• Historical

    Read A Place in Your Heart by Kathy Otten @kathyotten #RLFblog #CivilWar #Romance

    Read A Place in Your Heart by Kathy Otten @kathyotten #RLFblog #CivilWar #RomanceKathy Otten, welcome to Romance Lives Forever. I’m Kayelle Allen, author and owner of this blog. Happy to have you here! Please tell us about your book.

     A Place in Your Heart by Kathy Otten

    Gracie sees Charles as a brilliant surgeon, but not as a man. Charles sees Gracie as a beautiful woman, but not as a skilled nurse.

    Genre Historical Romance

    Book heat level (based on movie ratings): PG-13

    Gracie McBride isn’t looking for love; she’s looking for respect. But in this man’s world of Civil War medicine, Gracie is expected to maintain her place changing beds and writing letters. Her biggest nemesis is the ward surgeon, Doctor Charles Ellard, who seems determined to woo her with arrogant kisses and terrible jokes.

    Charles is an excellent surgeon. He assumed he would be well received by an army at war. He was not. Friendless and alone, he struggles to hide the panic attacks that plague him while the only person who understands him is a feisty Irish nurse clearly resolved to keep him at a distance.

    But, Charles is sent to the battlefield, and Gracie is left with a wounded soldier, a box of toys, and a mystery which can only be solved by the one man she wishes could love her, both as a woman and a nurse.

    Where to buy A Place in Your Heart

    Publisher The Wild Rose Press
    Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CKYZ61M/
    Barnes and Noble https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-place-in-your-heart-kathy-otten/1128539862
    Kobo https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/a-place-in-your-heart

    Kathy Otten Social Media

    Historical romance author Kathy Otten, enjoys writing westerns with wounded heroes and feisty heroines. Multi-published, Kathy also writes contemporary romance and historical fiction, in all lengths of fiction from short story to novel. She was a finalist in the Utah/Salt Lake RWA Hearts of the West Contest and a winner of the Northwest Houston RWA Lone Star Writing Competition.
    She lives in the rolling farmland of western New York and enjoys long walks with her German Shepherd, Max.
    Currently, she has stepped outside her comfort zone and is putting the finishing touches on a contemporary young adult novel.
    Still, romance is her favorite and she is playing with the rough drafts for a few more historicals.
    You can sign up for her newsletter, or contact Kathy through her web site.
    Website https://www.kathyotten.com
    Twitter https://www.twitter.com/kathyotten
    Facebook https://www.facebook.com/kathyottenauthor

     

  • Historical,  Know the Heroine

    Know the Heroine from A Place in Your Heart by Kathy Otten @kathyotten #RLFblog #Historical Romance

    Know the Heroine from A Place in Your Heart by Kathy Otten @kathyotten #RLFblog #Historical RomanceKathy Otten, welcome to Romance Lives Forever. I’m Kayelle Allen, author and owner of this blog. Happy to have you here! We’re excited to find out more about your heroine, but first, tell us about the book.

    A Place in Your Heart by Kathy Otten

    Genre Historical Romance
    Book heat level (based on movie ratings): R
    Gracie McBride isn’t looking for love; she’s looking for respect. But in this man’s world of Civil War medicine, Gracie is expected to maintain her place changing beds and writing letters. Her biggest nemesis is the ward surgeon, Doctor Charles Ellard, who seems determined to woo her with arrogant kisses and terrible jokes.
    Charles is an excellent surgeon. He assumed he would be well received by an army at war. He was not. Friendless and alone, he struggles to hide the panic attacks that plague him while the only person who understands him is a feisty Irish nurse clearly resolved to keep him at a distance.
    But Charles is sent to the battlefield, and Gracie is left with a wounded soldier, a box of toys, and a mystery which can only be solved by the one man she wishes could love her, both as a woman and a nurse.

    Know the Heroine from A Place in Your Heart

    Here are some fun questions to help us know your heroine.
    It’s late, she’s bored. What does she do?
    Gracie enjoys reading, or doing puzzles.
    What kind of food would she impulse buy if hungry?
    She likes apple cinnamon cake.
    Describe the kind of clothes she prefers to wear.
    Being a widow, her dresses have all been dyed black. In the hospital she’s not allowed to wear a crinoline, so she wears extra petticoats, her favorite one is red.
    Does she know how to fix things?
    No, except when it comes to people’s problems. Then she’s right there trying to fix things.
    She tried to do something and it went badly. Tell us about it.
    She tried to help Doctor Ellard with his wish to have a family, but she was too intrusive and he resented her for it.
    How does she act around children she doesn’t know?
    Gracie is good with children, having grown up in a large Irish family.
    What is she like first thing in the morning?
    She is a morning person. Get up and get going.
    How does she handle things when in a “proper” social situation?
    Being Irish and having worked as a maid, Gracie doesn’t really get involved in social situations. However, when she’s focused on accomplishing something she sometimes forgets social conventions, like seeing a man naked or spending time alone with a man in his tent.
    Maid or takes care of herself?
    Gracie pretty much takes care of herself.
    Proper dress or casual clothes?
    Gracie wears what is proper for her station in life.
    Sleeves buttoned or rolled up?
    Normally buttoned, but when she’s working she rolls them up.
    Powdered wig or natural hair?
    Natural hair.
    Carriage or horseback?
    She can ride, but doesn’t have occasion to do it much. She usually walks or takes a carriage or taxi.
    Thanks for helping us get to know your heroine!

