Shannon Guymon's Blog

Okay, so you probably know that Love & Second Chances, Book 2 in my Belfast Series is up for pre-order. And if you don't know yet ... well, you do now ;)If you missed it - you can pre-order here. 
My friends, meet Charlie Walsh - the cutest little B&B owner in Maine.  What do you think of my newest cover?

    So, my friends, I promised you book #2 in the Belfast Series in the Fall - and Fall is definitely here. Seriously here - like it's snowed already and I'm not cool with that kind of Fall. So here is the first chapter of my latest - would love to know what you think! Cover reveal to come soon (I promise) Oh - almost forgot . . . Book will be released November 11, 2019! 


Love & Second Chances
Chapter 1 - The Client

Riley walked over to their new job and shoved her wool beanie on over her wet
and icy hair. Why no one had bothered to warn her that Maine winters were literally
the worst, she didn’t know, but she was holding everyone in Belfast Maine responsible
for her frozen fingers and toes. She sighed and ran up the steps and opened the large
wooden door into the old Victorian monstrosity that she and Jack had been hired to
overhaul. She smiled, or at least, she would have smiled if her face could move. Her step
dad had a few space heaters going in the large open work space, and that meant she
might be able to take off one of her three coats.  “Jack!” she yelled, making the tall man
with a tile saw turn around. She waved her phone at him and he cut the power and stood
up, walking toward her.  “He’s coming in tomorrow,” she said, with a shake of her head.  Jack groaned and put his hands on his hips. “We need at least another two or three weeks,
Riley.” Riley nodded her head and handed Jack the hot chocolate she’d brought him. “If not
four. Dang Charlie Walsh and his schedule. Doesn’t he know we’re in the middle of a
Maine winter here? Greer left yesterday at noon because he said he was too cold to work.” Jack took a sip and smiled in gratitude at the warmth as he walked over to the window seat
and sat down. She walked over to join him and showed him the text she’d just gotten that
had sent her out into 2 degree weather. She was really starting to hate the fluffy white stuff
people called snow.  Jack read the text and sighed, running a hand over his silvering,
wavy hair. “He’s really planning on living here while we finish up everything? Is the man
insane? I mean, yeah, it’s possible, but there’s going to be so much sawdust in the air,
and workers hanging around, he’s going to be miserable.”Riley groaned and sat down next to Jack. “I guess the master is halfway livable. The
shower is done but the tile around the tub hasn’t even been grouted. The kitchen though . . .” Jack nodded and groaned along with her. “You know, I’m grateful we have the work and
that Charlie is willing to pay us well, but his deadlines are about to give me an ulcer, and
now he’s going to be under our feet while we finish everything up. He’s gotta give us a few
more weeks.” Riley leaned her head back against the window and frowned darkly. “Well,
by the time we finish up this job, we can rest up until spring when we start the Davies job.
Charlie is paying us well, and even though he’s pushy, he has been very polite. Firm, but
polite.” Jack shrugged and glared at his boots. “I slipped all over the road trying to get here
this morning. I about died, Riley. That’s not worth any job.” Riley’s eyes went wide. “We’re not in Arizona anymore, are we?” she asked, feeling a little
sad about it.Jack nodded his head. “Ice storms, Riley. Enough said.” Riley laughed and groaned at the same time. “I feel like we’re fish out of water in this white
death they call winter.” Jack laughed. “Because you are. I tell you what, if we survive this
winter, we should get a medal or something.”Riley grinned. “As mayor of Belfast, I feel like it would be lame to pack up and move back
out west, but man oh man, why didn’t even one person take the time to let me know what
I was signing up for?”Jack laughed and put his knit hat back on. “That’s an easy one, because one, we wouldn’t
have believed them, and two, if we had believed them, we would have said adios and been
on our way.” Riley took the hot chocolate Jack offered her and took a sip. “How long does
winter even last here? Honestly, it’s only mid January and I feel like it’s been a year.”Jack snorted. “I was down at the store yesterday with your mom, and everyone was talking
about what a mild winter it’s been. Cammie’s mouth dropped open so wide, you could fit a
whole lobster roll in there.”Riley’s eyes bugged out at that insane statement. Having everything and everybody she
