Unexpected Treasure - Free!

Unexpected Treasure - short story which I released a while ago has finally gone free on Amazon UK. If you all report it then hopefully it'll go free for my US readers too. Here's the UK link

Vote for Christmas Ever After!

Gulp, voting is open for the RONE awards in the novella category. Christmas Ever After is a nominee and I would be eternally grateful for any votes. I know I don't stand a chance as I don't have the street teams and huge cohorts of organised voting some authors have but I'd be thrilled to reach double figure :) Vote Here It only takes a minute and InD'Tale Mag are lovely and don't spam you. Hugs. If you haven't read it yet and want to read before you vote - voting is open for a week! Here are the buy links! Amazon.com Amazon UK

Lady Charlotte ‘Lottie’ Bellhavan is dubbed the runaway bride after calling off her wedding on the eve of her marriage just a week before Christmas. Her best friend, Sophie has the perfect hideout for the beleaguered society belle, her childhood home, Tything Manor. Lottie won’t be alone for Christmas at the isolated Northumbrian manor house, Sophie’s older brother, Ranulf, the reclusive Earl of Craigmore will be there too.

Rafe is aware his unconventional looks and retiring nature won’t win any beauty contests but with the magic of the Christmas season and some judicious matchmaking from the meddlesome Sophie it might just be Christmas Ever After for Lottie and Rafe…

Also available as a paperback

Sophie's Choice has a release date!

I'm delighted to say that the prequel to Christmas Ever After, which tells the story of Rafe's sister, Sophie, is now scheduled for release on May 15th. Now I had better finish writing it as my editor will be waiting! It has a gorgeous cover which I'll share with you all as soon as I get the go ahead!

Christmas Ever After is a RONE award nominee!

I'm thrilled to say Christmas Ever After has been nominated for a RONE award.

Such lovely news on a grey, cold March day.

You can get your copy HERE if in the US Or HERE if in the UK Also available in other countries and if you're old school you can get the paperback!

An Uncivil War - FREE!

FREE for next few days! My Chick lit Timeslip Amazon UK Amazon.com

Grab your copy and tell your friends!

Almost gone!

I can't believe it's almost the end of January already. Where did it go?

I have lots of things coming up soon, some of which I can't talk about just yet. Some are writerly and some are some big changes in my personal life. I promise I'll share as soon as I can. It's all good. I have a lovely cover for Sophie's Choice and I really need to get that book finished!

In a few days time I have one of those landmark birthdays, and as I mentioned before Mr Nell is taking me to Malta for a week to celebrate. I love Malta and am so excited to be going back to revisit some favourite places.

I know that this year is going to be a good year.

Off to a cracking start!

2014 is promising to be a much better year in all ways than last year! Right now my lovely publishers, Astraea Press have a brilliant offer on all my single title books with them - just 99c or 77p so if you're missing one of the New Bay or Mayer family titles or wanted to try my new adult spooky shorts then now is your chance! There are lots of great offers on other Astraea titles too so make the most of your chance to fill your kindle with quality reading.

Writing wise I'm getting on with Sophie's Choice - the prequel to Christmas Ever After. It's such fun to write! Then I need to finish At The Dolphin Hotel, my cosy crime/romance.

An Uncivil War should be available soon in paperback too!

It's been busy on the home front too with my eldest belle turning twenty last weekend. I can't believe I have a daughter out of her teens. We've been busy decorating so at the moment the smell of paint is lingering everywhere and my youngest belle now has a pea green bedroom. Next stop is the belle's bathroom! It's like the painting of the Forth bridge.

My youngest belle also has chosen her prom dress now ready for summer so lots of fun dress shopping over the last couple of weeks. With the evenings starting to lighten earlier maybe Summer doesn't seem quite so distant despite the cold and damp.

Happy New Year!

Welcome to 2014!

This year promises to bring a lot of changes - some good, some, well, who knows! I have two stories underway to finish and release. At The Dolphin Hotel - a cosy mystery with a mix of romance!, and Sophie's Choice, the prequel to Christmas Ever After. An Uncivil War will be releasing in print as will Marrying Max. Demand is growing for my writing courses and my copy editing and critiquing business and Brierley Rose Press is becoming more established.

On a personal front my day job is looking shaky - nothing like getting an advance notice of redundancy in with your Christmas cards :)

I have a landmark birthday in a few weeks time too and Mr Nell is taking me to Malta for a week! We fly on my birthday. I love Malta and haven't been for quite a few years now so I'm excited to be going back.

