In the Author Spotlight & Contest

Shiela Stewart

CONTEST: One commenter will receive a free ecopy of Until Death Do Us Part. Make sure to leave your email address so Shiela can contact you if you win.

AL: Hi Shiela! Thanks for joining us once again.

Shiela: Thank you so much, Ann for having me.

AL: So, tell us what’s happening with you.

Shiela: Well, as I sit here doing this interview I watch the rain pouring outside and I wonder when will summer arrive. I love working outside in my yard and haven’t had much opportunity to do so this summer, it’s been raining and cool so much. But I have managed to get out and plant some flowers and start a small vegetable garden that is beginning to flourish. Aside from that, I’ve been remodeling my home, adding in some French doors to a room that was wide open.

I along with my husband and three grown children managed to spend two days at the lake, despite the rain and cool weather. One of my sisters is in from Ontario and on the weekend we plan on meeting two of my brothers a well as nieces, nephews, aunts and my mother at a campground for some fun. The last time we all gathered was a somber time, at my father’s funeral last August. Though it had been a solemn time, we did manage to have some fun and I in turn ended up wearing several cups of water. I am told to be prepared for similar events on the weekend. I’ll be prepared and bring extra clothes. LOL

Aside from that, I’ve been busy dragging my youngest daughter (14) out of bed every morning to attend summer school. Had she not failed math she would have her summer off, and so would I.

AL: What do you currently have for us to read? More sexy vamps to sink our teeth into…

Shiela: LOL, well, yes and no. My current project is a non-paranormal romance. I know, you along with my fans are in shock. “Me, write a non-paranormal” Though it is rare, I have done so on occasion and this next release of mine, Until Death Do Us Part is a romantic suspense that though no biting is involved, there is a great deal of emotion, suspense and love. Until Death will be released on July 15th.

As for sexy vamps… Check the next question.

AL: You have a lot of changes getting ready to take place…care to share with Blog Bites readers?

Shiela: Do I ever. LOL It has been a crazy few months for me. I am no longer with Linden Bay Romance and therefore my books are currently not available but fear not. Beginning in August, my Darkness series will be re-released with the first two Darkness books, Seducing and Desiring the Darkness, and two never before released novels, Consuming the Darkness and Surviving the Darkness. But if you think you know everything there is to know about my released Darkness books already, then you’re in for a big surprise. In moving to Absolute, I’ve added some content to my Darkness series that I’m sure the readers won’t want to miss. Also, there are brand new covers and I must say, they are divine!

AL: What do you hope for your writing career in the next few years? Any goals that you have yet to obtain that you have set for yourself?

Shiela: As long as I can keep piping out great novels that readers enjoy, I’m happy. That’s all I’ve ever wanted.

AL: What do you feel is the most important thing that a first-time author should know?

Shiela: If you think you know it all…you’re in for a big surprise. LOL Things are always changing and just because one genre is popular now it doesn’t mean it will be tomorrow so don’t give up if you don’t write in that genre. And remember, just because one editor doesn’t like what you sent in, it doesn’t mean it’s not good. Send it to someone else and who knows, it could be the next great novel.

AL: Now it’s time to get personal…If your muse were to talk behind your back, what secrets would he/she tell?

Shiela: LOL, well…my muse would say I’m a very shy person until I feel comfortable in my surroundings. I’m also vulnerable, sensitive and emotional. But never, never piss me off because there will be hell to pay. LOL As for secrets. If she knows what’s good for her she’ll keep her mouth shut. LOL

AL: Summer is here! What is your favorite part about the season?

Shiela: As noted above, what season? I’ve yet to see summer. LOL

Actually, Fall is my favorite season. I love the vibrant colors of the leaves as they change from green to yellow and orange. Also, it’s the season when I met my husband, my love of my life.

AL: If you could go anywhere in the world and write to your hearts delight, where would you go, what would your story be about and what is the title?

Shiela: Anywhere I am is perfect for writing. I’m really not a traveler. I’m a home body but there are a few places I would love to visit. One is Scotland. I have a strong desire to see a castle. I’ve always had a fascination with castles. I also want to see Niagara Falls and walk around the bright lights of Vegas. I’m sure while I’m at any one of these places a story will creep into my mind and beg to be given a voice.

AL: You’re the actress in a must see blockbuster movie that everyone’s been waiting all summer for.1) What’s the movie about? 2) Who’s your character? 3) And who’s your leading man?

Shiela: Well, this is an interesting question, one I’ve never had before. Good one!

The Movie would be a thriller/suspense. Maybe about a woman who is tormented by demons and has struggled her entire life to be rid of them and keep them hidden only to have a traumatic event bring them forward. Now that they’re free they want to take her down but wait…in walks the hero to help me fight them off. Who the leading man would be…Hmm….Hugh Jackman or Johnny Depp. Yummy, yummy, yummy. J And now that you got my brain going the story is beginning to formulate. LOL

AL: Please share a favorite quote(s) with us.

