next installment in the series--it's coming along!

Let's talk about POV today. Yes, POV (Point of View). I know some of you out there have a hard time figuring out your POV and as readers we have certain expectations in our books. I personally have become very strict in my POV expectations. And yes I'll read NYT Best Sellers and their POV will be completely off. Part of this is that in the romance genre especially we are sticklers for it. WHY? The answer is easy. Because in romance more than any other genre it is about the emotion of the story--of the characters. If we keep bouncing around from person to person--head to head--how are we ever to really understand and 'feel' with this character. It makes it very hard. So, authors, stay true to your POV. Everything that is seen, heard, felt and understood should come from one character per scene. Want to change your POV character then just cut to the next scene or make a scene break. It's that easy. We all appreciate it. :)

So, what about POV in NovelTea. I started the series as a first person story from the perspective of the heroine, Juliet Truesdale. I had a lot of fun with that story and then wrote the second one which was a bit longer at 100 pages. NovelTea Next Door comes from the hero's perspective. Yes, everything through the eyes of Grant Gerard. This was a bit more challenging. I had to think and react like a man for an entire story. Not only that but a man who is a spy for a living. Yes, it was work but rewarding too. And I had a lot of fun. In the 3rd book (actual novel length), I switched back to Juliet's POV. This time I start the story out as a murder mystery. But before you know it Grant is on the scene and the faster pace of a romantic suspense begins. Yet, everything is experienced by Juliet.

When you decided to write a story in first person, you have to make a decision that this is the story of one character. All the action, all the plot revolves around that one character. Is that hard? You bet it is. Can it be done successfully? Sure. But you have to decide at the onset who the story belongs to. There is no scene switching and definitely no head hopping. You in a sense have to become that character. How do you know how the person you are talking to is feeling? They have body movements, expressions and you deduce it from that. You need to follow that into your first person story and it will be a success. I've heard it from many readers that they prefer a story told in 3rd person. I have to admit I like reading the ones in first and I love writing them in that perspective. It just needs to be done right so the reader doesn't feel like they are missing something. It should feel like a complete story.

That's all for this week. Come back again soon.

Research Materials for the Romantic Suspense: Writer's Digest Books

2009-03-13T07:09:00.007-04:00

As an author, I am always finding more and more research materials. I mean, I am already a rampant bibliophile and I was a history major in college. So, yes, I have shelves and shelves of books in our house. My relatives say my husband and I should open a library. And we really could. Although, I don't really like the idea of loaning out my books.

I've done quite a lot of research while writing my romantic suspense NovelTea series. Two very good books that I want to talk about today are both available from Writer's Digest. You can also order than over Amazon as well.

Book one of NovelTea is a short jaunt of fun and excitement. I wrote it in a very short time and had no real idea that it would become this series. When I wrote the second one, I had to sit down and do some serious research. I created a government agency under the auspicious of Homeland Security. I studied the CIA, FBI and NSA and created my own amalgam that became the DSA or Domestic Security Agency. The fun part about writing fiction is that it is just that—FICTION. Sure you want your book to be believable, but you can finagle the details to fit your story. I decided I didn't want to write a story about an FBI agent because I wanted the freedom of a created agency. Besides that, the NovelTea series does have a fantasy-like tone to it. It just seemed to be the right decision. And I have a contact in US secret services. A relative of mine. He can't tell me specific things but generalities. Or funny stories about CIA agents. I can ask him if a certain scenario is realistic. And then do it anyway. ;)

In Book 3 of NovelTea, I had to create not only a romantic suspense story but a murder mystery. That meant I needed to understand procedure for such a situation, how a murderer would enact the crime and how our detectives would be able to figure it out, and how to deal with a dead body. That meant research. I started with two resources.

Forensics for Writers by D.P. Lyle, M.D. This book is fantastic! In fact, tv show writers use this book. The author is a doctor as you can see from his name. So he knows his stuff. The book is incredibly readable but more than that it is written as a resource for writers so it is exactly the kind of stuff you need for your writing as compared to say an actual book on forensics for those in the field. I was able to not only figure out how my villain would kill his victim but how my detectives would figure it out. Great stuff! Highly recommended.

Police Procedure and Investigation: A Guide for Writers by Lee Lofland. This is another good resource. This book is written by a retired police officer. While reading this you will go through the steps to becoming a police officer and in that way get a real feel for the 'stuff' of these types.—to know how to craft your own police officer character. This is another readable book and written specifically for writers in mind. If you've read my FREE READ—A Girl, A Goon, and a Uniform—you will see what a great resource this really is. I felt like I was in the mind of a cop and was therefore able to write a first person story. I had one reader say that from reading the story it seemed I was a writer by day and a cop by night. Highly recommended if you are planning to include anything with police procedure in your romantic suspense. Or to just understand how things work. For example the names of things like: the difference between a Robbery and a Burglary. Do you know? If not get this book.

So many books, so little time, right? This is just the beginning for writing my romantic suspense novels but I find that these are two indispensable resources. A great place to start. Anyone else want to share their RS resources? I always have room for one more book.

Happy Friday,

Cindy

NovelTea Next Door Trailer

2009-03-06T07:45:00.006-05:00

Today has been a day of technical difficulties. For some reason my blog template is not loading in Firefox correctly but is in Explorer. GO figure. And I had some trouble with this video but it's all good now.

So, anyway Welcome to my Friday post here on the NovelTea Blog. This week I made a trailer for NovelTea Next Door. Hope you will enjoy it. Tell me what you think and leave a message. Thanks!

Come back next week and we'll talk more about my spy hero, Grant Gerard.

NovelTea Takes a Holiday

2009-02-25T09:49:00.008-05:00

I know...I know...

I'm a horrible blogger or at least I have been on the NovelTea Blog. I can only blame my recent move and my son's eye surgery so long. I have just had too much on my plate. Regardless, I do want to get back to blogging here on the NovelTea blog.

So, good news. Novel Tea #3 (NovelTea Takes a Holiday) is finished and sent off to my editor. I hope to hear good news about it very soon. So, how about a little info on the new book. First of all, it's not a short but instead more novel length at 45,000 words. I'm very excited about that! It's more murder mystery yet still romantic suspense. How would you like to read the blurb?? Okay--you convinced me. Here it is:

A quiet vacation disturbed by a ghost and murder—can’t a girl catch a break?

Juliet Truesdale hoped for peace on one of the islands in the Outer Banks away from her consultant work with the Domestic Security Agency and one of their agents whom she let get a little too close too soon. When the suspect in the murder of a US Senator is seen staying at the same inn as Juliet, she is thrown back into the fray as Agent Grant Gerard asks for her assistance in apprehending the suspect and discovering what terrorist group hired him for the job. Things get more complicated as unexplained things begin to happen including a new murder within the walls of the quiet inn. Is it the work of the resident ghost as some believe or something much more sinister?

