Get to know the voices behind the Between The Lines Podcast: Meet Sian Ann Bessey: Exclusive Interview

 

Between the Lines is a podcast that started this year on July 14th. They discuss things that readers and writers would be interested in. On their official Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/BetweentheLinesPodcast.WR), here is what it says...

"Between The Lines Podcast is presented by award-winning fiction authors: Sarah M. Eden, Traci Hunter Abramson, Esther Hatch & Sian Ann Bessey.

Between The Lines: The Inside Scoop for Adoring Fans and Aspiring Authors."

I thought it would be fun to introduce my readers to each of these wonderful authors. First up is Author Sian Ann Bessey. She has written 25 books with two more coming soon in 2022. Go to her website to see the books and the wide genre of books she's written. It's quite amazing! 

Meet Author Sian Ann Bessey

Sian Ann Bessey was born in Cambridge, England, but grew up on the island of Anglesey off the coast of North Wales. She left her homeland to attend Brigham Young University in Utah, where she earned a bachelor's degree in communications with a minor in English.

She began her writing career as a student, publishing several magazine articles while still in college. Since then she has published historical romance and romantic suspense novels, along with a variety of children's books. She is a USA Today best-selling
author and a Whitney Award finalist.
Although Sian doesn't have the opportunity to speak Welsh very often anymore, she can still wrap her tongue around, "Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwllllantysiliogogogoch." She loves to travel and experience other cultures, but when she's home, her favorite activities are spending time with her family, cooking, and reading.

Learn more about Sian Ann and her books HERE: www.sianannbessey.com

***Here is my exclusive interview with***

Sian Ann Bessey. 

1. How many years have you been writing?

 Sian Ann:20 years

2. What were some of your favorite books to write?

Sian Ann:

I've written in several different genres and I've loved the variety. I love historical with a little romance and suspense thrown in, but sometimes its fun to write a contemporary where you can talk about cell phones and airplanes. The Gem Thief was fun to write because I relived a cruise I did with my family. The Heart of the Rebellion was fun to write because it was set where I grew up. I'm really enjoying the Georgian Gentlemen series too.

 

3. List three things that help you get in the mood to write:

Sian Ann:  

  -If I've already started a book, rereading the

previous chapter helps. 

  -If I'm writing a book set in Wales, listening to

Welsh music helps. 

  -Writing a few notes about what I want to happen

in the next scene helps. 

 

4. Have you ever done a podcast before? What’s your favorite thing about doing a podcast?

Sian Ann:

I've never done a podcast before. My favorite thing is definitely doing it with Traci, Sarah, and Esther. We're such good friends, I love spending time with them. Our producer, Amy, is great too. 

 

5. What do you want your listeners and readers of your books to know about you that they might not already know?

Sian Ann:

How much I appreciate them. Their friendship, support, and encouragement means so much. 

 

6. What do you hope listeners will gain from listening to your podcast?

 Sian Ann:

I hope they come to feel like they're our friends and that listening to us can be a bright spot in their day. 

7. One last important question…what’s your favorite food or snack to eat while you’re writing?

Sian Ann:

I don't snack when I write. I always have water with me, but I rarely eat.

                                         

If you haven't already listened to this podcast, 

then you need to soon!Go here to find your favorite           platform.

https://betweenthelinesfictionpodcast.buzzsprout.com/

Go here to find your favorite platform.

https://betweenthelinesfictionpodcast.buzzsprout.com/

EnterOct 13, 2021, 8:48 PM

Between the Lines Podcast

Update from Grizzly Times on Bear 399 and her quads and the Future of the Grizzlies in Grand Teton National Park.

 

 Grizzly Times is a voice for the imperiled Grizzly Bear (ursus arctos) in the Yellowstone region and the wild ecosystems of the northern Rocky Mountains of the United States. Learn more at grizzlytimes.org

(This is shared with their permission. Thank you!)

From November 7, 2021

 

Update on the World's Most Famous Grizzly, 399: Three of her Cubs Trapped, 2 Radio-collared

Yesterday three cubs of 399 were trapped by Fish and Wildlife Service south of Grand Teton Park and released today with 2 having radio collars, to keep a closer eye on them and help prevent conflicts.