Thank you to everyone who's supported me this last year, my family, my friends, my colleagues and my readers. I appreciate all of you so much.

Here's to a bright and sparkly 2014, may it find you healthy and happy, with food in your larder, a roof over your head, money in your pocket and books to read!

Guest Blogger - Felicia Rogers

A warm welcome to my guest today, Felicia Rogers, talking about The Ruse, her new Regency release.

The Ruse, Andrews Brothers, Book One

The fix is in…but her heart can’t be fooled.

Luke Andrews, Baron of Stockport, is in trouble. He needs a wealthy bride to secure future funds for his financially shaky estate, but the belle of the London season is a spoiled terror with an arrogant father. They’d try the nerves of a saint and Luke can’t quite bring himself to make an offer he knows he’d regret.

Meanwhile, Luke’s half-brother Chadwick never could resist a good game of Faro, or anything else, for that matter. With the baron away, Chadwick will play — gambling the estate’s remaining funds into oblivion. He needs to devise his own scheme to replace the money he’s lost, before his brother returns.

In Stockport village, Brigitta Blackburn doesn’t have two sticks to rub together — literally. With the estate in financial distress and rents high, food and wood are scarce. When she sneaks onto the baron’s land to steal some firewood, she’s caught, hauled before the play-acting “baron,” Chadwick, and offered a solution to her plight… and his.

But Chadwick’s ruse embroils them all. How can Brigitta accept what she thinks to be true, when she really yearns to follow her heart?

--a traditional Regency novel

On sale for 0.99 from Dec. 24th to Dec. 29th!!!

Available from Amazon: http://tinyurl.com/lkdksyd Amazon UK: http://tinyurl.com/lt2lwkn

Here's an excerpt to tempt you!

Fountains bubbled and birds landed in the baths. Luke took the long trail and walked by the fishing pond and hunting grounds. A rock jutted out from the mountain and Luke paused, blocking the sun from his face. From his high perch, the ruins of Stockport Castle tumbled across the green below. He remembered being a lad and staring at the ruins while holding tightly to his father’s hand. His father’s vivid descriptions had almost made him feel as if he’d walked through the hallowed halls that lay destroyed.

Reality of how things that stood the test of time could still plunge into nothingness gnawed at his innards and he wished his father was around to offer wisdom.

Downhearted, he shoved his hands in his pockets and turned. Upon approaching the manse, he knitted his brows. A line of people gathered. Behind them, carriages lined the road almost as far away as the village.

He strode toward the crowd and joined them. Raindrops fell and he tugged his top hat lower. The throng groaned and waved umbrellas aloft. Before them the manse doors parted and they entered the east wing of the estate. Tourists dressed in fine frocks with plumed hats filed into the main room, staring avidly about at his home. An individual Luke had never seen acted as a guide, lifting his hands and pointing at one side of the curved staircase.

There a woman of refined grace descended.

The guide announced, “Introducing Baroness Stockport, Brigitta Andrews.”

Luke blinked rapidly as the woman turned, smiled, and waved. The crowd returned her actions. She continued to descend until she reached the landing, where she stopped.

From the opposite set of stairs, his half-brother Chadwick, dressed in regal attire, descended. The red coat emphasized his broad shoulders, which he held back. His face scrunched, he didn’t look at the crowd, but instead focused a look filled with unrequited hatred toward the woman on the landing.

The guide lifted his hand toward Chadwick and said, “Introducing the Baron of Stockport.” Luke covered his gasp and huddled deeper into his coat. What is the meaning of this?

Before any further thoughts could drift through Luke’s mind, Chadwick stopped in the middle of the stairs and shouted, “And just what do you think you’re wearing?”

The woman bristled. “I’m wearing the yellow today, my lord.”

“The yellow? Blah. I’ve told you I detest yellow. Get thee upstairs and change this instant.” He pointed his finger above and the lady cocked a brow and glared.

“You will not tell me what to do! I’m the baroness and I can do as I please. If I want to wear yellow, then I shall wear yellow!”

Chadwick didn’t waver and Brigitta hitched her skirts and ran upstairs. Chadwick faced the crowd and apologized for his wife’s behavior before casually turning on his heel and leaving himself.

Shocked, Luke blindly followed the crowd. The guide led them through the entire east wing. They studied the wall of family portraits, swooned over the ancient family heirlooms, and ended with a riding tour of the grounds. With each new sight his ire increased. While he’d been strangled initially by feelings of cold, blind rage, the trip on horseback through the grounds cooled his temper and now he was naught but confused.

