Returning to a normal routine

Anyone with kids can appreciate that school holidays can be a struggle, especially for working parents; trying to arrange time off, babysitters, taking the little darlings on days out.

I suppose I’m lucky with working from home, I don’t need to worry about childcare during the holidays. My kids are also a little older, two of my sons work full time, so I only have the three school age to think about, sixteen, twelve and eight. And , when it comes down to it it’s usually only me and my eight-year-old daughter, the other two spend most of their time with friends.

My kids go back to school on Wednesday this week, and I have mixed emotions both sadness and happiness. Sad that I don’t get to spend more time with them but happy to be getting back into a routine. No more late nights and staying in bed until lunchtime.

No back to early-ish nights and up early to start the day. I’m sure everyone has their own opinions on school holidays, but for me, the last seven weeks seem to have gone by very quickly. But I am looking forward to getting our family lives back to normal.

Me and my oldest boys x

She’s Captured my Love

She’s Captured my Love is now live on amazon and is Free on KU. Although this is book 4 in the series, this can be read as a standalone.

Amazon UK http://amzn.to/20Ejhnd

Amazon US http://amzn.to/20ZrJmh

“What time did you get home last night?” I ask Lindsay, as I walk into our bedroom. The bedroom I didn’t sleep in last night. “Was work busy?” I can hear the sarcasm with my question in my own voice, so surely she must.

“Oh, I can’t remember,” she lies. “You were fast asleep on the couch; I didn’t want to wake you. And yeah, work was busy. I was in meetings all day, so when I finally got back to the office I was playing catch up.” Seriously, she’s wanting me to believe she was actually working until after midnight. She must think I’m fucking stupid. I wonder what her reaction would be if I was out all day supposedly working until after midnight? I know it would result in a shouting match, probably with her accusing me of all sorts of things.

Yeah, that would be about right, an argument. That’s all we seem to do these days, argue.

I finally gave in about twelve thirty, fell asleep in front of the television and she still wasn’t home. When she left yesterday morning, she had told me she would be working late until about eight pm. So with her working I decided to cook us a nice dinner, which I ended up eating on my own about ten. I did try to phone her more than once, but her phone was switched off. Shall I give her the benefit of the doubt and say it had run out of battery?

I know which one it was! She has a bloody charger in her car.

#amwriting #readers He’s Captured my Soul

In celebration of book 3 in The Captured Series releasing TODAY, for the next 5 days book 1 is FREE and book 2 is only 99p so if you’ve not read these yet now is the time to do so. All three books available to download for under £4.00
He’s Captured my Heart
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Amazon US http://amzn.to/1KtxOKJ
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He’s Captured my Trust
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Amazon CA http://amzn.to/1GGM2LM
Amazon AU http://bit.ly/1H7XqLB
He’s Captured my Soul
Amazon UK http://amzn.to/1Mfm12z
Amazon US http://amzn.to/1Ra4wov
Amazon CA http://amzn.to/1N3jeOX
Amazon AU http://bit.ly/1PQzXpA
Kobo http://bit.ly/1jOMX2T
http://apple.co/1KExmrL

#amwriting #readers Introduction to Libby Stewart

Let me introduce myself to those you that don’t yet know me, my name is Elizabeth Ann Stewart, or Libby to my friends.
What should I tell you about myself?
Well, I am a twin. My brother Ethan and I are twenty-three years old, with brown eyes and brown hair. We are really close. Ethan is a single dad, to our beautiful Lucy. At the moment he is trying to juggle bringing up his daughter and trying to get his life back on track. My friend Kirsty thinks Ethan is pretty hot. I will tell you more about her shortly.
My parents Jane and Phil have been a godsend to both Ethan and I lately. My mum doesn’t look her age. At forty-five she could quite easily pass for being ten years younger. I suppose I’m blessed with some of my mothers features, but Ethan looks much more like her.
Whats to say about my dad, he’s a family man that has worked exceptionally hard over the years. His public relations business is his main business concern. He also owns Stewart hotel and country estate on the banks of Loch Lomond, it was passed onto him when my grandfather passed away. The hotel I fell in love with, when I was only a small child. The hotel that set me on my career path. The hotel I am now going to manage. I’ve dreamt of running it for years, and now it’s a reality.
My closest friend Kirsty, what can I say about her; everyone needs a Kirsty in their life. She always knows what to say at the right time. She can always make me laugh, even in the darkest of times. She has such a bubble personality, and is usually the life and soul of the party.
I suppose that’s enough about me for the time being. You can read the start of my story in He’s Captured my Heart.

Is the romance side of my relationship dead

Okay so my husband was asked a question the other day, about me and my writing. That in itself is not uncommon, he has faced many questions in recent months, in his shops. No this was a slightly different and I believe it made him a little uncomfortable. He’s had all sorts of questions, most of his customers want to know if my story is based on him.

So here is the question he was asked;

Did your wife start writing, because the romance side of your relationship is gone. Was she looking for something she wasn’t getting at home?

I actually laughed out loud at the question, when he repeated it. We have spoke many times, of my reasons for writing, and he is very aware that was not one of them. But it did have me asking, is this what everyone thinks of romance writers? Has anyone else experienced this? Does it make you uncomfortable?

Most of my reasons were in fact, to do with escapism. And I’m sure that is the case for a lot of authors. A way of escaping from the pressures of everyday life, work, family, running about after everyone. Mines has to be work. Working full-time on our family business, being in the office all day and then bringing it home most nights. Writing was just a way, of shutting myself off.

The person that asked the question, actually wants me to go and do a talk to a group of both ladies and men. So I’m glad hubby mentioned it to me, so I can prepare, because I’m sure the question will be asked to me. I’m more than happy to answer, the question and clarify that in fact there is nothing lacking in my relationship with my husband.