Despite Juliet’s reservations about Grant and what a future with him might mean, she throws on her detective hat to work alongside him once again. With a hurricane brewing in the Atlantic, can they unravel the mystery and discover the murderer before Juliet loses her heart to the sexy agent with the seductive smile once and for all?

What do you think? Interested to read more? I hope so. In the meantime, here is a fun excerpt from the first NovelTea as Grant and Juliet first get to know one another.

I moved away from him. “All right? How can I be all right?” I wiped the tears away from my eyes with the side of my hand. “I wanted something exciting to happen to me, but I thought it would be less dangerous and more fun.”

“Fun? You aren’t having fun?” A humorous yet annoyed expression filled his features. “That was my main concern, not the men who are trying to kill me or how important it is to meet with my contact tonight, it’s all about you.” He grabbed my hand. “This isn’t discussion time. We’ve got to get out of here.”

I stood firm and pulled on his arm. “I’m not going anywhere with you. I have no idea what’s even going on. How do I know you’re not the bad guy in all this?”

“Do I look like the bad guy?” He cocked his head to the side and raised a dark eyebrow at the question, a smirk of a smile on his face.

I just stared at him not knowing how to answer. He most certainly did not look like the bad guy. He looked like the hero in some fantastically thrilling suspense—tall, slim, fit with a little bit of danger around his dazzling blue eyes. There was real strength in his face from his high cheekbones to the powerful line of his jaw. He couldn’t possibly be the villain involved in some dastardly deeds. Or could he? I’ve been reading far too many novels these days. Time to switch to non-fiction history. I need more facts and reality in my life, right?

“You want to wait around for those two to return.” He placed his hands at his hips, pulling his coat back and revealing his gun. “Maybe they’ll do you a favor and drop you on home.”

I was intimidated but I wasn’t going one more step with him until he filled me in on the situation. “Who are you anyway and what’s going on?”

He peered back at me with a staunch expression on his face as his eyes crinkled up and his lips pressed together in frustration. I could tell he wasn’t planning to tell me anything.

“Oh forget it and just let me be. I’m going back to my car.” I tried to pass by him as I mentally attempted to retrace our steps back to the restaurant.

He took hold of my hand and swung me back to face him until we were nearly eye to eye. My breath hitched inside my throat as I experienced an unexpected jolt in my chest from being so near to him.

“My name is Grant…Grant Gerard. I can’t tell you much more than that. You just have to trust that I am on the right side.”

Even with all the aura of mystery and danger surrounding us on this hot, sultry night, I was captivated as I gazed into his eyes. They made me feel safe even in the middle of a dark street on the wrong side of the tracks. At that moment, I knew I could trust him. Whatever was on the agenda, he was on the side of right.

He started down the street with my hand still encased firmly in his. “Did you say you had a car back at the restaurant?”

The setting of NoveTea Takes a Holiday (Book #3)

2008-11-04T11:36:00.002-05:00

NovelTea Takes a Holiday is the 3rd book in the NovelTea series. When NovelTea Next Door ended, Juliet left on holiday with her aunt. Where did she say she was going? That's right--the Outer Banks of North Carolina. I love the Outer Banks. It's about two hours from where I live and whenever I can I get out there. Summer or Winter. Part of it must be because I'm a California girl and we were at the beach year round. It was the place as a teen, I went to be alone or to hang with my friends. I'm very happy that when we did move out of state it wasn't to a land locked location. I might have gone stir crazy.

As this new story opens, Juliet is lounging on the beach after awakening from a horrible dream. It's October and the weather is chilly. A tropical storm begins brewing that night and in another 24 hours, they have a murder take place at their charming and peaceful island inn. The Banks is such an inspiring place. When I was there last, I took oh so many notes--mostly thoughts that came to me in regards to this story. And when I sat down to begin writing, the setting really aided in the plotting and character of the story. This is going to be more like a cozy mystery but every bit a Romantic Suspense as well.

Keep watching because I'll share more as this story unfolds. Have a terrific November.

Interview of Grant Gerard by Juliet Truesdale

2008-09-22T09:00:00.000-04:00

JT: Hello Readers. I know you expected Ms. Green to be here to greet you but she had some urgent matter and had to go. Never fear, she left all your queries for the guest of honor. Oh, I forgot to mention, I’m Juliet Truesdale. Let’s just say I’m a friend of Mr. Gerard’s and I have a few questions of my own for the man. Here he comes now. Hello, Grant.

GG: Uh, hi Juliet. I thought I was here to be interviewed by Ms. Green.

JT: You were, but now you’re here with me.

GG: Well, I certainly don’t mind. What do you have for me?

JT: Oh, you know, questions—questions you might not want to answer.

GG: Me? Oh, go on. Question away. How are you by the way? It’s been awhile.

JT: It’s been a day.

GG: A long day—without you. I thought you had business at NovelTea Books today. What are you doing here?

JT: I believe I’m the one asking the questions.

GG: Yeah, okay, but maybe I have some for you later. Possibly at your place.

JT: No deal, Grant.

GG: Ah, come on Jules. You know we have a great time together.

JT: If you mean putting my life in danger and hiding in despicable places like dumpsters and killer’s bedrooms

then yes I guess we do.

GG: You aren’t still holding it against me that I made you jump into a dumpster? We were being pursued by a couple goons. It was the only way.

JT: This isn’t the time or place to discuss that particular issue. (Lowering my voice) You know I had to throw my dress away. The dry cleaners couldn’t even get the stench out and my shoes—those beautiful shoes. I never got to wear them again.

GG: I’ll buy you a new pair of shoes.

JT: It isn’t just the shoes.

GG: Then what is it? Come on, tell me. I see that smile building in the corner of your mouth.

JT: I think we should get to these questions now. Ms. Green would be so disappointed I allowed the interview to veer so far off the path as it is.

GG: All right, Juliet, hit me with one of those questions. I’m ready.

JT: Hit you? I’ll hit you all right.

GG: That’s a girl—always putting me in my place.

JT: I do my best. So, here we go. Question one comes from Carrie in North Dakota. She wants to know what your childhood was like. I’m all ears. I’ve been waiting for an answer to this one myself.

GG: My childhood? Not again, Juliet.

JT: Hey, I’m not the one asking the questions this time. You said to bring on the questions. Afraid to be honest, Agent?

GG: There’s lots to be scared of in this world; but, babe, questions ain’t one of them.

JT: All right, all right. We’ll drop the family questions. I know that’s a sore spot with you. You’ll tell me when you’re ready, right?

GG: You bet.

JT: Okay, enough of your cocky smiles.

GG: Admit it, you love my cocky smiles.

JT: Next question. From Kara in Wisconsin. ‘Why did you decided to become a spy?’