The event ended and the visitors left in their carriages. Discreetly, Luke sneaked into the house through a downstairs window and raced on tiptoe to his chambers. He sat at a desk and pondered until his head ached. Finally, he pulled the servant’s rope that led directly to his personal valet’s room. He paced, his mind jumbled with nonsensical thoughts. The door opened and he blurted, “Jarvis, I have a problem.”

The valet entered and closed the door. A blank stare covered his face as he blurted, “My lord, we weren’t expecting you. Welcome home.”

“There is something foul at play here.”

Jarvis squinted, lifted his nose, and sniffed.

“Not an odor, Jarvis.”

He lowered his chin. “Excuse me, your lordship, but I fail to understand your meaning.”

Without pretense, Luke said, “In the east wing, Chadwick is pretending to be me!”

“Are you sure?” asked Jarvis, his voice lending to a squeak.

He rounded on the servant. “Yes, I’m sure! They called his name as the Baron of Stockport and last I checked that was me!” (C) Felicia Rogers 2013

Guest post - Sherry Gloag - Name the Day!

Introducing Sherry Gloag, a fellow Astraea author with her fab new release - Name the day!

Best-selling author, Sherry Gloag is a transplanted Scot now living in the beautiful coastal countryside of Norfolk, England. She considers the surrounding countryside as extension of her own garden, to which she escapes when she needs "thinking time" and solitude to work out the plots for her next novel. While out walking she enjoys talking to her characters, as long as there are no other walkers close by.

Apart from writing, Sherry enjoys gardening, walking, reading and cheerfully admits her books tend to take over most of the shelf and floor space in her workroom-cum-office. She also finds crystal craft work therapeutic.

Sherry loves to hear from her readers. Contact Sherry!

Renowned portrait artist, Samantha Brown is through with men. After dealing with an overbearing father and cheating ex-fiance, Samantha is not in the market for romance, of any kind. Give her a blank canvas, some paints and brushes and she’s in charge of her life. There was no room in her life for love, so why did she find herself giving in to Rafael Santini’s outrageous demand that she paint his portrait?

Satisfied with his upcoming marriage of convenience Rafael Santini isn’t in the market for love. So, how come he finds the pint-sized artist stirring up emotions he didn’t have time for?

An accident forces Rafael to re-evaluate his life and wonder whether he can teach Samantha the art of love.

Excerpt:

Why couldn’t the stubborn man get it? She wasn’t giving him any favours at the expense of her other clients. In his case, money would not talk. Almost all her clients were well-heeled, but most understood the time restraints. After all, as she told each person, including Rafael Santini, who contracted a commission they wouldn’t want her to rush their painting and offer them a sub-standard product, would they?

“Give me the names of your clients and I will arrange to exchange places in your queue.” His unequivocal belief pulsed across the airwaves. Did the stupid man expect her to break the confidences of her clients?

“Tell me, Mr. Santini,” she asked in her most dulcet tone, “if I asked for a list of your clients would you hand them over, simply because I wanted something?”

“Don’t be stupid woman. It’s not the same thing at all. I’m a businessman.”

Would someone please save me from stupid arrogant men, Samantha offered in silent plea to the ether without expecting any response.

“I may not deal in electronics and communications systems, or equipment for the world of espionage, secret agents, and private investigators, Mr. Santini, but I do maintain a strict code of integrity and honour and customer confidentiality.”

“Why would you need confidentiality to daub a few colours on a piece of paper?”

Is this guy for real? Does he think insults and condemnation will get him what he wants?

“Let me get this straight. You want my agreement to let you queue jump the rest of my clients, who, incidentally have all signed contracts to be here on specified dates at specific times, and then you will be quite happy for me to go around publicising the fact you are not only having your portrait done, but that you bullied, harassed and threatened me into agreeing to your terms? I don’t think so. Not to mention that in many cases the commission is usually a gift for someone special and total secrecy is not only expected it is essential.”

The silence at the other end of the phone was almost deafening.

© Sherry Gloag 2013

Grab your copy Amazon.com Amazon UK B&N and other good e tailers!

Out Today - An Uncivil War

Out today! Overworked, over budget and just so not over him! Kate would like an engagement ring from Steve but instead he's lumbered them with a thirteenth renovation project, and doing up Myrtle Cottage disturbs a ghost from the English Civil War who has romance troubles of her own. Available from Amazon UK Amazon.com This was formerly released by Myrmidon Press as Renovation, Renovation, Renovation

Today's the Day!!