The agency had aimed to catch the whole family -- and it is rumored it was going to move the family back to the park. But they did not catch 399 and her other cub so they released the ones they captured.

Celebrity Grizzly 399, and her four half-grown cubs have been on an extended walkabout through southern Jackson Hole. Since the summer, the 25-year-old bear has spent more time outside Grand Teton National Park than within the protected landscape.

They have been getting into all kinds of unsecured foods and attractants left out by careless people -- livestock feed, garbage, beehives. And the conflicts have been getting worse.

In response, wildlife managers and a landowner tried to haze the bears with cracker shells, nonlethal projectiles, and other means.

But these measures have not been effective given that these bears know about where food sources are. And hazing is hardly a panacea as David Mattson explains in his report "Teaching Bears:" 

https://www.mostlynaturalgrizzlies.org/about-3?fbclid=IwAR2hvUrkN2QHl66RhmguY9dzJHdNXcTSI7dRMiwBx5jkXPNfii9qzjlOymQ

        Picture from Savannah Rose on 0ct. 17, 2021 in Jackson Hole.

Please sign the petition: 

Jackson Hole - Mandatory Bear Proof Trash Cans in Teton County - Save 399s Cubs

https://www.change.org/p/teton-county-commisioners-jackson-hole-mandatory-bear-proof-trash-cans-in-teton-county-save-399s-cubs/exp/cl_/cl_sharecopy_30961068_en-US/3/14086365?utm_content=cl_sharecopy_30961068_en-US%3A3&recruiter=14086365&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=copylink&utm_campaign=share_petition&utm_term=share_petition

The root problem is too many careless people -- and inadequate sanitation rules and enforcement in Jackson Hole, as I wrote about in a recent op-ed in the Jackson News and Guide: https://www.mostlynaturalgrizzlies.org/about-3?fbclid=IwAR2hvUrkN2QHl66RhmguY9dzJHdNXcTSI7dRMiwBx5jkXPNfii9qzjlOymQ

With 63 grizzlies killed by humans so far this year, 2021 is already a disastrous year for grizzly bear deaths in Greater Yellowstone -- hunting season is far from over. The federal dead bear database is here:

https://tinyurl.com/5asvp9as

Needless to say, we don't need any more deaths -- especially of this world-renowned family.

Please write FWS Grizzly Bear Coordinator Hilary Cooley, asking that FWS redouble efforts to enforce the Endangered Species Act’s ban on killing and harassment of grizzlies, including by feeding. Address: hilary_cooley@fws.gov

This means cracking down on people who have been feeding these and other bears -- as well as poachers. An astonishing number of cases -- 18 this year so far is under investigation for possible poaching. Such cases have been increasing -- a disturbing trend.

https://www.jhnewsandguide.com/.../article_65c9dd5f-b9bd...

From November 1st Grizzly Times

The bottom line is that the rich community of Jackson needs to get its act together and help keep 399 and her four half-grown cubs safe and out of trouble. 399 is again on an extended walkabout through southern Jackson Hole.

Fish and Wildlife Service needs to do more than just monitor the situation, and get serious about enforcing Endangered Species Act requirements to prevent illegal "take" -- killing of harassment of bears, including by being fed. The agency should refrain from relocating her from her familiar habitat and denning site.

And Teton County needs to upgrade its sanitation and wildlife feeding regs -- something they say they will do over the winter.

But 399 and her cubs need to be protected from now until they den.

I have written more about the situation here -- a little dated, but still relevant: https://www.grizzlytimes.org/.../playing-russian-roulette...