GG: Hmm. I don’t know. I was in the FBI before I was brought on board at the DSA. I have to admit, it seemed exciting but I also saw a need. It’s a job that had to be done. And it being 911 today, it reminds me of all we should be commemorating of the loss of life on that fateful day. And the heroes who stepped up. That’s why I do it. To make the people of this country feel safe.

JT: Wow! I have to admit, Grant, you surprise me at times. That’s one of the most direct answers you’ve ever given me before.

GG: I can be direct when the situation calls for it. I do recall a certain conversation we had in a certain hallway not too long ago.

JT: Don’t go changing the subject now.

GG: All right, but you know how well I am at playing a switch game.

JT: Do I ever. From Sheryl in the UK. ‘What are your views on marriage?’

GG: W…what?

JT: Mr. Gerard, I do believe there is a bit of perspiration on your upper lip. Yes, I said the M-word. She further would like to know ‘if any recent events have changed your view on marriage. And what about children? Do you want any? If so, how will you reconcile your chosen (dangerous) career with parenthood?’

GG: Hold on now. That’s a whole lot more than one question. Aren’t there rules or something that go along with these questions?

JT: Rules? Since when do you follow rules or even laws, for that matter? Come, come now, our readers are waiting for an answer.

GG: You know, this interview has gone on a whole lot longer than I’d expected. I’m supposed to be down at Central any minute. (He rose from his seat)

JT: Not so fast. (I stood too and approached him before he exited the room) I know you like to run things by your own system but the readers have a right to know the answers. You don’t have anything else to add?

GG: Ah, Juliet, this isn’t my thing and you know it.

JT: Sure I know it which is why I was so curious to find out why you had agreed to this interview.

GG: I don’t know. It seemed like a great PR opportunity for the agency.

JT: Uh-huh, the agency. You don’t think that you might have been a little flattered by all these female readers with their hearts beating energetically at the possibility of learning more about you.

GG: I suppose, maybe…

JT: And now you are just going to run off like a scared kid.

GG: Now wait a minute, Juliet. You know me better than that. I'm not one to run away. I…

JT: Agent, why don’t you just kiss me before you go?

GG: Kiss you? Well, if you insist. I never was one to disappoint a lady.

JT: No, no one could ever accuse you of that—most especially me.

Curious to learn more about Grant and Juliet? You will find them in the two released NovelTea books: A Night of NovelTea and NovelTea Next Door. They are both available at The Wild Rose Press.

First posted on the Author’s Studio

Another Glowing Review for NovelTea Next Door

2008-09-18T15:33:00.003-04:00

Oh wow! I was so excited to see NovelTea Next Door had been reviewed again and given a 4 ½ book rating from LASR!! It’s a terrific review.

Grant seems like the suave, sensible albeit cocky spy we all love to fantasize about. He made me laugh along with him as he stealthily intercepted the Chinese take out guy and taught Juliet how to pickpocket. He has many cards up his sleeve and I would love to see all of them. Juliet is a darling. Her simple nature and quick brain won me over in minutes. Their relationship has a solid base and a refreshing feel. The sparks can definitely be felt between them and the conversation is never stilted.

Even though everything happens at a fast pace you never feel rushed as your heart is pounding along with lead pair’s as they are madly dashing after the bad guy. Not even once did I complain about the first person perspective as I normally do; it just seemed fit for a story like this. I love the way the plot balanced the romantic relationship and the proceedings in the case. I must admit that their moves made me a little nervous at times as I was wondering whether they would make it or would get caught. The flow never got interrupted and I never left my seat before the adventure ended. Ms. Green knows how to end a book to keep her readers wanting more. NovelTea Next Door keeps you on edge and interested the whole time. The NovelTea Series has all the right ingredients of a winner series. I just hate that I have to wait to find out what happens next!

Thank you Bluebell! You can read the entire review at the LASR website.

Reader Review for NovelTea Next Door

2008-09-10T14:55:00.000-04:00

I had a reader post this review for NovelTea Next Door and I just had to share.

I came in from work and sat down with Novel Tea Next Door, and I didn't move, not even to make tea! This is excellent, totally riveting and utterly spellbinding. I'm not sure whether the romance between Grant and Juliet or the investigative storyline makes most compelling reading, but both are powerfully written. The investigation side of it is very 24ish, invoking pulse-racing palpitating action. I could visualise every scene. The "love" scenes tempered with just the right amount of "action" gets the pulse going at a fair whack, too. I love that cocky, self-contained Grant reveals a little about himself, albeit reluctantly, and finds a part of himself that he never knew existed. I love that Juliet grows stronger in her role, yet retains just the right amount of femininity and vulnerability. In short, I would highly, absolutely recommend this read.

Thank you Sheryl Browne!

NovelTea Next Door TWRP #5 Best Seller!!

2008-08-28T09:43:00.000-04:00

Wow I can hardly believe it! NovelTea Next Door is TWRP #5 best seller and #1 in Suspense. I don’t know how long it will last but it’s exciting!!

To celebrate, here is a new excerpt (a scene between Grant and Juliet):

“And what makes you want to do this…to spend your life doing this? Do you crave danger or something?”

The assessing look in Juliet’s eyes told me that my answer would be important in her determining my character. I selected my words with care. “Danger? Not exactly. I could say that I do this because I’m a patriot, serving my country. Maybe I do to a certain extent.” I stood and walked toward one of the many bookshelves littered throughout her apartment. “But really I do it because it needs to be done.”

“What about your family, Grant? What do they think of what you do?”

I peered at her with a wry smile. “My family?” I would much rather have been detained in a Mexican prison than add to that subject. “Let’s just say that if you come from a model family you probably wouldn’t elect to take my place. My years growing up were an ideal training ground for my chosen profession. I learned to trust no one.”

She rose from her seat and came up beside me. “But you trusted me.” She didn’t touch me again as she had at the table but I was sure wishing she would. I would enjoy that a whole lot more than talking about my history.

“Yes, I trusted you.”

“So, tell me about your family. You’ve never said anything about them before.”

This conversation was not going the direction I would have chosen. Time to switch tack. I pulled out one of the volumes of poetry from the shelf and flipped through the pages as I answered her. “I have an older, married sister who lives a couple hours away.”

I’d had enough heart to heart time. Stopping my perusal through the book on Emily Dickinson’s Love Poem number XX, I began to read out loud. “‘I have no life but this, to lead it here’” I looked up to see Juliet with a pleasant smile on her face and eyeing me with that particular gleam which always made my pulse speed up. I continued. “‘Nor any death, but lest dispelled from there.’”

Now Juliet joined in with me. “‘Nor tie to earths to come, nor action new, except through this extent, the realm of you.’” The poem ended there and we just continued to stare at each other. I’ve never been much of a poetry fan but there are moments when it hits you straight between the eyes.

