The Day The World Turns Green!

Celtic Blessing

May the road rise up to meet you

May the wind be always at your back

May the sun shine down upon your face.

And the rain fall soft upon your fields

Until we meet again

May God hold you in the hollow of his hand

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY!

The day everyone is Irish! So what is it that makes everyone want to be Irish? 

SOME FACTS ABOUT ST. PATRICK DAY'S

The Legend has it that St Patrick drove all the snakes out of Ireland. Some believe it was really pagans he drove from Ireland.  It is also claimed that he had a way with words, and used the three leaves of the Shamrock to explain the Trinity of the Father, Son and Holy Ghost. St. Patrick's Day commemorates the death of St. Patrick who died back in 461 AD. The first celebration of St. Patrick's day was in 1737—surprisingly in Boston!

Leprechauns come from Irish mythology and are thought to be a type of male fairies that inhabit Ireland. Magical creatures, lovers of mischief, who covet a pot of gold. 

My Irish Guy!

As for the Shamrocks, Legend says that each leaf of the clover means something: the first is for hope, the second for faith, the third for love and the fourth for luck.

Personally, I love the Irish! I married one! Love Ireland. I took an Irish pen name, Colleen Connally. Just rolls off the tongue. Fun to say! My husband came up with it. 

So if you are looking for a nice romantic read on this St. Patrick's Day, may I suggest my books under Colleen Connally. Seductive Secrets is a free ebook. Broken Legacy is my newest release!

AMAZON   BARNES AND NOBLE

AMAZON    BARNES AND NOBLE

"May your thoughts be as glad as the shamrocks. May your heart be as light as a song. May each day bring you bright, happy hours. That stay with you all the year long."

"Erin Go Bragh." (Ireland Forever)

WINTER WONDERLAND

Perspective. Life is about perspective. How do we look at the events in our lives? This was my life last week. Nemo slammed hard. We were without electricity for four and a half days. I thought that was bad until someone I know started talking about her experience with Sandy last year. She had me beat—nine and a half days.

AMAZON US  AMAZON UK   BARNES AND NOBLE   KOBO

I write historical romance. I love history. I find it fascinating how people lived in the past. One of the aspects of writing is using one's imagination to conjure up a believable tale of the past. I feel sometimes I'm transported back in time when I'm engrossed in one of my books. I'll give you an example.

Writing Broken Legacy was difficult for me. The Reign of Terror was a real event. So many thousands of innocent people lost their lives facing Madame Guillotine. I literally had to thrust my hero and heroine into the midst of this madness. For a moment in time, I found myself contemplating what it must have been like to face the threat of the guillotine. I have to admit the more I researched the French Revolution the more fascinated I became. Did you know that most victims of the guillotine faced their deaths with a quiet dignity? I think I would have been fighting and screaming going up the steps.

AMAZON US       AMAZON UK

Writing the Winds of Betrayal series, I dove into learning about spy networks during the American Revolution. Again, I was completely mesmerized by the circumstances of the war and the consequences brave men and women faced. Studying history gives one a better perception of the sacrifices made for us to be where we are today.

Moreover, in all my historical books my heroes and heroines accomplish all their feats without benefit of electricity! I have come to the conclusion I would never have survived. I need my electricity. I want my electricity. I confess I am a wimp. I have never been so miserable as I was last weekend. But hubbie, my doggies and I survived.

So am I amazed at the Winter Wonderland surrounding me? Can I for an instant appreciate the beauty of what it looks like when an ice bomb has gone off? I suppose I can if I was in the comfort of a warm house with internet, food, and hot water. Oh, did I tell you that we are expecting another snow storm tonight?

Busy week this week so I hope I don't lose electricity again. First Broken Legacy, Book Two Secret Lives Series was released on Valentine's Day. Don't forget that Seductive Secrets, Book One Secret Lives Series, is a free ebook!

Also this week, the newly published, The Cry For Freedom, Book One Winds of Betrayal, will be free February 20-22! Kindle Freebie! Get your copy and let me know what you think! Coming soon, Embrace of the Enemy, Book Two Winds of Betrayal, will be released. Also, I'm still hosting the book give away celebrating the release of Broken Legacy. Check it out on Colleen Connally's blog!

JUDGING A BOOK BY ITS COVER

Happy New Year! May 2013 bring you only the best!

Laura Breck's Cover Creation

I feel like I've been gone for ages! I did so enjoy the stories throughout December, though. My fellow Roses did a great job! But its good to be back.

2013— Bright Beginnings!

I have been busy writing. I have so much I want to accomplish this year with my books. I'm almost ready to release the second book in my Secret Lives Series. Now comes one of my favorite parts...picking out a cover.

Exciting! You have spent months creating a story. Now you need the perfect cover. Some writers can create their own. I would point out the wonderful job our own Laura Breck does with covers. Beth Trissel an author I know has her daughter, Elise, create her covers. A quite talented young lady I might add. Then if you're like me, you have to depend on the talents of others to create your cover.

Cover Art by Graphiczxdesigns

Cover Art by Elise Trissel

Cover Art by Calista Taylor

The cover to your book might be the most important ingredient besides the writing in creating your book. It's the first thing one sees. You need something catchy. It's so important to capture the readers imagination so they will pick up your book.

So I'm going to have fun today. I'm going to show a few covers. Some of mine—I will admit I'm just a tad excited about the new cover to Broken Legacy. Erin Dameron-Hill even went back and touched up Seductive Secrets cover to match Broken Legacy.

Cover Art by Erin Dameron-Hill

Let me know what you think! What are a few of your favorites?
Seductive Secrets also is available in paperback. Check out its cover if you get the chance. Just a tad different.

Happy 2013! Keep Reading! For more about my books, check out my website, Jerri Hines, Romance Author.

BROKEN LEGACY
COMING FEBRUARY, 2013
Cover Art by Erin Dameron-Hill