An Irish Rogue

My new contemporary, An Irish Rogue, is now available through Amazon.

Christmas Giveaway

Today tomorrow and Saturday I'm collecting comments and will choose one or two to receive a free e-copy of Gift of the Heart, my Christmas story. The novella is a personal favorite because it combines many things I love about the season, including some old traditions. The hero was patterned after my son, who at the time was a grocery store manager. "Riverton" is a composite of three small San Lorenzo Valley communities just down the mountain from where I live. (I've used this same setting for my new book An Irish Rogue, out next week.)

The romance is sweet, and I hope it'll tug at your heartstrings.

Your mom's a cougar and ...

...she's dating your ex!

Check out Kentucky Blues, a delightful book by Cat Shaffer.

Also, check out my review.

Another great read from Turquoise Morning Press.

Carly Fall's Holiday Blog Hop!

I'm participating in Carly's Holiday Blog Hop. For a chance to win a copy of my Christmas novella, Gift of the Heart, or a copy of my Irish romance, In Love and War, please leave a comment and tell me which book you prefer. I'll draw a name from among those who've commented to determine a winner.

Featured on TRR's YES! Party

Pop over to The Romance Reviews this week. Sierra Bride, my historical western is featured all week with a chance (two chances, actually)to win an e-copy.

I just love my cover, and the reviews coming in have been wonderful. Let me know what you think. Both Kindle and print editions now available at Amazon and elsewhere.

TRR's YES Party

Join me tomorrow at The Romance Reviews for a chance to receive a copy of my latest book SIERRA BRIDE, a Western Historical which releases tomorrow. I will be featured on the Q and A quiz November 6th.

A wonderful review of The Rose Garden

Martha has posted a lovely review of Susanna Kearsley's The Rose Garden that includes a chance to win a copy of the book. Those familiar with Susanna know she combines the paranormal with meticulously researched history. Click here for the review.

I am bereft!

I turned on the radio this morning and discovered that local FM radio station KBOQ is no longer doing classical music programming. Went online and read that they couldn't sustain the programming with a dwindling number of advertisers and subscribers.

Apparently, there's nothing other than a couple of 2 hour segments here and there on other stations. I can't get the San Francisco station where I live, so I'm out of luck. I am in deep withdrawal. Unhappy doesn't begin to describe my feelings.

Today's release!

Gift of the Heart, my Christmas novella, is set in my home town and is about ordinary people who do extraordinary things...like fall in love.

Amy Wilson struggles to make a home for herself and her small son in the Northern California town of Riverton. Widowed and alone, and saddled with debt from her husband’s failed business, she vows to pay off his creditors herself and remain independent from her overbearing in-laws.

Shay McHugh is dissatisfied with his life. At thirty-three, he has a home on the river which he has just remodeled, a white Porsche, a powerboat, and a position as manager of Riverton’s ValuKing Supermarket. But lately he finds life doesn’t offer the fulfillment he craves. Something is lacking. When he meets Amy, he has an overwhelming desire to protect her, which is exactly the thing Amy has been escaping. Can the two set aside their differences and make room for love?

Review: "Where do I start? I love this novella! This is the first time I have read something by Suzanne Barrett and I fell in love with her writing style...have added her to my must read authors list for future releases. I give it 5 stars, as I couldn’t find any fault with this novella." ~Booked Up Reviews

The Wounded Heart by Adina Senft

Check out Martha's Book Reviews for her interview with author Adina Senft.

Today's Sponsor - Kindle Nation Daily

Taming Rowan is the featured book on Kindle Nation Daily...with a reduced price of $2.99. Check it out.

Another Top Pick from Night Owl Reviews

I received this lovely review for Late Harvest.
Score: 4.50 / 5 - Reviewer Top Pick

"At 15, Glenna knew that was she's in love with Kurt and wanted his acceptance and love. She knew his love was all she's ever wanted. Deceived by family secrets, Glenna fled the holding she once called home and away from Kurt, the only pleasure she's ever known. At thirty-five, Kurt von Daniken is formidable, ruthless, and cold. What he wants, he gets. And what he wants at this moment is Glenna Ryan. She is the answer to preserving Cresthaven, but she has once fled from him carrying a secret that could destroy them both. They say third time's a charm; can their love survive the deception and the secrets that plagued them years ago?
Suzanne Barrett's talent for delivering pure, undiluted romance is top of the line. She mesmerizes the audience with the essence of romance and love. She also captures the reader hearts with Glenna and Kurt intense desire for each other, not to mention her ability to fuse heartwarming romance with nail-biting suspense shine in Late Harvest."