I set the book down on the shelf in front of the row of organized books and then reached out to cup her cheek. There was an honesty about her that pulled on me. I’d spent so much time dealing with low-lifes and hardened government agents that it was something completely new to be faced with absolute sincerity. Of course, there were other things about her I enjoyed—the way she smelled like something fresh and innocent, how she made me laugh, her manner of crinkling up her eyes when she was angry or confused, her no-nonsense way of approaching things. I could go on and on—there were too many things.

On her own, she moved her face closer to mine. “Grant?” She spoke in a gentle, smooth tone, sending my empty existence into a whirl again.

“Yes, Juliet?” I moved a centimeter closer and prepared myself to touch her lips once more.

“Do you think you could teach me something?”

I raised my eyebrows at her question. What was she referring to? She couldn’t possibly be thinking what I was thinking. “I’m sure there are a lot of things I would love to teach you, Juliet.” I think I just loved saying her name. There’s something sensuous about the way it flows off my tongue.

“Good.” She stepped back and then smiled at me. “I want you to teach me that pick-pocket trick.”

“What?” I was still in a fog. I was just about to kiss her and now…she wanted me to teach her to pick-pocket? I shook my head from side to side. She was something else. Another smile tipped the corners of my mouth. “Sure, if that’s what you want.”

Want to read the first chapter? Come by my website. Available now at The Wild Rose Press.

Outstanding Review for NovelTea Next Door

2008-08-20T10:36:00.003-04:00

First review for NovelTea Next Door from WRDF – a Black Seal – Fantastic - Stays on Shelf. It is equivalent to the 5 star review! Woo-hoo!

Although part of a series this book can stand alone. Ms Green leaves the ending open for the next book, however she does wrap it up enough for the reader to find satisfactory closure.

She creates a great ‘gum shoe’ atmosphere without rendering the story dated, creating a modern hero with a twist. Juliet and Grant are fascinating in their interaction with each other and complement each other beautifully. A very human character, with a slight rough edge to him Grant is a great hero with a deep attraction to Juliet- slightly naive with a hint of prudishness. I was drawn into their relationship which develops alongside the mystery. This isn’t a roller coaster ride of suspense, it has a slower, steadier pace, yet remains engaging throughout. The romantic elements of the plot are tightly drawn with a faster pace than the mystery. I thoroughly enjoyed it and wanted to rush out and buy the previous book in the series.

The book is written in the first person from Grant’s POV. This may put some readers off but I didn’t struggle with it at all. I think Ms Green pulls it off successfully and it enhances the reader’s involvement rather than detracting from the story. I can’t wait for the next one in the series.

Overall, a very successful ‘sweet mini’ and definitely worth a read.

Reviewed by Vasiliki Scurfield

I can tell you I was quite nervous about the first review…well, this sequel as a whole. The first NovelTea was so well received; I wasn’t sure how this second one would rate. I’m thrilled with this fantastic review.

The Future of NovelTea

2008-08-07T20:56:00.000-04:00

So, NovelTea Next Door is finally released. Does that mean there is anything else to blog about here at the NovelTea blog? Of course there is! I have two more books to finish--two more adventures with Grant and Juliet.

I am currently plotting out book 3: NovelTea Takes a Holiday. When NovelTea Next Door ends, we know Juliet is off to take some vacation time with her aunt out in the Outer Banks in NC. This one is going to feel very different. I'm planning a new spin for this third addition to the series. Not only will there be the humorous tone and suspense of the other stories; it will also follow the format of a cozy mystery. A murder most foul. Think Agatha Christie. While Juliet is on vacation, one of the guests at the inn where she is staying will wind up dead. He happens to be the man, Grant has been trying to locate. So, what to do?? Grant is sent in to pose as the local police detective because whoever killed this man stole important government data. And the murderer must be one of the guests. Should be fun. And whose POV will I use? Hmm, I’m considering using…both! We’ll see how it goes. Until Next Time.

Don’t forget to get your copy of Novel Tea Next Door available now at The Wild Rose Press.

NovelTea Next Door is Officially Released!

2008-07-31T11:15:00.000-04:00

Yay! The day I’ve been waiting for has finally arrived. NovelTea Next Door is no longer just an idea, a manuscript or a galley. It is officially my latest release with the Wild Rose Press!

A Night of NovelTea (book 1 of the series) brought us into the world of secret agents aka: spies through the eyes of the naïve bookshop owner, Juliet. She doesn’t know what’s going on but she has no choice but to go along with it. In the second book, NovelTea Next Door, I had to bring this world to life even more especially as it is written from the perspective of government agent, Grant Gerard. That included creating a villain and a believable case to solve. I hope you will enjoy this sequel. It is dedicated to all the readers. Thank you.

An Excerpt:

After covertly glancing around the store, I slipped into the back room as I heard the heels of Juliet’s pumps click across the cement floor. She stopped in front of a shelf filled with large encyclopedia sized books, her attention down on her clipboard. I watched her for a moment as she checked inventory until I heard a key in the door behind me. I really couldn’t be seen in here. Thinking quickly, I ran up to Juliet, grabbed her from behind, wrapping my arm around her shoulders before drawing her around the corner and behind another shelf of books.

We were squished together, her back pressed against the wall and mine up against the shelving unit. I had placed my hand over her mouth so she wouldn’t let out a scream or more likely a yell. As she faced me, obvious fear reflected in her eyes which was soon replaced with relief when she recognized me. I held a finger in front of my lips to signal she should be quiet before removing my hand.

Now her forehead furrowed up with annoyance. She shifted her shoulders up and mouthed the word “What?” Again, I signaled for her to be quiet as footsteps neared our position.

“Juliet?” a voice asked. I could see feet encased in a pair of navy-blue tennis shoes. It was most likely one of the NovelTea employees seeking out the manager.

We both remained silent in our hidden location. I could tell Juliet was unsure why we were concealing ourselves from one of her workers. It’s not like we were in any real danger, but it was good training for Juliet. I looked into her face, as her nose—with the light distribution of freckles—was only a few inches from mine, and smiled at her. I’m sure it came across cocky but I was just glad to see her.

The female who had come looking for Juliet turned and exited the stock room. When I heard the door snap shut, Juliet sent me a scathing glare and removed herself from our hideaway. As I made my way out, I noticed she wasn’t waiting for me but was instead moving toward the door. I raced up to her and took a hold of her upper arm until she faced me.

“What are you going to do to me now, Mr. Gerard?” She had that glare thing down good.

I smiled my best smile, hoping to thaw her mood into something closer to good humor. “You mean you don’t like hiding with me in the dark.” I still held her hand and for some reason she didn’t pull away.

The corner of her mouth twitched as though she might smile but she didn’t. “If memory serves me correctly, the last time I had to hide out with you, it left me with an indelible recollection I wish I could forget. The sight of a dumpster still makes my skin crawl.” The smile she had been repressing came pouring to the surface this time. She knew it too. No doubt hoping to avoid detection, she slipped her hand away and turned from me.