knew and loved, covered in layers and layers of ice, was not her idea of a mild winter. “And they said we wouldn’t see spring until maybe mid May. Maybe. And it would most
likely be a little chilly still.”Riley’s groaned in horror. “I’m a fan of sweater weather and cute boots, and I can handle
as much pumpkin spice as you want to throw at me, but I will not stand for a chilly May.
I need shorts and flip flops like I need air, and I haven’t kayaked in months.”Jack laughed and stood up. “We will survive. I promise. I’ve already had to promise
Cammie a trip to Hawaii.”Riley grinned immediately. “Oh, I’m coming with you.” Jack shook his head and held up his hands. “Oh, no, you are not. Plan your own trip to
Hawaii.
Heck, you’re supposed to be getting married soon. Go on your honeymoon somewhere
warm. This is a romantic trip for us. No daughters allowed.”Riley rolled her eyes and looked away. She and Mac hadn’t been getting along very well
lately. They’d talked about marriage off and on, but then the subject of Heidi would always
come up . . .  and she’d put the breaks on. “Why in the world would I go on a honeymoon
if I’m not even engaged? You know Mac and I decided to wait until we can . . . figure things
out.” Jack frowned at his step daughter and crossed his arms over his chest. “Honey, you’re
either going to have to forgive Mac and move on, or not forgive him and let him go. You
can’t keep punishing the man for kissing Heidi. Keeping him in this weird limbo you got
going isn’t healthy. For you or him.” Riley glared over Jack’s shoulder and felt the muscles in her neck tighten at the mention
of Heidi. “There are consequences, Jack. Mac needs to know that.” Jack shook his head and sighed. “Honey, you gotta let this go. You know Mac loves you.
You know he only romanced Heidi to get your house back. Can’t you forgive him?” Riley shrugged and felt sad and tired all of a sudden. “I want to . . . but every time I think
of them together, all while my heart was breaking, I just want to scream and throw something
at Mac.” Jack narrowed his eyes at Riley. “All while living in the gorgeous house that you
love with all of your soul. The house Mac made sure was yours in the end. And that’s not fair,
sweetie.” Riley shrugged. “That might be a good point, but my heart is still hurt, and until it
stops hurting, no engagement.” Jack took one more sip of his hot chocolate and threw it in
the garbage can to her left.  “You take too much after your momma. All spit and vinegar,
with a small side of sweet. Have mercy on us all.” Riley laughed and gave Jack a big hug, because it was true. “Let’s finish this tile and get
out of here. We’ll have dinner at Darby’s tonight. I hear Donovan is making something extra
special.” Jack’s face lit up and he nodded. “Grab me some more tile from the back and
we can finish in an hour if we’re fast.” Riley nodded and hurried to the kitchen to grab a box
of tile. She and Jack worked in perfect harmony for the next hour and a half, and when they
stood up, they gave each other a high five and looked at the back splash. It was a gorgeous,
pale cream subway tile, and as soon as the cabinets were delivered next week, the kitchen
was going to look amazing. A far cry from the harvest green fridge, gray linoleum and dirty
brown wallpaper that had covered the poor kitchen. “Charlie Walsh might not be walking
into a finished house tomorrow, but he will be ecstatic with all of our progress,” Riley said,
hopefully. Jack winced. “Charlie doesn’t seem like a man used to taking no for an answer.
I just hope he doesn’t fire us and hire someone else to finish the job.” Riley grit her teeth at the very thought. “We have a contract.” Jack grabbed his coat and keys off the stairs and put on his gloves so he could walk
outside and not get frostbite. “Yeah, one we broke because we said we’d be finished by the
end of December.” Riley frowned and wrapped her scarf around her throat. “Yeah, but Maine,
Jack. Belfast, Maine.” Jack laughed and locked up after they walked out. “Belfast, Maine.
You got that right. No one could have foreseen all the ice and delays and disasters we’ve
had to deal with. Charlie should be grateful we’ve made this much progress.” Riley stared glumly at her truck and just prayed it would start as an icy blast of wind
threatened to push her over. “If Charlie Walsh isn't the most grateful client in the world
tomorrow, I’m going to throw a snowball in his face.” Jack sighed and walked over to his own truck, and like Riley, prayed it would start. 
“You and me both.”
© Copyrighted Material Shannon Guymon 2019