Back to normal

So it’s always hard trying to get back into a routine, after being on holiday. You spend two weeks relaxing in the sunshine with family and friends and wake up on your first day home to rain.

Well I for one am not letting the weather upset me today. It’s true you do do feel happier when it’s sunny. I have a lot to get through today and I’m sure I will catch up. But first things first today. After spending two weeks over eating and I suppose over-drinking, the first routine to get back into is a heathy one, so exercise class first. This will be a toughie.

Have a great day xxx

News Up-date #amwriting #thecapturedseries

Some news on the Captured Series

He’s Captured my Heart is on Sale until the 1st July for only £0.99/ $0.99

Amazon US:http://amzn.to/1GBVTin

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1HNVsmr

He’s Captured my Trust is released on the 15th June. Pre-order link is now available

Amazon US:http://amzn.to/1dovtXK

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1bvi131

I’m currently writing book 3 in the series and this should conclude Libby and Alex’s story although there is at least one more book in the pipeline for this series, with a character, that I think has been an important part of the series. I will be able to bring you an update to book 4 as soon as book 3 is complete. I do hope this is a character, that you all enjoy.

I would hope that book 3 would be released in the later part of the year. I do already have the title for this, but will keep it under wraps for a bit.

I should also be in the position, within the next week to give you an update on all signings I will be attending in 2016. 2016 is shaping up to be a pretty good year, I might just get to do some travelling. xxx

#amwriting #amreading Review for He’s Captured my Heart

He’s Captured My Heart is Karen Francis’ debut novel. Simply put, the book is superb. Ms. Francis has woven a beautiful love story filled with suspense and intrigue. Her characters are written well-rounded and with great detail. As I was reading, I felt like I was living the story through Libby and Alex. Libby has taken over the management at the family hotel. She is young, focused, and determined to prove to naysayers that she has what it takes to run this business as well as make it successful. Libby is also very close with her family which has recently dealt with tragedy. Libby simply does not have time to have a social life but that doesn’t stop American Alex Mathews from pursuing her. It is love at first sight for Alex. He relentlessly pursues Libby who finally gives in to his advances. Libby and Alex begin a whirl-wind relationship while Alex is visiting Scotland. But what will happen when Alex returns to the United States.
He’s Captured My Heart is a well-written contemporary novel. Ms. Frances captured the emotional of what begins as lust and then turns to love. Alex is a hot, American alpha you the reader can’t help but love. This book is the first of a series and does end with somewhat of a cliffhanger.

He’s Captured my Heart #amwriting #indieauthor

Amazon US:http://amzn.to/1GBVTin

Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/1HNVsmr

#amwriting This sets the tone for He’s Captured my Heart

Seriously. Alex is my friend, my best friend, “but holy fuck, why are we leaving just now?” I think as I make my way down in the elevator. He’s buzzed up about five times to see what’s keeping me. Keeping me? I might just kick his ass. We were due to head to Scotland this week and seeing as it was me that organised the trip, I have no idea why we are going earlier.
I walk through the lobby and I can see Alex leaning against his car running his hands through his hair, looking agitated, the words seriously pissed off come to my mind. Well he can be pissed all he likes.
“What the fuck kept you?”
“Alex, man if I were you I would shut up because I am so not happy about this.” He studies my face trying to judge if I am being serious and he really should know me well enough by now.
His driver Murphy takes my case and suit carriers from me and puts them in the boot as we stand in silence.
“Well, don’t you think you owe me some sort of an explanation?” I ask.
“No.”
“That’s it nothing.” I can feel my blood boiling at his single word answer. “You had better explain or I am going nowhere.”
“We have work to do in the UK, you know that and I have some things to take care of before our first round of meetings, so we are stopping in London first but only briefly because I want to be Glasgow with an extra day to, as I said take care of something, ” he tells me in his confident voice but not making eye contact with me. And I know why, because I will see it in his eyes.
This is all to do with a girl. I suppose the best way is for him to get her out his system and then maybe we can concentrate on the job, although I am not opposed to having a bit of fun in Glasgow or London. Actually it is quite high up on my list of priorities while we are there. Some new blood so to speak because between the two of us we must have worked our way through most of the women in New York.
“Alex! Who is she?” my voice is raised slightly. He gets into the car without answering me. What the …… Did he really just do that, I have a good mind to drag him from the car. I walk round the car trying to calm myself down.
“Right, I asked you a question so spill?”
He hesitates before answering. “Libby.” Oh shit we are in so much trouble now. I completely understand why, I’ve seen her photo and had a few thoughts of my own what I would like to do with her.
“Alex, you know she is off limits? Even I know she is off limits given our work and connection with her father. Seriously I get where you are coming from, I wouldn’t kick her out my bed the morning after that’s for sure. But you can’t risk your career for five minutes of fun. Phil is a great contact for you in the UK you know that, the risk to you is too great. But me on the other hand, I am only an employee so no risk at all,” I laugh.
He clenches his fist and hammers it off the seat next me. “I will tell you this once and only frigging once you will stay away from Libby.”
“You don’t need to tell me, but you should be telling yourself. Don’t ruin things in the UK before they get started for you all because you can’t keep it your pants.”
We both have a bit of a reputation as far as the ladies are concerned, Alex is just a bit more discreet than me, well he needs to be. But me,I just couldn’t care less. Thats not true, there was one, a few years back. In my eyes she was the one I wanted to spend the rest of my life with, but she hurt me so bad I don’t think I will ever trust a woman again. To be honest I don’t think either of us will ever settle down, we both enjoy the single life too much for that. What’s the saying? ‘Work hard play harder.’