I stepped close to her from the back and leaned my head near her ear. “Juliet,” I whispered. I watched as she shivered.

“Yes,” she replied. The edge was gone as her voice softened.

“I only came by to make sure you were okay.”

She twisted around in a graceful pirouette-like motion with a scowl marring her beautiful face. “Grant, don’t stand there spouting lame excuses about your behavior. I just knew something like this was going to happen.” She looked upward as if whoever she was talking to was on the ceiling and then began to circle around me, her anger beginning to simmer. She didn’t say anything but it wouldn’t be long before she boiled over.

“Juliet, I really did come to see you.”

“Yes, I’m sure you did.” She continued to pace around me like a carnivore about to devour a meal.

“I just didn’t want to be seen by anyone. Remember, I’m supposed to be incognito.”

“So, why…” She paused, her attention averted by the sound near the door.

She looked back to me and placed her palm on my chest, pushing me around the corner. If this was the way she wanted to punish me, I wouldn’t stand in her way. I worked hard not to smile at her. She was so serious, and the way she twisted her face up when she was angry was just too tempting. I had to smile.

To Purchase, please visit The Wild Rose Press.

************

Don’t miss out on book 1 of the series: Available now: A Night of NovelTea.

Juliet Truesdale believes life is passing her by as she runs her parents bookstore/tea shop until the day a handsome, mysterious stranger enters the shop, steals her heart and turns her life upside down, throwing her into a mix of dangerous yet comical situations she never could have contemplated.

Writing the Sequel

2008-06-20T11:38:00.003-04:00

Each week, we get a little bit closer to the release of the NovelTea sequel. And as excited as I am to have everyone read it, I can’t deny that I am quite a bit nervous too. I read through the first story the other day and it really is a fun, well-written piece. I only hope nobody will be disappointed in the second.

When I set out to write NovelTea Next Door: Book 2 in the NovelTea series, I had an idea of what I wanted to accomplish. I wanted to maintain the humorous tone of the first story but I hoped to gain some depth with the characters too. It was time to get into the head of this unknown government agent and find out what made him tick—what was he really like on the inside. It was very fun delving into Grant Gerard and hopefully bringing his character to the page.

I knew I also needed to plot a suspenseful tale from beginning to end with a villain and everything, yet again keeping the humorous tone. This was probably the most difficult for me especially since this case leads to book 3 and book 4. What you read here is only the beginning. Therefore, I made it very simple. It becomes more and more complicated and intricate in the subsequent stories. And I had the most fun writing my villain, and it wasn’t until towards the very end that I came up with a twist which you will find out when you read the book. Hopefully, it pleases all the readers.

In essence, NovelTea Next Door is Grant’s story. You are in his perspective and he is telling you all his thoughts, insecurities and secrets. By the end, you should know him pretty well. He may come across cocky and sure of himself, but is that who he really is?? Stay tuned because July 30^th will be here before you know it and you will have answers to your questions--of course it might incite even more questions.

Release Date NovelTea Next Door

2008-06-14T11:18:00.000-04:00

Book 2 in the NovelTea Series, NovelTea Next Door, now has a release date...

JULY 30th!!!!!!!!!!

Mark your calendars. I'm very excited and I must say a little bit nervous to see this second book release. I know readers were very pleased with book #1 and I just hope they are as happy with the sequel. And in only about 7 more weeks, we will see if this volume is as fun and exciting as the first. Stay tuned!

A Fresh New Cover

2008-05-22T20:02:00.000-04:00

That's right! The Wild Rose Press has created new covers for the older titles, and I received this brand, spankin' new cover for A Night of NovelTea. I love it! It really does evoke the feeling in the first book. The other great thing is that it includes the logo created for the series which was to appear on Book 2. Now it is also on the the first one so I am very happy.

To celebrate, here is an excerpt from A Night of NovelTea:

I casually turned my head to see if it was the teenage cashier, Katie, needing my assistance once again. It wasn’t Katie. Far from it. In place of the thin, sixteen-year-old blonde girl was a man…a tall man. There was a dignified manner about him just by the way he stood there, looking so out of place. His face revealed a certain amount of urgency which was unusual all by itself. The people who came into this shop either knew what they wanted or they had all the time in the world to decide, even after my hundredth suggestion.

His eyes glanced down at the book in my hand and then back to my face. Before I had a chance to say anything, he spoke, his voice low and pleasing. “The appealing character of Admiral Wentworth made Persuasion an enjoyable story, don’t you think?”

A tiny smile pulled at the corner of my mouth. Any Jane Austen fan worth his or her salt knows that Wentworth, as appealing as he is, was only ever a Captain.

I cocked my head to the side, attempting to take in a good view of the man before me. His eyes were blue, icy blue. They were so clear I felt like I could almost see right through them. In contrast, his hair was dark, so much so that the bright overhead lighting seemed to make it glisten. Yet he was clearly uneasy about something. He tried to hide it, but it was there in his eyes.

I wondered what to say. Should I correct him? He was the most interesting person to stop by the store in...well, I’m not sure how long. I certainly didn’t want to insult this creature who finally brought some intrigue into this most tedious of days.

“Captain Wentworth,” I emphasized, “has always been a favorite of mine.” I wanted to embellish my answer, to elucidate all the critical literary expositions I had studied, read, and written about during my long and illustrious career as a college student.

Before saying anything more, he glanced to the left and to the right, apparently scoping out the place. I didn’t know what he was worried about. The shop was filled with shoppers, browsers, and look-i-lous. There were even a couple elderly ladies finishing a cup of tea in the tea room. Katie was more than likely sitting in a chair behind the counter reading one of her countless fashion mags while she waited to check out customers.

His frame of mind was unreadable as sparkling eyes focused back on me. He was absolutely the kind of man I had daydreamed about coming into the shop and sweeping me off my feet with similar interests in literature and art. I was sure he was just making polite small talk with his opening remarks and he would now move on, browsing until he came to what he was actually looking for. But he didn’t move on. Instead, he progressed toward me, compelling me into the wall at my back, the book in my hand dropping to the floor.

A shiver of fear swept down from my head to the tips of my toes. I tried to remember what I had learned in that self defense class. In the blink of an eye, this attractive, melancholy soul had turned from interesting to down right terrifying. Maybe I should rethink my ideas of having some excitement thrust into my life.

I wanted to scream but it was like my throat had tightened up and I had no power to force out the smallest of sounds to alert Katie to summon the security guard. The next moment his hands wrapped around me, one at my waist and the other behind my neck. Then he did the most surprising thing of all. He lowered his face to mine and kissed me. Being almost thirty years old, I had of course been kissed before, but never like this. It may have been due to the whole exciting situation of basically being violated by a stranger in such a way, but it was the most magical kiss I had ever experienced. Yes, magical. Like one of those Sleeping Beauty kisses that wakes up something inside of you.