Don't Say A Word by Jennie Hansen-Romantic Suspense Blog Tour Review and Giveaway

 

Product Details

• Title: Don't Say A Word
• Author: Jennie Hansen
• Genre: Romantic Suspense
• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B09HG2GHN3
• Published: Eagle Gate Publishing (Oct.1,2021)
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• Paperback ‏ : ‎ 208 pages
• ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8486928970

• ***I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own***

Book Summary

After a four-year engagement, Cassie James’s plans for the future come crashing down when her relationship abruptly ends. She needs to regain her balance, and her parents’ ranch in Montana provides the perfect escape. But respite is the last thing she finds. While camping near the Bitterroot Forest, a strange sound leads Cassie to make a startling discovery: a young child, abandoned in the wilderness. She acts on instinct, taking him home to the ranch with her. But she has no idea that by doing so, she will be forced to engage in a fight for his life—and her own.

With the help of Deputy Parker Grafton, Cassie works to uncover the mystery behind the boy’s origins. The pair is drawn closer together each step of the investigation as they follow a bizarre trail of clues. But when a series of dangerous accidents begins to plague the family ranch, Cassie and Parker realize that an unknown assailant is closing in. They have to run. In a game of cat and mouse spanning the country, Cassie and Parker will stop at nothing to protect what’s become most important to them: the child in their care—and each other.

My Review

Don't Say A Word was a great suspense book with the right touch of romance. Readers are pulled into the novel from the very first. Once you get reading you will be hooked. I know I was.

 Cassie is an excellent main character. I loved her determination, loyalty, and courage to forge ahead despite many trials going on. Parker is also fantastic. He is very caring and always goes above and beyond in his job as a Deputy. From the beginning, when Parker and Cassie meet there is great interest. I liked the slow burn of the romance. Then, of course, is the sweet 2-year old Bub, that Cassie finds on her father's ranch land. This little guy was so endearing I loved him from the start. The whole mystery behind this child and why he's out on his own in the wild kept me reading faster and faster. There are many harrowing moments for Cassie, Bub, and Parker as they try and protect this little boy from the "bad" guys.

I've read other books by this author and this is right up there as one of her best. The suspense and action are written well, the emotional journeys of the characters pull you in, and the romance is clean and just right. Don't Say A Word should be the next book on your To-Read List.

Meet Author Jennie Hansen

Jennie Hansen graduated from Ricks College in Idaho, then Westminster College in Utah. She has been a freelance magazine writer, newspaper reporter, editor, and librarian.
Her published novels fall into several genre categories including romantic suspense, historical, and westerns.
She was born in Idaho Falls, Idaho, and has lived in Idaho, Montana, and Utah. She has received numerous first and second place writing awards from the Utah and National Federation of Press Women and was the 1997 third-place winner of the URWA Heart of the West Writers Contest. She also was a recipient of the Whitney Awards Lifetime Achievement Award for 2008. She currently writes a weekly review column for Meridian Magazine.
Jennie has been active in community affairs. In addition to ward and stake responsibilities in the LDS church, she served a term on the Kearns Town Council, two terms on the Salt Palace Advisory Board was a page for the Utah State Legislature for two sessions, and was a delegate to the White House Conference on Libraries and Information Services.
Jennie and her husband live in Utah. Their five children are all married and have provided them with thirteen grandchildren. When she's not reading or writing, she enjoys spending time with her grandchildren, gardening, and camping.
 

Purchase Your Own Copy of Don't Say A Word

HERE:https://amzn.to/3F5PrDJ

***Enter the Giveaway to Win***

A PAPERBACK copy of Don’t Say a Word by Jennie Hansen

                                                                 a Rafflecopter giveaway

Charm Wars (Charm Wars #1) By Dan Lutts-Blog Tour Fantasy Review , Excerpt, and 4 $25 Gift Cards Giveaway

This is my post during the blog tour for Charm Wars by Dan Lutts. In a world where women rule, commoner Rill Larkin desperately wants to become a mage, but noblesse Alyse Dejune wants to have nothing to do with magic even though she's expected to become a mage on Name Day.

This blog tour is organized by Lola's Blog Tours and the tour runs from 17 October till 6 November. You can see the tour schedule here.

Charm Wars (Charm Wars #1)
By Dan Lutts
Genre: Fantasy
Age category: Young Adult

Paperback ‏ : ‎ 494 pages

ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 173535922X

Release Date: 2 September 2021

***I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from the author. All opinions are my own***

Book Summary
Welcome to Caldon, a land of mages and magic, where the noblesse possess massive political and magical power and destroy anyone who threatens the noblesse way of life‚ especially the commoners.

