Book Review for Burning Embers, Spark to Flame


Brittany Harbor wears loss like a second skin. She once glowed among New York’s sparkling elite, a whispered name in ballrooms and tabloids. Now, she masks behind a face chiseled by numerous surgeries, a shield that hides the pain no blade ever could have touched. Her father’s abrupt death stole her anchor; her husband’s followed, shattering what remained. The paparazzi’s relentless glare and her mother’s cloying control became too much. So, she fled, trading city lights for a Colorado cabin tucked away in the kind of quiet she hadn’t known she needed.

But, that quiet didn’t last. Devon Van Dyke stumbled into her world with a smile too easy and a presence that tugged at something she’d buried deep. Then he brought Shawn Severs into the mix. Shawn’s different. Rough-edged, and steady, he’s a stark contrast to Devon’s polish. Something crackles between them, unspoken and heavy, but Brittany’s walls are high, and Shawn doesn’t seem eager to climb. She’s untangling her own heart when Devon’s mask slips and everything shifts. Betrayal hits hard, pulling her into a spiral where survival isn’t guaranteed. Devon’s not the man she thought. He’s a threat now, one that claws at the fragile life she’s clinging to. Cornered, she leans toward Shawn, the one person who might not let her down. But trust? That’s a jagged pill when your scars still ache. The stakes climb, secrets spill, and Brittany’s left staring down a crossroads: wade into the chaos for a shot at something real, or let fear choke it all out.

Author Diane M. How’s writing is sharp, engaging and cinematic. Her voice and tone have been well-established with complex characters that keep the story moving at a fast-pace. In addition, she is a master at balancing high-stakes and suspenseful twists and turns, with moments of reflection, which gives the book an electric energy and strong emotional core. 

Overall, Spark to Flame weaves resilience, romance, and danger into a pulse-quickening ride that doesn’t let go until the end. Highly recommended! – Review by Book Excellence (bookexcellence.com)

The Benefits of Skipping!


Did you know skipping rope may improve your heart health, physical coordination, and bone density. It’s also a great way to lose belly fat and ease anxiety! According to Nike, jumping rope is a great way to get a full-body workout https://www.nike.com/a/benefits-of-jump-rope

Of course, jumping rope may not be in your best interest if you are of a certain age and/or have joints that don’t appreciate the pounding. I doubt The Dahlonega Sisters will be taking up that sport anytime soon. Well, Mutzi McGilvray might…but she is a spunky character with an abundance of energy.

If you don’t know who she is, you’re in luck. Check out the first book in The Dahlonega Sisters, The Gold Miner Ring for $.99. (Available in the USA only) https://www.amazon.com/Dahlonega-Sisters-Gold-Miner-Ring/dp/1734038306.

While reading may not help you lose weight or strengthen your bones, following these sisters on their delightful journey might ease your anxieties and make you chuckle at their sister fussing.

Mutzi, Marge, and Rose Ellen are joining forces with Chuck Hansen to open Skipping Stone Lodge, New Beginnings. The eBook and paperback are now available on Amazon. All other venues should be available within a few days.

https://www.amazon.com/Skipping-Stone-Lodge-New-Beginnings/dp/173403839X

Chuck Hansen is ready to pay it forward. Only three years earlier, fresh out of prison and stuck in a downward spiral, his long-lost sisters Rose Ellen, Marge, and Mutzi appeared, giving him hope and a new life. Chuck is determined to repay their kindness and prove to the town of Dahlonega who he really is. His sisters rally to support him when he proposes creating a peaceful sanctuary called Skipping Stone Lodge.
But one impulsive decision to help a troubled young man puts Chuck right back where he started—behind bars. In a flash, everything he’s worked for is on the line. Can he count on his newly found sisters to help him rewrite his future, or is this one mistake too many?

Thank you for following my posts and for reading my novels. Your comments, messages, and book reviews are always appreciated.

Sincerely,

Diane

authordianemhow@gmail.com

Some Things in Life Are Free?


I started to create a post about all the sites that offer free items. Where to start! Where to stop!

Instead, I thought I’d share an award-winning author’s review of my new romantic suspense ebook, Spark to Flame, Burning Embers Book One.

“I thoroughly enjoyed Book #1 of this new romantic suspense series. It has a page-turning plot with main characters who are likable and an interesting premise centered around a wild horse sanctuary. There were several twists I didn’t see coming, which made for an entertaining read. This story can be read as a standalone, but I’m looking forward to Book #2!

Pat Wahler: https://patwahler.com/

For the next five days it is FREE at Amazon KindleUnlimited! Grab your copy now!

Reviews are greatly appreciated anywhere. I hope you enjoy it!

Autumn’s Arrival


It’s one of my favorite times of the year. When all the mums I’ve planted over the years join together to brighten the day, it makes me smile. Wouldn’t it be great if people from all nations blended as well?

Do you know what else makes me smile? Publishing a new novel! Just in time for fall! Come walk through piles of golden aspen leaves as Brittany snaps pictures of wild horses. Too bad she’s trespassing…or is she?

This is the first book of the Burning Embers series and I hope you’ll enjoy the journey of a young widow as she rebuilds her life. The Christmas eve ending makes this a perfect holiday read.

Get your paperback or eBook on Amazon now

I’d love to hear from you. Drop me a line and let me know what is happening in your world.

Reviews are greatly appreciated!

The End is Near!


Ooh…that’s a scary thought!

No. No. No. Not THE end.

Sorry! Just wanted to grab your attention. I should have titled it: The Beginning but where’s the humor in that?