He whispered to me now, “Tonight. At eight. Near the south side exit.” A tingly sensation exploded all over me as his warm breath caressed my neck. His hand at my waist moved to the pocket in my pants, slipping his hand inside. The next second he had moved back. He glanced at me for a moment more with a kind smile on his face as if his previous actions had been an unfortunate necessity. Then he turned and walked out the door, the sound of the bells chiming his exit.

I remained glued to my spot, looking out the windowed entrance where my mystery man had just departed. After bringing a finger to my lips, I could still felt the heat. With my heart continuing to whirl with exhilaration, I realized I had absolutely no idea what that was all about. I was intrigued.

Smoothing down my blouse and then my pants, I felt a slight bulge in my pocket. It was then that I remembered how he had slipped his hand inside just before he stepped away from me.

Reaching into it, I pulled out a matchbook from Mary Jane’s Place, a seedy cocktail lounge and restaurant downtown. Evidently, he wanted me to meet him at this place at eight o’clock tonight. It was completely ridiculous to even contemplate going. This man was a stranger. He was unknown and frankly, he seemed a little dangerous.

Exploring further into the expanse of my pocket I discovered something else. It was a tiny, flat manila envelope about two and a half inches in length. It was sealed with a number written on the front in pencil, File no. 31457.

What was this? Was I meant to open it? Was it for me? Or was this… All the thoughts careening around in my head ceased as I tried to wrap my mind around the idea that this was much bigger than I had at first surmised.

I stared at the envelope in my hand. What did these numbers mean and why had this stranger given it to me? Why me? It was thrilling and horrifying at the same moment to think about meeting him and seeing where all this led. I glanced at the discarded copy of Persuasion near my feet. Anne Eliot had so much to regret as her story opens. Here I was at my time of life and I didn’t have any real regrets because I hadn’t allowed myself to do anything to have them. But was I seriously brave enough to see this through? Am I insane enough?

To Purchase a Copy of A Night of NovelTea visit The Wild Rose Press or Fictionwise.

Point of View: A Question for the Ages

2008-05-16T14:17:00.000-04:00

This is a topic discussed by authors quite often and no more so than among romance novelists. First person? Third Person? I even read a historical novel recently in 2^nd. And then once that is settled, you must decide whose perspective each scene will take place in. Now we come to the dilemma. Is it all right to switch POV within a scene—from hero to heroine and even among the secondary characters?

I have to admit I am a stickler for POV shifts. I find it very disturbing to switch from one person’s head to the next. When I began learning the ins and outs of writing, specifically in the romance genre, this was a big no-no. Regardless, I have been finding more and more authors breaking this rule. Sometimes it is done so seamlessly between hero and heroine that you hardly notice. These are the good authors. Other times, I find the author is a major head-hopper, skipping from hero to heroine and back again and then over to this side character and into another—like an alien body snatcher who can’t make up his mind. And you the reader find yourself confused, wondering who the heck you are supposed to be following.

This isn’t so much of an issue in other genres, but in romance, it’s all about the emotions—a sensual experience. Meaning, you experience the scene through all the senses and get wrapped up in the emotion of the scene through a particular character. If you switch from character to character, how is that supposed to happen?

In my books and stories, I make it very clear when I am switching from one character to the next. It will only happen between the hero and heroine and only at scene breaks. Why am I discussing this on my NovelTea Blog? The reason is because I am working out the details to the 3^rd book: NovelTea Takes a Holiday.

The NovelTea stories have always been told in 1^st person. I like that perspective. It lets me get close to them and share more with the reader than might be done in 3^rd. In A Night of NovelTea, the story is told from Juliet’s point of view, and in NovelTea Next Door, the action follows Grant. I’ve had to decide how to tell this next story. And the answer I’ve come up with is that I want to tell it from both their perspectives. I know Juliet and Grant well enough now that I believe it can be done. What can be done, you might ask? Write this story in first person from both the hero and heroine’s POV.

This could be very tricky, and I know several authors who’ve told me they would never attempt it. But I like the idea and challenge of it. By doing this, I can tell the story as they both see it, and build this relationship that they’ve started to a higher peak. And you can be sure that my change of point of view will be quite delineated. More than ever the reader could be confused on who is speaking and what is going on if they don’t know whose perspective they are in.

It is one of those things we, authors, will argue over into the ages. Point of View. But my ‘view’ on the subject hasn’t changed. Strict adherence to point of view changes is important. It makes your writing stronger, your story better and your readers will love you for it.

Villains

2008-04-04T18:24:00.001-04:00

Today let’s talk about villains. Since NovelTea is a romantic suspense series, I of course had to create a villain. In A Night of NovelTea, we are brought into the world of secret agents aka: spies through the eyes of the naïve bookshop owner, Juliet. She doesn’t know what’s going on but she has no choice but to go along with it. In the second book, NovelTea Next Door, I had to bring this world to life even more. That included creating a villain. I found this exercise completely freeing and exciting—getting into the head of a psychopath. And by the end of the story, I had to decide what to do with my villain. Does he die or does he live to see another day? That is the question.

I think when you come to that point in your book of whether to save or kill off a character, it comes down to—has this character played out their whole story or is there more to tell. This was a question I had to answer as I wrote the penultimate chapter in NovelTea Next Door. What did I decide? Well, you will just have to read it and find out.

Here is the Prologue to NovelTea Next Door from the first person perspective of the villain. Imagine it is midnight and shadowy. The voice speaking is rich, smooth and well articulated.

The darkness of midnight embraced me like an ever expectant lover. Standing alone in my solitary state peering out at the shadowed city streets, I was captivated. The black sheet of the night skyline twinkled with a diminutive number of stars. Leaning over the balcony railing, I slowly inhaled a gulp of the crisp air. This was the time of day when I felt alive—when my true spirit was released and I could feel it breathing inside of me.

It had all been just too easy. His arrogance and their conceit have played right into my hand. Before they put the pieces together, all evidence of my existence will be gone and they’ll once more be rubbing their heads wondering what went wrong.

I’ll be sad to end this charade. It has served me well. Perhaps too well. I was becoming overly comfortable in this guise—making contact with too many people…like her. She would have loved the real me if only I could have shown her. In another time or another place, I might have had that chance. Maybe I still will. I’m beginning to grow tired of this game. At any rate, time has a way of catching up with you in the end.

Watch the Book Trailer

2008-03-29T16:26:00.004-04:00

I received the first rounds of edits for NovelTea Next Door last night. That means this title may be released in June which is what I was really hoping for. A Night of NovelTea released in June '07.

If you haven't watched the book trailer for A Night of NovelTea, here it is.