Kindle Version is ready for download! Here's the link.  ALSO - there's an Amazon giveaway going on - so if you'd like a free copy, go for it - here's that link.  If you're still not sure ... hey, I've been there, check out Bookworm Nation here OR  KJ's Book nook here for a review. Can't wait to hear what you guys think!And for those who are curious - yes, the Paperback will be out soon. Promise :D

     So my friends, as you know, I've been writing my newest book, based in Belfast, Maine.  I finished up my Fircrest series with Accidentally in Love, Kam's Story, and so needed to find a new town to turn upside down with love, drama and a little craziness.  You're asking - why Belfast, Maine of all places? Been there! Hubby drove me up the coast of Maine a while ago for a romantic getaway, and I fell in love with everything about it - so of course, I knew you would too! 
     Oh, and yeah . . . you were expecting the book before Christmas. ( Please picture me holding my head in shame). About that - I got sick. For 2 months, I was super, super sick. I have Hashimotos and my immunity is a little subpar to put it nicely. On top of bad health,  my son got married!  So I was stretched thin and ill and my book was late.  So please know that I'm very sorry about that and that I hope the book itself makes up for it.  
     About the book? I finished it!! It's being edited as we speak. I'm working on the cover too, so things are wrapping up.  So I need 2 things from you guys. I need help picking a title. Again. Yes, I know, I always seem to need help with that and you guys are always the best at helping me! Whoever helps me - of course will get a free copy of the book, kindle or paperback.  Your choice.
The second thing? I need you to check out this sneak peek, and let me know what you think.  
Thanks again for being patient!
- Shannon