Shiela: “It’s a dog eat dog world and I’m wearing Milk Bone underwear.” Quote from Norm on the eighties series Cheers.

AL: Thanks so much for coming back and sharing with joining us once again, Shiela.

Shiela: Thank you so much, Ann, for having me again. I always love coming here and being your guest.

AL: If you’d like to find out more about Shiela please visit:

www.shielasbooks.ca

http://www.absolute-x-press.blogspot.com/

FEATURED TITLE:

Blurb:

Beautiful, wealthy, a luxurious home and a handsome and devoted husband, Victoria Brentwood has it all. Until a sudden explosion takes the life of the man she loves. Alone and grieving Victoria knows she has to go on for her unborn child’s sake and the multi-million dollar hotel empire her husband left her.

Struggling to raise her daughter and make it alone, Victoria continues with life haunted by one question. Who killed her husband? Victoria begins to rebuild her life and has it all turned around when her dead husband Christian, walks back into her life.

Under the Witness Relocation Program, Christian has spent the past year and a half of his life in hiding while the police search for the man who wants him dead. When he’s told to come out of hiding to lure the killer out, Christian has no idea what’s in store for him. Upon his return he is faced with a wife who refuses to take him back and a child he knows nothing of. Wanting both back in his life, Christian expects Victoria to take him back. She on the other hand, isn’t quite so ready.

With a killer on their trail, will they be able to mend the broken fence that is their marriage before it’s too late?

Excerpt:

Today marked their one year anniversary as husband and wife, and it wouldn’t be just that they would celebrate tonight. Something very special would be announced at dinner, and it had her heart racing with excitement of the fact.

“Victoria my love, you are truly a vision.” He held his hand out to her as she moved towards him.

"I never tire of hearing that.” Taking his hand she waited for his usual brush of lips against her knuckles and wasn’t disappointed.

“I was growing a little impatient waiting for you, but now I see it was well worth the wait.” His lips grazed over her knuckles just as she’d predicted and it sent her pulse soaring.

“I am always worth the wait.” She placed a hand to his cheek and smiled with light amusement twinkling in her blue eyes.

“No truer words have been said my love.” Still holding her hand, he pulled her closer and slipped a soft and gentle kiss to her lips. “Shall we go?”

His emerald eyes looked down into hers and she sensed something in his eyes she couldn’t explain. “Yes, let’s.” She couldn’t wait to tell him her good news.

“I’ll just get the car.”

“No driver tonight?” Slowly he released her and turned to the door and she felt an odd sensation run down her spine. Shaking it loose, she checked her hand bag to make sure she had everything she needed.

“Not tonight.” He opened the door and held it while she stepped through. “Victoria?”

She paused to turn to him. “Yes, Christian?”

He took a slow steadying breath and pulled her into his arms. “I love you, always and forever, remember that.”

Her smile was a glitter of emotion. “I know that my love, as do I.” But that odd sensation wouldn’t leave her.

Cupping her face gently in his hands he pulled her in and sunk his lips into hers. It wasn’t a kiss filled with passion, but solely of need.

There was the usual tingling throughout her body, the racing heart and quickening pulse she felt when he touched her with his lips.

Releasing her, he gave his trade mark dimpled smile, and then turned to leave.

Victoria ran a delicate finger along her swollen lips and smiled. She loved him with all she had, heart, body and soul. And as she stepped out into the star studded evening, she couldn’t wait to tell him he was to be a father.

The blast had her ears ringing and echoing in her head. Turning, she saw the flames shoot high into the dark night sky, and she screamed.

“Christian.” Dropping her evening bag, lifting her gown she ran in her heels towards the garage that was fully engulfed in flames. “Christian,” she cried out again and prayed he would answer her. The closer she got the more she could feel the heat from the flames. She would have run into the fire if she hadn’t been stopped.

“Mrs. Brentwood, you can’t go in there.” Driscoll, their chauffeur, held her by the waist and struggled to keep her away from the fire.

“Christian is in there, I have to get him out.” She tried to break free but he held her so firmly. Her love, her life, was in that fire and she would do anything to get him out.

“You can’t save him now, ma’am.” He turned her towards the house.

“Driscoll stop it, let me go.” She could hear the snapping of wood and the pop of plastic but all she could think was, he’s in there and he needs me.

“No, ma’am he’s gone.” He grabbed hold of her shoulders and gave her a hard shake. “He’s gone.”

She looked from the fire to Driscoll, her eyes shimmering with tears from the fire, but now the recognition set in and the tears turned to pain. “No Driscoll, he’s alive, I know he is.” She could still feel him inside of her heart.

“Mrs. Brentwood, look at the place, nothing could survive that.”

Her tears fell hot and heavy as she looked back to the building that was barely standing, and fully engulfed in flames. “No, Christian, dear God no!”The darkness swirled around her, flames that had been so bright moments earlier suddenly dimmed. She felt her knees go weak then it all went black.

REMEMBER: One commenter will receive a free ecopy of Until Death Do Us Part. Make sure to leave your email address so Shiela can contact you if you win.