Rill Larkin, the son of a commoner blacksmith, has high ambitions. To be a mage, join the exalted ranks of the ruling noblesse, and establish his own noblesse family. Defying both the system and his family, Rill becomes the apprentice of Deuth Estati, a powerful archmage. But appearances deceive. As training progresses, Rill learns of decades-long secrets and manipulations that threaten his dream. And Deuth might not be as benevolent as Rill thought.

Alyse Dejune despises magic, even if she does belong to one of the oldest and most powerful noblesse families in Caldon. The deceits and treacheries of noblesse life and the loveless marriage alliances among the noblesse families disgust her. Her family however has high expectations: that she fulfill her role as a noblesse girl by marrying Troy Estati, an arrogant, selfish noblesse boy she does not love. And Alyse harbors a secret‚ the potential to become one of the most powerful mages in generations and wield forbidden magic‚ that, if revealed, could mean her death.

In this deadly game of ever-shifting alliances, where the state wages perpetual war against an ancient enemy, Rill and Alyse are thrown together in a land where magic is failing. And as greedy noblesse families raid surrounding family compounds for powerful charms, Rill and Alyse are left standing at a terrible crossroads.

My Review

I love reading fantasy stories. This book is almost 500 pages long. Once I started reading Charm Wars I forgot how many pages there were. I was reading it so fast and it was SO hard to put down. This is one of those books that you carry everywhere and read every chance you get.

So, I was hooked when I read the back cover where it said, "Welcome to Caldon, a land of mages and magic". The magic is super cool and easy to follow. There were many unique things that I liked and was easy to follow. My favorite characters by far were Alyse Dejune, a member of the most powerful noblesse families in Caldon, and her cousin, Kate, a Backwatcher who protects her. Alyse is strong and determined about who she is and who she wants to be in the future. She does not want to take orders from the family matriarch about who she should marry and when. Kate is one of the most loyal friends I've ever read in a book, next to Samwise Gamgee from Lord of the Rings. Alyse and Kate work well together and always have each other's back. 

Rill is the son of a commoner blacksmith who dreams of becoming a mage. He wants to leave the poor and oppressed life behind. Rill is bold, hard-headed, impatient, and impulsive. The only person that's been able to keepRill kind of under control is his cousin, Jedd. Once big things start to happenfor Rill, Jedd becomes more disenchanted with him and how much he has changed. Also, there is so much going on with the political structure of this world, and boy, there are many secrets that were hidden and now are being revealed. Each time one was revealed there was another gasp from me. 

The action is non stop and the other characters are written so rich and unique. The alliances made among the rich and poorkeep changing and you never know who to trust. There aremany powerful people in this novel from all walks of life andand it's exciting to see when new magical powers are exhibited.

I truly enjoyed this novel and could hardly believe this wasDan Lutts first novel. I was so fully immersed in the world of Caldon and I can't wait to go back. The novel did end on cliffhanger and I need to know when Book 2 will be published.This fantasy novel gets 5 stars from me for being different,fast-paced, and keeping me on the edge of my seat. 

Excerpt From Charm Wars 

Links to Purchase Your Own Copy
- Goodreads
- Bookbub
- Amazon
- B&N
- Kobo
- Apple
- Indiebound
- Tolino
- Vivlio

Meet Author Dan Lutts
Dan Lutts, the author of Charm Wars, was brought up in Quincy, Massachusetts, and began addictively reading Batman, Superman, and Wonder Woman comic books at an early age, much to his mother's distress. In junior high school, he switched to reading science fiction novels. While in high school and college, he wrote science fiction short stories.

Dan taught history and archaeology in high school for ten years. After being laid off because of budget cuts, he used his love of writing to retrain and became a software technical editor and writer. He worked for several computer companies, taught technical writing at the college level, and worked as a freelance writer. Now, combining his love of history and writing, he works at a World War II museum doing research and writing.