Todays the day! Christmas Ever After is officially out!!!! Available from Amazon.com and Amazon UK

Lady Charlotte ‘Lottie’ Bellhavan is dubbed the runaway bride after calling off her wedding on the eve of her marriage just a week before Christmas. Her best friend, Sophie has the perfect hideout for the beleaguered society belle, her childhood home, Tything Manor. Lottie won’t be alone for Christmas at the isolated Northumbrian manor house, Sophie’s older brother, Ranulf, the reclusive Earl of Craigmore will be there too.

Rafe is aware his unconventional looks and retiring nature won’t win any beauty contests but with the magic of the Christmas season and some judicious matchmaking from the meddlesome Sophie it might just be Christmas Ever After for Lottie and Rafe…

And here’s a taster

Charlotte picked up her mobile phone as if afraid it might bite her. She puffed out a sigh of relief when Sophie’s number showed on the screen.

“Are you okay, Lottie?” Her friend’s anxious voice reached her as soon as she accepted the call.

“I’m fine. I don’t think anyone will look for me here.” She tried to sound confident. Sophie was on enforced bed rest thanks to raised blood pressure caused by pregnancy and Lottie didn’t intend to raise her stress levels.

“Phew. I’m glad you got out of London. It’s ghastly here. I’m afraid Tom’s done exactly what you said he would do. The story is all over the press.”

Nausea rose in Lottie’s throat. “I’m not surprised. It’s what he knows, isn’t it? I don’t suppose it paints me in a very good light.” She tried to keep her tone cheerful even though she wanted to weep at the unfairness of it all.

“I made Henry bring me the newspapers. The headlines are all variations on a theme. ‘Society belle abandons fiancé at altar,’ etc, etc.”

Lottie pictured Sophie propped up in bed on a mountain of pillows wrinkling her pretty nose up in disgust as she spoke. “It wasn’t at the altar. It was the day before the wedding.”

There was a rustle of papers as Sophie replied. “I know that sweetie, and I know you had very good reasons for calling the wedding off. I just wish you’d let me tell the rest of the world about some of them.”

Lottie swallowed down the lump in her throat. She was so lucky to have Sophie as her friend. “It’ll blow over soon enough I suppose.” At least she hoped it would. She was glad that she was safely tucked away in Northumbria, out of the glare of the press spotlight. Tything Manor was well off the beaten track and few people knew of her connection with Sophie’s childhood home.

“Rafe should be with you later today, he called in to see me on his way from the airport.”

“The house is all ready. Food is stocked up and the oil for the heating was delivered yesterday.” She tried to remember when she’d last seen Sophie’s older brother, Ranulf.

© Nell Dixon 2013

Christmas Ever After - Cover reveal

Lady Charlotte ‘Lottie’ Bellhavan is dubbed the runaway bride after calling off her wedding on the eve of her marriage just a week before Christmas. Her best friend, Sophie has the perfect hideout for the beleaguered society belle, her childhood home, Tything Manor. Lottie won’t be alone for Christmas at the isolated Northumbrian manor house, Sophie’s older brother, Ranulf, the reclusive Earl of Craigmore will be there too.

Rafe is aware his unconventional looks and retiring nature won’t win any beauty contests but with the magic of the Christmas season and some judicious matchmaking from the meddlesome Sophie it might just be Christmas Ever After for Lottie and Rafe…

Radio Gaga - Free copies!

FREE! From 24th August until Wed 28th August - spread the word! Amazon.com And Amazon UK

Release date for Christmas Ever After!

Pencil Monday September 23rd in your diary.

Lady Charlotte ‘Lottie’ Bellhavan is dubbed the runaway bride after calling off her wedding on the eve of her marriage just a week before Christmas. Her best friend, Sophie has the perfect hideout for the beleaguered society belle, her childhood home, Tything Manor. Lottie won’t be alone for Christmas at the isolated Northumbrian manor house, Sophie’s older brother, Ranulf, the reclusive Earl of Craigmore will be there too. Rafe is aware his unconventional looks and retiring nature won’t win any beauty contests but with the magic of the Christmas season and some judicious matchmaking from the meddlesome Sophie it might just be Christmas Ever After for Lottie and Rafe…

You go away for a few days...

Wow! I went away for a few days and everything went a bit crazy!

I had a new story release in a fabby anthology. Available from AMAZON and other etailers!

I also heard that the New Bay stories which you can get as single e book novellas or as an e book box set were also releasing as a print collection! Go Here to get a paperback copy!

Plus you need to check out my fabulous publisher, Astraea press's Book Club pagelater today to hear some exciting news for this month. (Hint, free ebook from me)

Happy Birthday Miss La!