Chapter 1 – Karma


            Why did life have to suck so much? Riley thought, as she stared hopelessly at the coffee running down her cream colored, silk shirt.             “Sorry about that,” Frank Wallace shouted back at her, as he rushed down the hallway, his wispy, brown hair, floating in the breeze.             Riley grumbled a few brutally honest words under her breath and then took a calming moment before pushing through the heavy, glass door of Chance Bronson’s office, the one guy who held her future in his hands.  Also, her boss. She’d heard that Phillip Carter had decided to retire, which meant that there was a promotion in store for whomever Chance thought was most deserving, and since she’d been working her tail off, and spending most of her weekends doing his pet projects, it better be her.            “Hi, Chance,” she said with a confident smile, before setting the coffee cup down on his desk.  “Your secretary thought you might be in the mood for some coffee, so I saved her the trip,” she added, before sitting down in the luxurious black leather seat.            Chance Bronson was a man in his late fifties, who was holding on to his youth by the tips of his fingers.  He was so tan, he was slightly orange, and he’d obviously been to his stylist this morning because she could see the tell-tale marks of his dark brown dye job on his neck still.              Chance smiled and took a sip of his coffee. “Amber must have ESP. I was dying for a cup.  Thank you.  Now, the reason I wanted to see you . . .” he said, while glancing down at his phone with a frown.  “Hold on. This is important.”            Riley nodded serenely, sensing the promotion was close.  She could taste it.  She could practically feel her credit card debt disappearing with her new promotion.  She’d be able to take that trip to Europe next summer if she played her cards right. Never mind those shoes she’d just seen on Instagram that morning. Strappy and sexy and so her. She sighed happily and closed her eyes for a second, as she imagined walking through the fields of Ireland, and spending days perusing castles and art galleries.            “Yes, it’s being done as we speak.  Yes, Sir.  I understand.”            Riley blinked quickly, and sat up straight.  Chance Bronson never used that subservient tone with anyone.  He sounded stressed out and nervous. He didn’t sound like he was in the mood to give anyone a promotion . . .  She felt her stomach tip and dive and cleared her throat nervously as he set his phone on the desk and then looked at her with bleak, washed-out, blue eyes.            “Riley, you know I’ve always valued your employment here at Bronson, Smith and Cohen . . . however, because of a situation with one of our partners, we’re going to have to let you go. Immediately.”            Riley’s mouth fell open as she stared at her boss and mentor of the last four years.  “You’re kidding me,” she whispered, as the taste of the promotion disappeared completely and the taste of desperation and failure took its place.            Chance shook his head, pursing his lips and looking away.  “Mistakes were made on the Paulsen account, uh, . . .  wait, what deal were you working?” he asked, turning red in the face.            Riley narrowed her eyes and sat forward. “I didn’t even work the Paulsen account.  That was Frank and Jeff,” she said, her throat feeling tight and stiff.            Chance rifled through some papers on his desk.  “My mistake.  I meant the, uh, the um . . . oh yes, the Perfume deal you were working on,” he said, sighing in relief.            Riley shook her head.  “Danielle and Austen love my ideas for their new ad.  I’m not buying it. You know I’ve been working myself to death for you and for this company.  If someone messed up on the Paulsen job, fire them. Not me.”            Chance cleared his throat and sighed as if his soul were already gone.  “Look, Riley.  Don’t make this harder than it has to be.  I’m sorry, but nothing you can say right now, will save your job.  Mistakes were made and someone has to pay the piper.  And that person, is you,” he said grimly, not blinking. “HR will of course have some paperwork for you to fill out.  I could have had them take care of this mess, but I wanted to do it personally since you’ve always been such a hard worker.”            Riley stood up with a sneer and walked towards the door. “And this is the thanks I get. Chance, if this is how you want to run things, based on, what? Who goes golfing with you and out to drinks after work? Then fine.  You don’t deserve me. But if you keep firing the best employees you have to keep the party going, you might want to start looking for a new job yourself,” she added, her voice thick with acid.            She looked back one more time and noted her words had hit her mark. A look of shame was on his face. Well, shame and relief.            Instead of walking to her office and grabbing her things, she took a detour into the women’s lounge and walked over to the sink, leaning her hands on the counter and staring at the woman in the mirror.  She looked as she always did, perfect, except for the coffee stain on her shirt and the crazed look in her eyes.  Her hair was an acceptable length at just below her shoulder blades, not too much longer or she’d be seen as too feminine for the work place.  Her shirt and blazer were right from J. Crew.  Nothing too sexy or showy in case she accidentally distracted the men.  Her heels were plain and low. At five feet seven, she didn’t want to tower over the men and make them feel inferior. She knew she was perfectly boring, but that’s what she had to do, that’s what she had tobe, to get ahead.  Get rid of any and all personality and don’t make a stir.  Work harder than the boys did just to get three quarters of the pay.  She knew the rules. Heck, she had them memorized. And she’d never once complained.  She played by the rules, she took the knocks and she kept going, no matter what.            And still, she’d lost.            Riley felt her heart twisting in her chest and knew she was going to either have a panic attack or begin throwing things. The complete and total unfairness of the situation was drowning her. She felt her hands begin to shake and stood up straight, glaring at the woman in the mirror.  Grow up, chick. Hold your head up and know how unworthy they are of your talents.It was time to go.  She threw the bathroom door open and glided smoothly down the hallway with the iciest sneer she could muster.  Riley strode into her office to see that security was already there, boxing her things up and rolled her eyes as acid slipped up her throat and into her mouth.            Donald, the security guard looked at her sorrowfully.  “Sorry about this, Riley.  I heard the boys talking earlier about what was going down. Not right, if you ask me.”            Riley felt tears threaten to leak at the unexpected kindness and nodded her head, unable to talk.  She grabbed her purse and her laptop, slipping it into her laptop bag and took one last look at her office.  It had been her first office and even though it didn’t have a view, she’d loved every inch of status it gave her.            “Paulsen deal?” she finally whispered.            Donald nodded, looking disgusted.  “That Jeff and Frank are a disgrace. They’re usually drunk by the time they get back from lunch. You’re better than this place.”            Riley tried to smile and nodded. “Thank you for that. Let’s go, Donald,” she said calmly, with only a slight quiver in her voice.            As they reached the elevator, of course,she’d have to come face to face with Frank and Jeff.  Life refused to make any of this easier. They were coming back from lunch and already looked bloated and red in the cheeks. They had the grace to look away, reeking of guilt as much as they did of the onions and whiskey they’d had for lunch.  She sneered at them as she walked around them, not even bothering to speak to them.              “Karma,” Donald whispered, as they turned and watched the elevator doors shut.             Riley shut her eyes and felt a small sob slip up and out.  Donald’s comforting hand on her shoulder was not helping the tears.  But he was right about Karma.              Because she’d just gotten her own dose of it.
© Copyrighted Material