Five Stars and a Top Pick!

Taming Rowan just received five stars and a Top Pick from Night Owl Reviews. Am I happy? Is the Pope Catholic?

Here's the review:

"A totally sexy read with charming characters that will keep you glued to every page! This book couldn't have a more appropriate title. Even though Rowan doesn't know it until it's too late, he's absolutely been tamed.
Ms. Barrett gives us the push and pull between two characters who try to fight the attraction between them. This makes for a sexy, spark-your-temperature kind of story that will keep you engrossed right to the end.
Karin agrees to take a job that she's highly qualified for. The only problem is that Rowan, the man who will be her boss, thinks a man is coming to complete that job. Karin must prove she is not only capable, but excels at what she does because Rowan doesn't want any women at the remote job site. There is an instant attraction between them, which turns into a love/hate relationship. The interaction between them is sexy with a whole lot of fun and the combination makes for a great romance that you won't want to put down!
If I have my way, I'll be reading much, much more from Ms. Barrett!"

Thank you, Mandy, for a wonderful review.

Martha's Book Review Blogoversary

Come join the fun. June 1st to Jul. 15th. Book and gift card giveaways.

Purrfect Voyage

Ruth J. Hartman's Purrfect Voyage is today's sponsor at Kindle Nation daily. This is a wonderful, fun story. Check it out.

Taming Rowan Now up at All Romance eBooks!

Taming Rowan is available at All Romance eBooks. Look for it under New Releases.

Definitely a Keeper!

Just finished Cheryl Norman's Rebuild My World. Here's my review.

Taylor Drake wants her life back. After a horrific attack that claimed the life of her roommate and sent her into therapy, the award-winning photojournalist returns to her Florida hometown in a perpetual state of fear. How can the son of her family's enemy help her put her life back together?

Taylor returns to Drake Springs a virtual recluse afraid to leave her father's house. Her attacker got away, and for all she knows, he may be lurking around the next tree. When her sheriff brother goes on vacation, he asks his chief deputy to look in on his sister, make sue she is safe.

Adam Gillespie doesn't relish the idea. He has pegged Taylor as a selfish rich bitch, furthermore, he hates her father, the man who ruined his family. Still, he is a lawman and sworn to do his duty, even when it means looking out for Harold Drake's frightened daughter, never mind that Adam is running for sheriff against her brother Wil.

The attraction is instant, and unwanted. The Drakes ruined his family and may have been responsible for his mother's death, but Taylor wants to put the thirty-year-old feud back in the past where it belongs. Unfortunately, Adam can't do that.

When a series of events again threaten Taylor's life, Adam realizes he must do everything he can to help her...and somehow work through the attraction that sizzles between them. Just when he may be reaching a breakthrough with his emotions, a bombshell drops into his lap that assures he can never love a Drake.

Ms. Norman is a gifted storyteller. I loved Rebuild My World and eagerly turned the pages, excited to see what event would next happen to keep this story moving. Not only is it well plotted, but the characterizations draw you into the lives of these people. Ms. Norman tell a compelling tale that keeps you guessing. I loved the ending, and yet hated to see it end because I became so involved with Adam and Taylor. Even the secondary characters are finely drawn. This book's a keeper.

If you like this review, please vote at Amazon.

Do you like sexy British heroes?

Tomorrow I have an interview over at Deep in the Heart Romance. I'll be talking about my sexy British hero Rowan and offer an excerpt. Check it out and leave a comment to be entered in a drawing for a e-copy of my latest release (available May 23rd), Taming Rowan, a contemporary set in Cumbria, a remote area in England's Lakes District. If you like tall, dark, sexy Brits of the wounded warrior variety and unusual settings, Taming Rowan might be just for you.