    Where to buy A Place in Your Heart

    Publisher The Wild Rose Press
    Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CKYZ61M/
    Barnes and Noble https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-place-in-your-heart-kathy-otten/1128539862
    Kobo https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/a-place-in-your-heart

    Kathy Otten Social Media

    Historical romance author Kathy Otten, enjoys writing westerns with wounded heroes and feisty heroines. Multi-published, Kathy also writes contemporary romance and historical fiction, in all lengths of fiction from short story to novel. She was a finalist in the Utah/Salt Lake RWA Hearts of the West Contest and a winner of the Northwest Houston RWA Lone Star Writing Competition.
    She lives in the rolling farmland of western New York and enjoys long walks with her German Shepherd, Max.
    Currently, she has stepped outside her comfort zone and is putting the finishing touches on a contemporary young adult novel.
    Still, romance is her favorite and she is playing with the rough drafts for a few more historicals.
    You can sign up for her newsletter, or contact Kathy through her web site.
    Website https://www.kathyotten.com
    Twitter https://www.twitter.com/kathyotten
    Facebook https://www.facebook.com/kathyottenauthor

     

  • RLF Gems

    #Romance Lives Forever on #RLFblog Meet the top bloggers @VickiBatman @Sheri_Humphreys

    #Romance Lives Forever on #RLFblog Meet the top bloggers @VickiBatman @Sheri_HumphreysBe sure to read What is RLF? Romance Lives Forever in 2018 and discover great new opportunities for authors and readers.

    The RLF Gems announcement last month was in the top ten. You are why I do this!

    Top Blogger for this month is Vicki Batman. Top chatter is also Vicki! She was the Top Blogger of 2017, and won a year of free advertising for 2018.

    Top Blogger Vicki Batman

    The top bloggers are judged by page visits. Congratulations!
    Other authors in order by page visits are:
    Lloyd Meeker
    Livia Quinn
    AM Scott
    Alice Orr
    Claire Marti

    Honorable Mention: Kathy Otten

    Top Chatter for the Month

    #Romance Lives Forever on #RLFblog Meet the top bloggers @VickiBatman @Sheri_HumphreysThe person who gets the most comments in a month is not always the person who gets the most page views. For that reason, I instituted the Top Chatter Award. This award is for the bloggers who receive the most comments.
    This month’s winner is Vicki Batman.

    Runner up is Sheri Humphreys.

    Authors of #FreeBookFriday

    Adite Banerjie, Adriana Kraft, Effrosyni Moschoudi, Erica Ridley, Holly Bargo, Kayelle Allen, Kris Bock, Kryssie Fortune, Lisa Carlisle, Livia Quinn, Luci Beach, Madison Michael, MJ Schiller, Sylvia Hubbard

    Join us each week for #FreeBookFriday

    Readers – bookmark the blog and come back every day for good books. On Fridays, every book we offer is free. Look for the #FreeBookFriday hashtag on Twitter and Facebook.

    Authors, do you offer subscribers a free book for signing up to your newsletter? Do you have a permafree book or a book on KindleUnlimited? Here’s your chance to reach new readers in 2018. Romance Lives Forever now offers a free book section. #FreeBookFriday will offer 5 books each week all year long. Each week, 4 spots will be free.

    How do you take part? It’s easy. All you need to send is the cover, a blurb, and a link to get your book. When you sign up, your confirmation form will have a link to add your book info.

    When someone clicks the link you provide, they’ll be taken directly to your site. You’ll have the double opt in that newsletter services require. No worrying about adding a list downloaded from another place. You’ll get subscribers directly. Easy peasy.

    There’s a 5th paid spot for $5. It comes with a week-long cover ad spot on the front page (upper right corner). Your free book will also get a pinned spot on the RLF Facebook page, and a cover spot on the RLF #FreeBookFriday Pinterest board.

    Reserve a date for Free Book Friday http://bit.ly/rlf-free

     

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    Please support our veterans and their families personally
    and in your communications with Congress.

    Be a Guest Author

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    Reserve a date between January and March 2019
    https://bit.ly/rlf2Q2019

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    My thanks to all who took part this month. You made Romance Lives Forever a great place to discover new books and authors.