NovelTea Next Door

2008-03-21T17:37:00.002-04:00

Book #2 in the NovelTea Series will come out later this year. In fact, I begin edits in May. I will let you know when I get a release date. The story takes place in early September, but I am hoping it will release in the summertime. Here is the blurb for the sequel and an excerpt:

Second in the NovelTea Series:

Government agent Grant Gerard knows he’s cocky. It’s the reason he can do this job day after day. He’s always kept his life simple and uncomplicated…until destiny took a turn when he met bookstore/tea shop owner Juliet Truesdale.

Armed with a new lead pertaining to known criminal spook, Alexis Guthrie, Grant enlists Juliet to aid the investigation which ends up at the door of her neighbor, Adam Trudeau. This investment banker neighbor of hers seems harmless enough despite his annoying interest in Juliet. Will this turn of events only usher in more dangerous or even deadly situations for the duo? Can Grant allow Juliet into his heart and keep her safe from the danger looming in the distance?

What are you going to do to me now, Mr. Gerard?”

Oh yeah, Juliet had that glare thing down good. I smiled my best smile, hoping to thaw her mood into something closer to good humor. “You mean you don’t like hiding with me in the dark.” I still held her hand and for some reason she didn’t pull away.

I stepped close to her from the back and leaned my head near her ear. “Juliet,” I whispered. I watched as she shivered.

“Yes,” she replied. The edge was gone as her voice softened.

“I only came by to make sure you were okay.”

She twisted around in a graceful pirouette-like motion with a scowl marring her beautiful face. “Grant, don’t stand there spouting lame excuses about your behavior. I just knew something like this was going to happen.” She looked upwards as if whoever she was talking to was on the ceiling and then began to circle around me, her anger beginning to simmer. She didn’t say anything but it wouldn’t take long before she boiled over.

“Juliet, I’m sorry. I really did come to see you.”

“Yes, I’m sure you did.” She continued to pace around me like a carnivore about to devour a meal.

“I just didn’t want to be seen by anyone. Remember I’m supposed to be incognito.”

“So, why…” She paused, her attention averted by the sound near the door.

She looked back to me and placed her palm on my chest, pushing me around the corner. If this was the way she wanted to punish me, I wouldn’t stand in her way. I worked hard not to grin at her. She was so serious, and the way she twisted her face up when she was angry was just too tempting. I had to smile.”

To read the Prologue and first chapter come by my website.

Until next week...

A Night of NovelTea

2008-03-07T10:19:00.003-05:00

Available Now at The Wild Rose Press

~ Reviews ~

Although the idea of a handsome mystery man suddenly appearing and pulling the bored woman into a suspenseful jaunt is one that many of us yearn for, it’s seldom done with such fun and classic appeal! Juliet is the epitome of a bored bookseller. She knows her Jane Austin as well as most people know their zip codes and she’s not above politely correcting someone who confuses characters in any of Miss Austin’s novels. Her feisty intelligence, along with the way she was willingly pulled into the mystery, make her a charming character. I liked her, and I wanted her to find magic and mystery. And perhaps a bit of romance, too. So since A Night of NovelTea delivers on all of these counts, I found it to be very satisfying. ~ Marlene at Fallen Angel Reviews

Events are unexpected, characters unpredictable in this fun and speedy tale. The author brings us from hope to despair to terror, almost within the space of one sentence. Green makes us believe that a 'normal everyday woman Can rise to the occasion and behave like a pro...' facing adversaries with the best of them. Empathy for the main character's dilemma is paramount throughout. Questions like, can you judge a person's character by their literary interests? intersect with the challenging puzzle of just what is going on.

"A Night of NovelTea" is a unusual romance and a deceptively believable read, bounding, as it does, from farce to to fun. ~ Nancy at Long and Short of it Reviews

The Characters of NovelTea: Grant Gerard

2008-02-29T11:43:00.008-05:00

Although Grant was introduced to readers in the first book, you really don’t know much about him. Juliet is telling the story and she doesn’t know who he is or what he’s doing. In fact, these are the things she contemplates when she is trying to talk herself out of falling for him.

In book #2, NovelTea Next Door, we learn a lot more about Grant yet there is still much more to be explored in the subsequent titles. When I started to write the sequel, I wasn’t exactly sure how he would come across. After writing a few chapters, I had my critique partner read it and she said it was interesting that he’s cocky and he knows it. That was very telling to me and I used that as I continued to write. He’s cocky; he knows it, but why??

Grant Gerard is a government agent who has always been very focused on the job. He likes his life uncomplicated but meeting Juliet changed all that. He’s attracted to her but he’s also working with her and knows he needs to keep his distance or he will blow this operation and put Juliet into even more danger. He also finds Juliet incredibly refreshing because she is so honest and sincere. He isn’t used to that. He’s used to working with criminals and hardened agents.

Okay without further ado, here are a few excerpts to let you more into the mind of our intrepid hero:

****

Another week wraps up to a gratifying conclusion. Another perp stashed safely behind bars. When I thought of myself it couldn’t be as anything more or less than—Grant Gerard, government agent. It was who I was—my identity. I may not love it each and every moment of every day but it was in my blood, a part of me. It was what I ate, drank, and dreamed about—day in and day out. At least, that’s the way it used to be.

****

“Grant, get in here a minute.”

Harry’s authoritative voice snapped me back to reality. I knew that tone. What had I done now?

“What’s up Harry? You have another niece in town dying to meet me?” I casually slipped into one of the vinyl covered chairs in his office and crossed my ankles on top of his desk as I gave him a big grin. I don’t know why I did it. I knew it would only tick him off but it was just too tempting and I was still on a high off of Juliet’s smile.

“Why don’t you make yourself at home Gerard? You finished with the games?” He shifted in his seat, leaning his right elbow into the arm rest as the rest of his body moved in toward me on the other side of his desk.

I sat up straighter as I took in his serious tone, the vinyl of the chair beneath my legs reverberating offensively. “What’s all this about?”

“It’s Alexis Guthrie.”

****

I pressed the doorbell and a minute later, Juliet herself stood in front of me. Dressed in a green, fluffy robe with her damp nearly waist-length auburn hair hanging behind her and her bangs pulled back with a head band, she looked as natural as a modern girl can these days. Her recently showered scent was tantalizing. There went those ideas of mine again.

“Someone order Chinese?” I opened with a big smile. Her cheeks filled with color as she recognized me. Appearing completely stunned, she was speechless and I’m sure a little embarrassed. I’d called her bluff.

The next second, I found she’d tripped over her enormous furry slippers and was coming right for me. What could I do? I dropped the food and caught her. I twirled her around and looked into her deep brown eyes with golden swirls moving in their seemingly bottomless depths. “Falling for me again?” I flashed her one of my signature grins. Then I set her upright, grabbed the sacks of food and waltzed right inside. Apparently, she still hadn’t found her voice.