Karin Williams' devastatingly handsome project officer has a boulder-sized chip on his shoulder. Rowan Marsden expected a male engineer and he's not giving Karin an inch. Working conditions are...tense. Worse, she must share on-site housing with the sexy Brit who she fears will break her heart. What's a girl to do?

If Rowan had his way, he'd never work with a woman. Yet as Karin demonstrates her expertise on the job, he cannot deny his growing respect for her--or his desire. He wants the passion she offers, but not the commitment. Until a horrendous accident at the project site threatens Karin's life, and proves that even a wounded man is destined to love...

Great Interview from author Ciji Ware

Reviews by Martha's Bookshelf has a wonderful interview with author Ciji Ware and an opportunity to win an ARC of her newest book A Race to Splendor. Set in San Francisco at the time of the 1906 Earthquake, it the story about the rebuilding of the world famous Fairmont Hotel.

Ciji has a fascinating multi-faceted career, and you'll find the interview well worth the read.

New Contest at Coffeetime Romance

Pop over to Coffeetime Romance to win free books and more. Answer the questions and be entered in the drawing.

A Wonderful Review by Martha of Martha's Reads

Here's a wonderful review by Martha on Helen Hollick's book I AM THE CHOSEN KING, a fascinating book about Harold Godwinson. http://marthasbookshelf.blogspot.com/2011/03/book-review-and-arc-giveaway-i-am.html.

Be sure to watch the book trailer.

A WONDERFUL new review...

...for Late Harvest from Martha's Reviews. 4.5 works for me!

Martha's telling of the story is superb, but she's also included several delightful snippets, among them:

"...a very smooth and enjoyable read."

"...rich chemistry and sensual tension between Glenna and Kurt..."

"The writing is clear and moves at a good pace with the engaging plot."

A New Cover

I just got my cover for the next book - Taming Rowan, out in May. I love the look and hope you will, too.

Today is the last day to purchase Turquoise Morning books at 50% off. If you've been wanting to get In Love and War or Late Harvest or any other fine TMP book in electronic for, today's the day to do it. Smashwords has several formats for e-readers including Kindle. Select your books and use the coupon "RAE50". This special sale ends at midnight.

TRR Grand Opening Party

You’re invited!
From March 1 – 31, 2011
at The Romance Reviews
It’s The Romance Reviews’ Grand Opening!
Play the games. Explore new books.
Chat with authors. Vote for Best Books of 2010.
Rack up your points!

CAN YOU UNLOCK THE PUZZLE?

Visit everyday to increase your chances to win awesome prizes!
134 participating authors!
Over 200 prizes waiting for you!

PRIZES

Weekly Prizes
$10 Gift Cards – 32 winners!
(8 winners each week)

Over 150 Book Giveaways in total
(paperback, hardback, ebook)

Major Prizes
Grand Prize: $100 Gift Card
2nd Prize: $70 Gift Card
3rd Prize: $50 Gift Card

For Authors
(based on results of book votes)

Grand Prize: $200 TRR Advertising Package
2nd Prize: $100 TRR Advertising Package
3rd Prize: $50 TRR Advertising Package

Main Sponsor
Dorchester Publishing

Blogging today at Sky Purington's A Writer's Mind

Today I am participating in Sky Purington's Celts and More Blog Event. During the event, several writers will post never-before-seen excerpts from their books. Here's one for Meaghann and Quinn, the protagonists of In Love and War.

A very nice review

for In Love and War posted at HistoryHoydens blogspot. http://www.historyhoydens.blogspot.com/

Wonderful New Review!

In Love and War has received a wonderful 4-star review from Carol Ann at The Romance Reviews. It is intelligently written, but long and detailed, so I will only post the opening paragraph here. But if you'd like to read the full review, look for it here.

"Occasionally, a romantic novel will catch my attention because it sounds refreshingly different. Set in 1993, against the background of a troubled Ireland, with a disillusioned war correspondent as the hero and a dairy farmer as the heroine, IN LOVE AND WAR by Suzanne Barrett is one such book."

A Stunning Debut Novel!

Francis DeLuca breaks everything he touches–crockery, his mother, and finally himself. Frank is dead, a ghost imprisoned in a light fixture, able to materialize only when that light is turned on. He’s been dead a quarter century, the victim of a gunshot during a robbery turned bad, and he stays in the bedroom in his own kind of purgatory.