Dan loves to read and has varied tastes, including Young Adult, historical fiction, mysteries, 18th-century sea epics, and history. He especially enjoys Young Adult fiction and decided to try his hand at it. Charm Wars, Dan's first novel, is the result.

Dan lives in rural Maine with his wife, Lisa. When he‚s not working or writing, Dan can be found reading, making, and shooting medieval arrows with his longbow, or playing with his two dogs and two cats, all rescue animals.

Author links:
- Website
- Facebook
- Twitter
- Instagram
- Newsletter

             ****Enter the Blog Tour Giveaway to Win:****
4 $25 gift cards, either Amazon or B&N (winner’s choice) - US Only

    There is a tour wide giveaway for the blog tour of Charm Wars. Four winners will each win a $25 gift card, either Amazon or B&N (winner's choice) - US Only.

                          For a chance to win, enter the rafflecopter below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

A Magical Victorian Christmas By Michele Ashman Bell-A Christmas Book Review

 

Product Details

• Title: A Magical Victorian Christmas
• Author:Michele Ashman Bell
• Genre: Historical Christmas Romance
• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B09J9ZHL4X
• Publication date ‏ : ‎ October 11, 2021
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• File size ‏ : ‎ 4089 KB
• Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
• Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported

• ***I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions are my own***

Book Summary

A new tradition. A season of miracles. And a decision that will change everything.

In 1866, Clara Rose lives a quiet life in her hometown of York, until one day a mysterious Christmas tree appears in the town square. Clara is sure something wonderful is about to happen. The town blacksmith’s nephew, Erik Bauer, is new to town, and his ready smile, love of laughter, and handsome face charms her. Just when things couldn’t be more perfect, the most important man in town, Lord-Lieutenant Bradford, takes an interest in Clara and states his intentions of marrying her. Clara’s once simple life becomes very complicated. As Christmas time approaches, a decision must be made. Does she marry Bradford to secure her future, or go against her father’s wishes and marry the man who speaks to her heart?

My Review

It's that time of year when you want to start reading Christmas stories again. A Magical Victorian Christmas is the book you've been looking for. It's a mixture of a love story, trying to do the right thing for your family, encouraging the downtrodden, and standing up for oneself. 

The story takes place in the month of December, 1866, in the small English town of York that is in great need of "The Christmas Spirit". The kind and sweet Clara lives with her father and works at the town bakery. One day she meets the handsome and lively Erik. There is an instant attraction but her father and the town big-shot have other plans for her. I felt so sad for Clara when she was told that she would marry the much older Lord-Lieutenant Bradford to better her and her father's future. He truly is such a revolting and abominable character. This author did a great job in writing the perfect villain. There is great angst for Clara as she is being pulled in so many directions.

As far as the Christmas magic, Erik is the one creating most of it for the town but they don't know it. The town is brought to life with the Christmas spirit as a huge Christmas tree and wooden, lifesize Nativity pieces start to show up in the town square. My favorite part of this story was seeing how such small acts of kindness could help cheer up so many people struggling in life. Though there is much sadness in their town, and readers will truly worry about Clara's future,  but know, that all will be well in the end. A Magical Victorian Christmas will make a wonderful gift for historical fiction readers and don't forget for you too. You will want this magical story to brighten your Christmas season.

Meet Author Michele Ashman Bell

Michele Ashman Bell grew up in St. George, Utah. In fourth grade her teacher wrote on her report card that she “has a tendency to daydream and would probably do well with creative writing.” Her passion for books and her love for keeping a journal helped her develop a desire to become an author.

Michele is currently the author of over twenty books and many Christmas stories. She is married to her college sweetheart, Gary, and is the mother of four children, and has eight grandchildren. Aside from supporting her children and grandchildren in all of their many activities, and teaching Zumba, she loves to travel and do research for her books. And she still loves to daydream.

She loves connecting with readers. You can find her on Facebook, Instagram and Bookbub or on her website, www.micheleashmanbell.com or you can email her at micheleabell@gmail.com”

***Purchase A Magical Victorian Christmas HERE***

https://amzn.to/3BwJJbF