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  • Historical,  Know the Hero

    Know the Hero from A Place In Your Heart by Kathy Otten @kathyotten #RLFblog #Historical Romance

    Know the Hero from A Place In Your Heart by Kathy Otten @kathyotten #RLFblog #Historical RomanceKathy Otten, welcome to Romance Lives Forever. I’m Kayelle Allen, author and owner of this blog. Happy to have you here! We’re excited to find out more about your hero, but first, tell us about the book.

    A Place In Your Heart by Kathy Otten

    Genre Historical Romance
    Book heat level (based on movie ratings): R
    Gracie McBride isn’t looking for love; she’s looking for respect. But in this man’s world of Civil War medicine, Gracie is expected to maintain her place changing beds and writing letters. Her biggest nemesis is the ward surgeon, Doctor Charles Ellard, who seems determined to woo her with arrogant kisses and terrible jokes.
    Charles is an excellent surgeon. He assumed he would be well received by an army at war. He was not. Friendless and alone, he struggles to hide the panic attacks that plague him, while the only person who understands him is a feisty Irish nurse clearly resolved to keep him at a distance.
    But, Charles is sent to the battlefield, and Gracie is left with a wounded soldier, a box of toys, and a mystery which can only be solved by the one man she wishes could love her, both as a woman and a nurse.

    Know the Hero from A Place In Your Heart

    Here are some fun questions to help us know your hero.
    It’s late, he’s bored. What does he do?
    I don’t believe I have ever been bored, per se. When I have time I often read. A Manual of Military Surgery, is always good to keep fresh in the mind. Or I write. I’m currently working on a paper, Pymeia and Surgical Fevers, which if published, may provide the catalyst necessary to instill a change in the current perception that laudable pus in a wound is a good sign.
    What kind of food would he impulse buy if hungry?
    I do enjoy fresh bread. The yeasty aroma reminds me of home.
    Describe the kind of clothes he prefers to wear.
    In this regard I agree with my grandfather in that a slovenly appearance is disrespectful. A clean shirt and tie, with a neatly pressed uniform.
    Does he know how to fix things?
    I am a surgeon, by definition I fix things every day. However, if I have something non human to repair, such as a watch, I go to the library, read a book on the subject, come home and make the necessary repair.
    He tried to do something and it went badly. Tell us about it.
    I can’t dance. And the construct of socialization skills baffle me. I have no friends.
    How does he act around children he doesn’t know?
    I have treated many ill and hurt children. They do seem to have a propensity to disregard adult warnings regarding safety. Male children often engage in reckless behaviors, which consequently end with one or more receiving an injury.
    What is he like first thing in the morning?
    I do long for the day when I might be able to sleep beyond the light of dawn. And coffee. I do enjoy a good brisk cup of black coffee to start the day.
    How does he handle things when in a “proper” social situation?
    As I have mentioned social situations are not my forte. However, I have had a proper education and do know the rules of proper gentlemanly behavior.
    Valet or takes care of himself?
    I prefer to dress myself. My grandfather does have a man who assists him and looks after both our clothing. Being in the army however, I have learned to make do.
    Necktie/cravat or open shirt?
    As I said, clean shirt and pressed uniform. Although, while performing surgery I operate in my shirtsleeves with an apron.
    Sleeves buttoned or rolled up?
    While performing surgery, my shirtsleeves are rolled up. Otherwise, the cuff extends an inch or two beyond the sleeve of my uniform jacket.
    Powdered wig or natural hair?
    I am not an expert on fashion, but I do not believe powdered wigs to be in style any longer.
    Carriage or horseback?
    A home Grandfather kept a horse and carriage at the livery. Here in the Army, I have my own horse. He is not fond of crossing water, but like me, he is tall, so we are well matched.
    Thanks for helping us get to know your hero!

    Where to buy A Place In Your Heart

    Wild Rose Press https://catalog.thewildrosepress.com/all-titles/5824-a-place-in-your-heart.html
    Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07CKYZ61M/
    Barnes and Noble https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-place-in-your-heart-kathy-otten/1128
    Kobo https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/a-place-in-your-hear

    Kathy Otten Social Media

    Kathy Otten is the published author of multiple historical romance novels, novellas, and short stories. She is also published in contemporary romance and historical fiction. She is a Northwest Houston RWA Lone Star winner and Utah/Salt Lake RWA Hearts of the West finalist. A Place In Your Heart is her fourth full-length novel . Currently, she is putting the finishing touches on a contemporary young adult novel.
    She teaches fiction writing online and at a local adult education center, and is a regular presenter at area events. Kathy also does manuscript assessments and editing. She lives in the rolling farmland of western New York where she can often be found walking her dog through the woods and fields. She has been married for thirty-four years and is the mother of three grown children and one grandson.
    Website https://kathyottenauthor.com
    Twitter https://twitter.com/kathyotten
    Facebook https://www.facebook.com/kathyottenauthor