Wedding Archives - Tena Stetler

Apr 11th Interview Charlotte O’Shay Author of Forever in a Moment

Welcome Charlotte O’Shay author of Forever in a Moment, a Deerbourne Inn novella. I simply love these books in the Deetbourne Inn Series set in small town Willow Springs, Vermont. This is a fun multi-author series you don’t want to miss. Pull up a chair, grab a drink of your choice from the cooler, a Chocolate Chip or Peanut Butter cookie from the plate, and let’s find out a little about Charlotte and Forever in a Moment.

Tell us a little about Forever in a Moment.

A stormy encounter…

Samantha DeMartino’s Christmas wedding is two weeks away when her fiancé calls the whole thing off. Word on the street: his cold feet are being heated by an old flame. With her well-ordered world in complete disarray, Sam’s friends convince her to go on her honeymoon—alone. A week at a charming Vermont inn away from the city and her demanding corporate career could be just what she needs to figure out her next steps.

Between his twenty-four seven work schedule on his family’s dairy farm and teaching tourists to ski, Jed Armstrong’s too busy to think about how lonely he is…until Sam sings her way into his life during a Christmas blizzard. Now he has to figure out a way to convince her to stay.

Can a vivacious city girl find forever with a reclusive farmer?
Will her secret keep her from trying?

A sneak peek between the pages of Forever in a Moment:

I stand and shove my hat on my head, anxious to go, not bothering to tuck in the unruly curls escaping my braid.

“Thanks, Jed. Um, tomorrow I’ve made other plans. But…um…thanks for these lessons. I’ve learned so much.” After that stilted speech, which I’ve been practicing in my head for the last five minutes, I smile so wide my bottom teeth are surely showing.

I back toward the door trying to memorize the exact way his hair catches the light streaming through the window. When I put my hand in my jacket pocket, his jaw clamps so hard and his eyes go so dark, I wonder what I’ve done to merit his displeasure before I realize he thinks I’m reaching for cash to tip him. But I pull out my gloves and put them on. They’re my final armor against him. God knows I’ll never forget the feel of his hands on me, whether gentle, capable or rough. I still feel them all over me, cupping my jaw, roving my body, tangling in my hair. I turn and reach for the handle on the door.

“Samantha.” If his voice were angry or commanding I’d have kept going. But his voice is low and there’s an anguished, guttural quality to the way he says my name. And I won’t have it. I can’t have him thinking anything negative about me after I go.

When I turn, he takes a step toward me and I raise a hand. “Stop…I can’t think when you get too close.” My face heats as those damning words spill out and he chuckles, a genuine laugh and it’s the only one between us today.

“Glad I still amuse you.” I fold my arms across my chest.

“I feel the same way, Sam.”

“Jed, don’t make this tougher,” I say but he keeps speaking in that same harsh voice.

“When I’m near you everything fades away except the need to be closer. Close enough to watch your eyes cloud up when I’m about to kiss you, close enough to hear your breathing get ragged when my hands are on you.”

“Jed, we agreed…”

He shakes his head. “No, I gave in. Because you asked me to. If I had my way, I’d see you all day, every day and… sleep with you every night. I…”

“Stop,” I say. “This, us, whatever this is—can’t happen. I go back to New York in a couple of days.” “Sam, I…” “No.” I slash my hand through the air. “I don’t know what’s happening to me.” I’m on edge, close to tears at the way I can’t control my response to him. And all my precious logic is eluding me.

He plows a hand through his hair then captures my gaze with his and I can’t look away.

“What’s happening is us. We’re happening. This is our beginning. You and me together. I’d started to think it would never happen. But it did. When I saw you that first night…I knew. And you did too.”

“No.” My denial is swift. “No. I didn’t. It’s not that simple. We hardly know each other…” I lift my chin in spite of the flush I know covers my cheeks. I think of Jed kissing me awake in bed after a perfect, unforgettable night and I squeeze my eyes shut at the sharp stab of need the recollection brings. But it’s true, isn’t it? We don’t know each other. I surprise myself when a tear trickles down my cheek and I swipe it fast.

Buy Links:
Amazon

My review on Forever in a Moment

Your heart goes out to Samantha DeMartino when her fiancé calls off their Christmas wedding two weeks before the event. Since the honeymoon already paid for (by the scumbag that jilted her) she goes alone to a cozy Vermont Inn. On her way to Deerbourn Inn her SUV runs out of gas in a blinding blizzard. She has no choice but to try to make it to the Inn on foot. I loved the scene where she is walking in the blizzard singing Christmas carols when Jed Armstrong stops to give her a ride to the Inn. The author describes the scene so well you feel like you are right there with her. Also you can identify with Jed when he considers her crazy for being out in the blizzard on foot.

I love to be swept along in the story with characters so full of life and setting described so well you can see, hear and smell the scene. Kudo’s to Ms. O’Shay! If you like second chance stories in a small town this book is for you! Don’t wait another minute, grab your copy today.

5 stars

About the Author:

Charlotte and her suit and tie wearing corporate warrior live in Manhattan with their last child, a black dog who thinks he’s a bear. When Charlotte isn’t reading or writing, she’s dreaming of the beach.

Favorite Movies: Terminator, Gladiator, all the other ‘ator movies,
Influences: Bruce Springsteen, Audrey Hepburn & Georgette Heyer

Let’s talk:

It was wonderful having you with us today. Please feel free to stop by anytime. Good Luck with Forever in a Moment!

Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged Charlotte O'Shay, Christmas, Contemporary Romance, Deerbourne Inn Series, Vermont, Wedding by Tena Stetler with 25 comments.

Oct 20th At Last in Laguna by Claire Marti

Give a warm welcome to Claire Marti, author of At Last in Laguna! Just released October 18, 2017. I see you brought a guest with you.

Yes, I’ve brought Brandt Dempsey from At Last in Laguna.

Wonderful! Pull up a chair, grab a drink of your choice from the cauldron, a Bat Wing Chocolate Chip, Pumpkin or Peanut Butter cookie from the plate, and let’s find out a little about Brandt Dempseey and At Last in Laguna. But first Claire, tell us about writing At Last in Laguna. Was it fun or difficult? Do your characters always act as you expect? Are you a plotter, or fly (write) by the seat of your pants?

Actually, this story, my second novel, almost wrote itself. Alyssa and Brandt were percolating under the surface all through Second Chance in Laguna, so I was eager and ready to write their story. I had strong visions of both of them, but they surprised me a few times too. I’d call myself half-plotter/ half-pantster. I need to have a story arc with the major turning points, which can be fluid. I start with the characters. I know the lessons I want each character to learn and how they’ll need to grow in order to earn their happily ever after.

Okay then, lets find out about what makes Brandt tick.

What event in your past has left the most indelible impression on you?

I’m very private about my past, but I’m working on making peace with it, so I’ll share with you. Most people don’t know, but my parents were abusive addicts and my early childhood was brutally tough. When they died, I ended up on the streets and in the foster care system. Luckily, I met my “Uncle John,” a Good Samaritan who helped me get off the street and into school. His kindness and generosity are why I’m here today.

What do you most value?

Loyalty. I don’t have a family, except for the few close friends and Uncle John so, I’ll fiercely protect them and stay true to them no matter what.

What is the type of woman you want to spend the rest of your life with?

I’ll be honest, I never pictured myself in a long-term relationship. I’ve purposefully kept my dating life on the casual level because I’m not marriage material. If I could describe the perfect woman, she’d be intelligent, funny-as-hell, and gorgeous inside and out. Okay, I just described my best friend’s little sister, Alyssa. She’s the marrying type.

What do you consider most important in life?

Making a mark by helping others have a chance at a better life. My new center, Tearmann House, means safe haven in Gaelic. It’s going to be a place where abused women and children who aren’t receiving the assistance they need from the system can find refuge.

What is your biggest secret?

At Nick and Sophie’s wedding, Alyssa took me aside, kissed me, and suggested we have an affair while her brother heads off to his honeymoon. She shocked me and now I can’t fight these feelings she’s unleashed. Nick can’t find out: he asked me to act like a surrogate big brother while he’s gone.

Oh, boy I’d say you’re in deep dodo, Brandt.

How about a little about At Last in Laguna!

Alyssa Morgan has secretly been in love with her older brother Nick’s best friend, Brandt Dempsey, since she was an awkward, lonely teenager. When she catches the bouquet at Nick’s wedding, she throws caution to the wind and propositions Brandt to a two-week fling. He’s tried to ignore how Alyssa has blossomed into a strong, talented, gorgeous woman because as his best friend’s baby sister, she’s off limits.

After they share a mind-blowing kiss, Brandt struggles to fight their undeniable chemistry. His tragic childhood scarred him, but he pushes it deep inside, only allowing the world to see a wealthy, carefree entrepreneur. Forced to work together on Brandt’s latest charitable venture, Brandt and Alyssa’s passion cannot be denied. Alyssa knows he’s the one. Can she convince him they belong together?

A sneak peek between the pages of At Last in Laguna.

What was his deal this morning?

She’d give him the cold shoulder if it killed her.

And it just might.

He’d rejected her, so why was he opening doors, hovering, and acting like a pest? Practically breathing down her neck. She could swear he’d sniffed her. Sniffed her. He couldn’t conceal his awareness. If he were so attracted to her, he would’ve agreed to her proposition, right? Since he’d shot her down in flames, he could at least have the decency to ignore her today. Rude, infuriating man.

Inhaling a deep cleansing breath, she forced herself to concentrate on the center. Sunlight streamed through the abundance of windows and along with the high ceilings imparted a feeling of freedom and space, perfect for the planned occupants. Because they’d decided to wait to obtain her input for the more specific room layout, the building’s interior remained a shell. She’d add to her brother’s amazing design and ensure Tearmann House’s beauty and serenity.

Serenity. What a concept. Ha.

You can find At Last in Laguna at:

Amazon, The WIld Rose Press, Barnes and Noble, Kobo and ibooks.

About the Author:

Claire Marti started writing stories as soon as she was old enough to pick up pencil and paper. After graduating from the University of Virginia with a BA in English Literature, Claire was sidetracked by other careers, including practicing law, selling software for legal publishers, and managing a non-profit animal rescue for a Hollywood actress.

Finally, Claire followed her heart and now focuses on two of her true passions: writing romance and teaching yoga. At Last in Laguna is the second book in her Finding Forever in Laguna series from The Wild Rose Press.

More about Claire:

Website: www.clairemarti.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ClaireMartiAuthor/

Twitter: @clairepmarti

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8203678.Claire_Marti

It was wonderful having you both with us today. Please feel free to stop by anytime. Congratulations and good luck with your new release At Last in Laguna!

Posted in Authors' Secrets Blog and tagged At Last in Laguna, Claire Marti, Contemporary, Romance, Wedding by Tena Stetler with 18 comments.