I left the doorway and moved into the apartment. It had become habit to enter any location with a practiced eye—surveying it like a highly technical device, scoping out the windows, doors, exits, balcony, and anything that on short notice could double as a possible weapon.

After examining the room, I noticed she’d paused the movie. A chickflick. One that I’d actually seen before. There was a cup of tea and a bowl of popcorn on her oak-stained coffee table. It was a party for one. I set the bags of food down on the table and plopped onto the worn but comfortable looking couch while I spread my arms across the back and smiled at Juliet still standing in the entryway. She joined me a couple moments later, minus the slippers. The head band was gone too and she was attempting to fluff her bangs into some kind of control.

“Sorry if I’ve interrupted your plans but you’re just going to have to postpone them.”

“Grant Gerard, what…what…”

“What am I doing here?” I tossed some of her popcorn into my mouth and flipped the movie back on with the remote.

“Yes…hey! How did you get that?” She looked at the remote in my hand as she patted at her robe. “I thought I put it…”

“…You did. I lifted it from your pocket.”

A smile pulled at her mouth. She was trying to repress it, but there it was just the same. “What are you? Some kind of…professional pickpocket?”

“Well, yeah, when the job calls for it.” I grinned again. Then I stopped the movie and set the remote on the arm of the couch beside me.

Thanks for reading today. I'll be back next week with more on the NovelTea series.

Today's Post

2008-02-22T17:51:00.002-05:00

Sorry I wasn't able to do my weekly post. I've been very sick all week. I'll be back to business next week. Happy reading.

The Characters of NovelTea: Juliet Truesdale

2008-02-15T13:32:00.008-05:00

Juliet was introduced to readers in A Night of NovelTea. In fact, the entire story is written in first person from her perspective. To get to know her a little bit better let me just quote her from the very first paragraph of the story.

Another day bites the dust. Another monotonous week comes to a glorious end. As I stood in the fiction section of my family’s store, NovelTea Books, a bookstore/tea shop, I wondered if this was all my life would ever amount to. Here I was—twenty-nine year old Juliet Truesdale with a Masters degree in Literature—working my life away in this book store.

Basically, Juliet finds her life boring and monotonous until a handsome stranger brings maybe a little too much excitement to her life. In this first story, Juliet is just reacting to everything happening around her and she has no idea what exactly is happening and no one will tell her. She is frustrated to say the least.

When I wrote this story, it was definitely a jaunt. I was just along for the ride, writing by the seat of my pants. So, when I went to write the sequel, I realized even though this second story will come from the perspective of the hero, that I had a whole lot more of Juliet to show. For one thing, I never even had her describe herself. So, now I had dear, government agent Grant Gerard explaining that she had long auburn hair hanging almost to her waist and deep brown eyes.

As I created Juliet, I wanted her to be normal. Too many times in TV and the movies, we see women who should be totally unprepared for the tasks coming before them and yet they take it on like a trained pro. Juliet is strong but she has no problem relying on Grant, leaning on his shoulder and letting him take the lead. He is the professional after all. But she also will question things when the time calls for it. She is a smart cookie, ya know. She even finished graduate school. And when the time comes for her to shine she does find a way to rise to the occasion. As the series progresses, Juliet gains experience and skills until she really is prepared to deal with the unknown and the known dangers out there.

I had such a fun time writing Juliet. I named her Juliet because I wanted it to be very literary and her name does incite some discussion between the two main characters. I chose Truesdale as her last name because she is everything good and true to Grant. And it just sounded like a good Girl-Friday kinda name. A lot of the personality you see come out in her is very much like me. In fact, my sister read the first paragraph of the first story and said that sounded exactly like me. I love this paragraph from Book #1. I literally laughed while writing this entire scene.

This really couldn’t be happening to me. It was just my over-active imagination at work again after watching one too many episodes of those crime/drama shows. Darn those programs. But it wasn’t my imagination. This really was happening. I could just envision my tombstone in the cemetery. “Here lies Juliet Truesdale.” I was going to die…here in this alley. This is where I will breathe my last breath. This is where the police will find my body and my poor mother will have to come identify my remains. Oh good Lord, Mother! My eyes flew wide open.

Now that you know Juliet a little bit better, tune in next week for more about our hero, Grant.

The Origins of NovelTea

2008-02-08T10:38:00.000-05:00

As I start into this blog for my NovelTea series, I realized I should open with how this whole series came to mind. What started it all.

I really have to give credit to the inspiration of the very first story to several things. First, I had just watched the first two seasons of the TV series 24 on DVD in a very short time (like 2 weeks), second my love of romantic suspense and old shows like Scarecrow and Mrs. King. And lastly and most importantly I blame A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Your Wedding. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, A Funny Thing… is my full-length Inspirational novel from The Wild Rose Press. I was in the middle of editing it. And if you have never edited a full-length book let me tell you it can be grueling and it can dampen your creative spirit until you are but a frizzle of sparks. One night I was lying in bed trying to go to sleep when I decided then and there I needed to write something new. It had been over a month since I tried—too busy editing.

I grabbed my PDA from my bedside table and began to compose right there into the device. I probably only wrote about three to four hundred words but it did my soul good to write again. I’d also just read Jane Austen’s Persuasion for the umpteenth time and if you have read the first NovelTea story, A Night of NovelTea, you would know that this book plays a certain role in the story. So for the next few nights, I would compose in the dark after my husband and kids went to sleep—for about a half hour or less. (Sound crazy??) Then I would drop off to sleep and be ready for my next day of tasks and editing.

Eventually, I realized this was turning into quite a story. I put it onto my lap top and plotted out the ending because up to this point it had been a seat of your pants kind of story. When I finished it, I just loved it. It was a story with light suspense, comedy like a chick-lit and sweet romance all rolled together with a dashing secret agent hero. What more could you ask for? I hadn’t intended to submit it for publication but after allowing some of my family members to read it, I knew I had to submit. I received the contract mere days from sending it off to my editor.

I left the first story very open to a sequel (or two or three…). After the story was released, I received emails and comments from readers and other authors asking when the sequel would be coming. Oh my!! Now I had to write a follow up and I was glad for it. I already had an idea of what I wanted to do next. And this year (2008) NovelTea Next Door will be released. I am plotting out #3 – NovelTea Takes a Holiday and #4 is titled NovelTea Goes to Washington.

I am very pleased and excited about this series. It is full of fun, light suspense, and romance. I’ve had author friends of mine say that they just love the main characters from the series. And in the next post, I’ll talk more about them. Until next Friday…

Welcome!

2008-02-06T16:51:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the blog highlighting the NovelTea Series written by Cindy K. Green available from The Wild Rose Press. This is the place you can learn more about this exciting romantic-comedy suspense series with excerpts and insight into the stories and characters. Please check back EVERY FRIDAY for new posts.