Camellia Stafford has come home to the house she grew up in, to bury her father and to confront her feelings for Frank. For twenty years, she’s shared her room with Frank, its former tenant. Over the years, they’ve gone from grudging friendship to love. Cam has conversed, fought, pleaded with him...and loved him. And Frank has admitted loving her, but he’s dead. He can’t do anything to change that, and Cam is lonely and frustrated.

Enter neighbor Bradley Mitchum, a hot-looking advertising executive who has carried a torch for Cam since she was a teenager. Cam falls fast for Brad, a generous man with issues. As their passion develops, it causes more than a little consternation from Frank who desperately wants her himself.

Paramour is a stunning debut novel by Margaret Ethridge, and I predict a bright future for this accomplished writer.

I’m not a reader of paranormal as I usually don’t like the woo-woo parts or the unrealistic portals, but Ms. Ethridge’s realistic setting and sassy dialogue sucked me right into the story and kept me there throughout. Cam is delightful, and Brad is a jewel, but Frank stole my heart with his macho yet tender image. Each of these three characters shows growth, essential, in my opinion, for creating memorable characters. I guarantee you won’t be able to put this book down. Everything about Paramour–the setting, the dialogue, the pacing and the hot sexy scenes, and most of all three of the most interesting characters you could want to meet plus a surprise ending–will keep this story in your mind long after the final page is turned.

Review of Harvest Moon by Robyn Carr

This book won't be released until 2/22/11, but I had a chance to read the ARC. It is superb!

This was my first Robyn Carr novel, but it certainly won’t be my last. I loved Harvest Moon! Great writing, wonderful characters and a meaty story to sink your teeth into, so to speak.

This newest Virgin River story features Kelly Mattock, sous chef at a post San Francisco restaurant, who receives some distressing news, awakens in the hospital and is told she must simplify her life. She retreats to her sister’s old Victorian home in Virgin River. Along the way, she stops at the local bar and meets handsome Lief Holbrook, a new Virgin River resident. Two martinis mixed with her prescription drugs knock her for a loop and Lief offers to drive her to her sister’s.

Jillian has converted her property to an organic garden. The house she shares with Colin. Both are happy to have Kelly there and anxious to help in any way they can. Widower, Lief is fascinated by Kelly, but he’s having his own difficulties parenting stepdaughter Courtney, now in her Goth mode. Still he stops by to see how she’s doing.

Once at Jillian’s Kelly takes over her sister’s kitchen and soon a mouthwatering array of soups, sauces, preserves and more pour out of the kitchen. Kelly at first feels she needs to find a job, but soon she discovers the joy in cooking in her sister’s kitchen and offering her food items to the locals. Jillian encourages her and plans for a joint venture between the two.

Meanwhile, Lief becomes more and more interested in Kelly. The feeling is mutual, however, Courtney’s problems threaten to keep them apart. Lief and Courtney visit a counselor, Lief introduces his daughter to horseback riding with Lilly, a wise Native American. Gradually, Courtney begins to change, but she remains unfriendly to Kelly. How they work it out is part of the beauty of this story.

Ms. Carr’s characters sparkle. Even the secondary characters are pure gold. Her knowledge of human nature makes Kelly’s, Lief’s and Courtney’s journeys very, very special. While this is a romance, the sex doesn’t overwhelm the wonderful story. Each character seems perfect in their role and there’s enough interest to keep the pages turning. The talented Ms. Carr deals with the various situations with compassion and realism which makes Harvest Moon a superb read.
Brava Ms. Carr, you are on my automatic read list.

Blogging today at Deanna Jewell

Today I'm blogging at Deanna Jewells Tidbits with an author interview. Here I explain a little more about the inspiration behind In Love and War, where I get my ideas, the writing process and more.

Also, I'm giving away a pair of hand-crafted sterling silver Celtic Spiral earrings to a commenter who correctly answers these questions:

1. What is the name of Meaghann's cat?
2. Meaghann's brother spends a night in jail. In which town or city is the jail located?

The winner will be chosen in a drawing on March 1st.

Interview today at Marissa's Sizzling Hot Book Reviews!