It’s been nearly two years since the final book in The Dahlonega Sisters series found its way onto bookshelves everywhere. I’m excited to announce their journey will continue in a new series Skipping Stone Lodge, but unfortunately, the building is still undergoing renovations. It’s scheduled for completion in the summer of 2024.

So what’s the beginning?

I finally typed The End to the first book of a new romantic suspense series, Burning Embers Book One, Spark to Flame which is scheduled for release on October 15, 2023!

This story has more twists and turns than the mountains of Colorado. A young widow, Brittany Harbor, survives a horrific car crash that claims her father’s life. Her injuries have healed, but not her heart. Determined to take back control of her life, she leaves New York to stow away in a remote cabin where she had spent childhood vacations with her dad. It borders a wild horse sanctuary. Her anticipated safe haven becomes a potential death trap. That’s all for now, but I will share the cover.

Stay tuned for more!

Diane

Baskets, Bubbles, and Books


How can it be August already? What happened to April, May, and June? Did I sleep through them?

No. I did not. When I wasn’t writing, I was weaving. My daughter, Laura, and I just returned from the Missouri Basket Weaving Convention in Independence, Missouri. What a great organization! So many talented instructors, volunteers, and happy weavers all gathered together to create magic.

The top right is called Seashells and was designed by Debbie Elston Hurd. The other three were designed by Mary Price. Top left is Shadow Box. Next is Sea Glass, and the bottom (my favorite) is Nautical Edge.

Five days with these fun-loving fabulous women was a welcomed break from writing. I took my laptop but didn’t take it out of the bag!

While the weeks/months have been slipping by, not much progress has been made by The Dahlonega Sisters, I keep in touch with them regularly and they assure me Skipping Stone Lodge should be completed soon. Actually, they knew I was distracted with another mission so they have been pretty quiet.

So where do the bubbles come in? I’ve got a bottle of champagne chilling in the refrigerator waiting to share some exciting news about my next book adventure.

Burning Embers Book One, Spark to Flame will make its appearance very soon! I’m working with a cover designer for my new romantic suspense series. My editor just returned my manuscript with the first round of edits. As some of you know, this romantic suspense novel which takes place in Colorado near a wild horse sanctuary has been in progress for many years. The bones were too good to bury so I’ve been rebuilding it piece by piece and it will finally be published by fall. I’ll share a sneak peek at the cover very soon. Thanks to all who have encouraged me to see it through.

Last but not least, I’m excited to be part of the Local Books and Brew Book Signing at Third Wheel Brewery in St. Peters, Missouri https://www.thirdwheelbrewing.com/ on Wednesday, September 6, 2023, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Award-winning authors will be available to answer questions and sign your books. Sarah Angleton, Pat Wahler, J.J. Zerrr, Tammy Lough, myself, and Tara Pedroley. Stop by and sample a cold beer while learning about an exciting new book club focused on local author books.

That’s it for now. Stay tuned for another post soon. Thanks for following my journey!

No After Cruise Blues


I did it!

My first cruise and my first time outside of the USA. No fear. Just fun!

Recently, my daughter and I set sail for the Eastern Caribbean. What a fantastic experience!

Carnival Celebration

Laura impressed me with her travel knowledge and skills. If it were up to me, I’d still be standing in the wrong line at the airport trying to figure out how to get my luggage tags. She guided us quickly through a maze of travelers via the short TSA line and to our gate.

We arrived in Miami a day early to reduce the worry of a flight delay or cancellation. She’d arranged transportation from the hotel to the port the next morning , and before long, we were herded along with 5,000 other cruisers onto the ship. She’d selected a wonderful ocean view stateroom with a balcony.

The launch party certainly set the mood. Music, dancing, Caribbean Coladas-and a fun-loving cruise director.

I trailed my daughter like a little puppy the first two days afraid I’d get lost and never see her again. When I wasn’t trying to remember which of the nineteen decks held our room, the lido, and of course, the casino, I was challenged with figuring out forward, aft, port, and starboard.

All the walking helped offset the some of the weight gain from visiting the dozens of the food venues. Of course we had to test them all – well, most of them. We did splurge on the Fahrenheit 555 Steak House and Bonsai Teppanyaki, a Japanese steak house. So worth it!

Our first port stop was at Amber Cove in the Dominican Republic where we experienced monkeys up close and personal at Monkeyland Punta Cana. It was a little unnerving as they climbed all over me, but I didn’t freak out and they were cute.

The following morning we arrived in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Even though it was hot and humid, Laura and I hiked two and a half miles uphill to one of the historical forts. https://www.nps.gov/saju/index.htm

Later that evening, we set sail for St. Maarten island and when we woke the next morning, we were already in port on the Dutch side ruled by the Kingdom of the Netherlands. The other side is the French Republic. We spent the day browsing through shops, wading in the pristine waters, and lounging under an umbrella sipping cold beer.

The Celebration ship is the largest in Carnival’s fleet. At capacity, it can accommodate 6,5003 passengers plus 1,735 crew members. The enormous size impressed me as we passed numerous smaller cruise ships along the way. However, when we docked in port at St. Maarten next to the largest cruise ship in the world, Wonder of the Sea, I had to laugh.

Hopefully this is the first of many new experiences I’ll enjoy in this chapter of my life. I’m keeping an open mind and kicking fear to the curb! Meanwhile, stay tune for news about The Dahlonega Sisters. Coming soon!

I’d love to hear about your adventures. Drop me a line!