My youngest belle is 15 today and has a chemistry GCSE exam on her birthday!

Be My Hero is award nominated!

I recieved an email from InD’Tale magazine which said 'We went to extensive labor to create and present the most credible and prestigious award in the industry today. Our three round system of elimination covers every facet - highly reviewed, loved by fans, and critiqued by qualified judges. No other award system today begins to compare, making the RONE award the very highest of honors bestowed on a book in the publishing industry.Because your book, Be My Hero, received the high review rating of a 4 star or better, it has continued to the second, public voting phase for the 2012, RONE Awards. In this phase the readers will be narrowing down the contestants to 4 - 6 finalists in each genre by choosing the books they love best.'

Eek!!!!!!

Pretty, pretty please take a few minutes and vote for me. I know I won't get through this round but it'll save me from feeling like Billy no mates. VOTE HERE

The finalists in this round will then be read and judged by a group of professionals in the industry to determine the very best in indie and small published books of 2012. They will then be awarded the prestigious RONE award, itself, at the formal ceremonies, August 9th, at the Golden Nugget Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada.

It's so lovely when someone really gets your story and I knew this was a tough story. The heroine has a very real life dilemna so it wasn't your typical romance. I'm thrilled to bits that the reviewer loved it and it's up for this amazing award!

Write on...

I have a confession. I haven't been writing much this year. I want to write, the stories are in my head just bursting to get out but real life has taken over to such a huge extent that I simply haven't had the time or the desire to write.I will write again soon, I promise. I'm going to be doing more hours at my day job and that job has become immensely more stressful and difficult. My family life is also challenging right now. I have three teenage daughters who need me and they, and Mr Nell have to be my priority.

So I appologise for not being around much at the moment. Things are settling down into a new pattern and then I can hit the keyboard again.

Hurray for holidays

I'll be missing for a few days as Mr Nell and I are taking the belles away to the seaside in our tourer. Am hoping a freak heat wave will hit Dorset while we're there or we may be returning with less teenagers than when we started. In the meantime, you might like to pick up a copy of Radio Gaga for your reading pleasure!

Over the airwaves everyone can hear you scream!

Radio researcher and part-time presenter Chloe Lark is certain her big show biz break is just around the corner. Live it Up radio may not be the big time, but surely - one day soon - fame will come her way. And, if she could convince the hunky guy next door to give her a chance, her love life might improve too.

Ex-soldier Ben isn’t sure if his new ‘Z’ list celebrity neighbour is crazy or on medication. Either way he’s looking for a quiet life out of the spotlight. The last thing he needs is an accident prone media hungry blonde complete with mystery stalker. Problem is - Chloe doesn’t seem to have received that particular memo…

‘Great characters, exciting writing and a beautiful love story - a definite must have for your Kindle!’ 5*

Here’s an excerpt!

I knew it wasn’t burglars when I noticed the large empty space next to the bay window. No self-respecting burglar would break into someone’s home just to steal a life size cardboard cut-out of Darth Vader would they? No, it wasn’t burglars who’d nicked Darth or who’d cleared the shelf of the Queen CDs. It was Neil. He’d finally moved out, and taken Freddie Mercury and the Dark Lord with him as he went.

For a moment I stood trying to decide how I felt. Angry? Broken-hearted? In the time it took me to cross the room, enter the kitchen and dump my handbag on the worktop I decided my overwhelming feeling was relief.

Neil had raided the kitchen too: his state of the art coffee maker which I hadn’t been allowed to touch was gone, along with his juicer and his super fancy wok. Only a couple of spilled coffee beans on the countertop showed where they had been. I looked at the clippie magnet on the fridge to see if he’d left me a note. We’d always left messages for each other one there. A few months back they had been little love notes with kisses and pictures of hearts. Now the only thing on there was the ratty message I’d left for him yesterday asking him to pick up some milk on his way home. I walked back through the lounge to what had once been our bedroom. The wardrobe doors were open showing the empty hangers and his rack of immaculately arranged ties had gone. My mobile vibrated in my trouser pocket telling me I had a text as I sank down onto the edge of the bed. I knew what it would be before I even fished it out of my pocket.

‘Chloe, guess you know by now have moved out, thought would be better this way. U know it wasn’t working, sorry, N’ © Nell Dixon 2013

Available from http://www.amazon.com/Radio-Gaga-ebook/dp/B00BK7TY7C/ref=pd_rhf_gw_p_t_1_GS4P And http://www.amazon.co.uk/Radio-Gaga-ebook/dp/B00BK7TY7C/ref=pd_rhf_gw_p_t_2_6E46