Today I have an interview at Marissa's Sizzling Hot Book Reviews where I answer questions about my latest release, IN LOVE AND WAR.

Wonderful new review for In Love and War!

I am dancing with excitement. Got this review on Amazon for In Love and War.

"It's been a long time since a book so caught my heart that I skip doing my taxes, practicing my harp, and doing the dishes just to read another chapter. It's one of those great, old-fashioned love stories, delicious but not overdone, and very, very real, with interesting characters and lots of "sparks."

"The setting is a small village in beautiful, green Ireland, complete with unique people, church, pub, and Meaghann's dairy farm. And injured journalist Quinn Lawlor, who is heart-wrenching and gorgeous.

"This novel is a fine example of the "wish-they-still-published-books-like this" variety: unput-downable and unforgettable."

Late Harvest ON SALE!

Just want to let everyone know that Turquoise Morning Press is offering their 10 best-selling books at 20% off at All Romance Ebooks. You can buy a digital edition of Late Harvest or to see the rest of the offerings with links to purchase, go here. This sale is good for two weeks only.

And don't forget, In Love and War releases on Monday and I'll be blogging at the British Romance Fiction Blogspot where commenters will be able to win a pair of sterling silver Celtic spiral earrings crafted by me.

Best Romantic Suspense Story I've Read Recently.

I just finished reading Blood Stains by multi-published author Sharon Sala and I admit to being absolutely blown away by how good this book is. It’s actually my first Sala book, though I’ve long known about her from RWA affiliation.

The story about three daughters of a Montana rancher who discover the man and woman they thought were their parents are not, and that they aren’t even related to each other, is shocking, but sets in motion a quest to discover their pasts. This is middle daughter Maria’s story, and I assume two more books will follow.

The story opens with the death of the man they considered their father. At the reading of the will, they learn he has kept their true parentage from them, but now feels they have a right to know from who, and where, they came. Maria and her sisters have grown up on the ranch, and each has a hand in its operation. Maria is the horse trainer, the pragmatist, the action gal. She learns through a diary left by her “father” that she is the daughter of a prostitute, and she is the only witness to her mother’s brutal murder. Maria has blanked out the first four years of her life and remembers nothing, but now she’s on a mission to Tulsa to find out about her past.

Homicide Detective Bodie Scott meets maria and is persuaded to open the cold case which opens a world of danger to Maria and Bodie and others from her past.

Ms. Sala does a superb job of keeping the action front and center in this highly charged story. The action is nonstop, the plot moves along at a pace designed to keep the reader turning pages. I’m impressed with the author’s attention to detail, delivery of information and plot points. All the details are presented, then tied up into a logical and thrilling conclusion. Her secondary characters create interest and come across as real people, and the villain is chillingly evil.

Sala excels at storytelling. There are no dull moments in this gripping suspense, no filler. Just great plotting and a tightly woven story. In fact, it’s one of the best romantic suspense stories I’ve read in the last two years. Kudos to Ms. Sala for an un-put-downable read. Her book releases on January 21st.

I am so excited!

In Love and War, my contemporary dramatic novel set in Ireland is now showing up on Amazon as available to order. This is truly a book of my heart and one I despaired of ever selling because New York wasn't interested in stories about the Irish political conflict.

Now, at last, it's coming out and shortly I'll be holding a copy in my hands.

It's a story I researched extensively, and which included spending many winter days in the County Waterford town of Cappoquin. Not many Americans go to Ireland during the winter, and I have to admit, we were the only ones we saw.

I'll never forget the day we drove down from Shannon to Cappoquin, stopped at a market for food supplies and looked with dismay at the selection of veggies. There were potatoes, cabbages and a few carrots...and nothing else! However, there were other delights: fresh-baked brown bread brought in by a local farm woman, the best dairy products I've ever tasted, wonderful cheeses and the best lamb you could eat.

I made lamb stew for our first night, and we warmed our toes by a real turf fire, having purchased the untreated sods at a local filling station.

In Love and War is available now in the trade paperback edition (with its gorgeous cover!), later will appear in Kindle and various e-book formats. Stay tuned for upcoming guest blog appearances and a chance to win a pair of sterling silver Celtic spiral earrings. (Made by me, of course.)