 

Accidentally in Love is LIVE on Kindle - Right this second! Here's the Link.

And if you're still not sure whether you want to take that leap or not  . . . . here's the 1st chapter to wet your appetite for fun, sweet (slightly hot) Romance.


Grace Jackson put her last box down on the floor and grinned at her new apartment.  Sweet gig when your new boss lets you rent the apartment above his restaurant for next to nothing.  She’d be able to pay off the last of her credit card debt within six months at this rate. Then she’d do what she’d been dreaming of for the last few years, save up for two weeks in Bora Bora.  She closed her eyes and sighed at the image of herself lying on a beach, next to her own private grass hut with a sweet, fruity drink in her hand.  She scrunched her eyes and wondered if there was anyone lying next to her in her daydream.  She sighed and opened her eyes, laughing at herself.  Knowing her luck with men, not likely. Her friends back in Seattle insisted she was just romantically delayed and that someday she would blossom into a temptress. Grace caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror on the hallway wall and paused for a moment. Yeah, that was never going to happen. She had shoulder length honey brown hair with generous blond highlights.  She had large, blue eyes and a sprinkling of pale freckles across her nose and cheeks. She had an athletic, slim figure due to her long hours in the kitchen and her long walks with her dog. She was your basic girl next door with a touch of spice. She smiled a little, liking herself.  If no one else did, then that was their loss.            Grace opened the windows of her little apartment to let the cool, spring breeze push out the stale air.  She could tell the apartment had been empty for sometime now, which was a shame.  It was an awesome apartment. Two bedrooms, one large bathroom with a shower anda bath and a surprisingly nice kitchen with granite countertops and new white cabinets.  The family room wasn’t huge but her comfy couch looked nice in front of the big screen TV where she loved to watch Top Chef and Chopped and all of her other cooking shows she devoured whenever she had the time.             She reached down and patted the head of her dog.  “Hey, baby,” she said with a grin, kneeling down to rub behind her Siber-poo’s ears.  She’d gotten the Siberian Husky, Poodle mix as a birthday present for herself last year.  The name on her dog tag read, Rosemary, but she just called her Baby.             Baby licked her face and glanced around the apartment, as if to shrug and say, it would do for now.             “Wow, you’re kind of a snob, huh?” she asked with a laugh and stood up.  “Give me one more hour and then we’ll go for a walk.  My new boss wants to meet downstairs for dinner at seven, but until then we can explore. Sound good?”            Baby barked happily and wandered off to sniff every corner of her new territory.  Grace dove into making her apartment a home.  An hour later, she studied her new space and sighed in relief.  It felt good. She had made the right decision to relocate to Fircrest. Seattle was fantastic, but she had needed a change and being in a new place was no big deal to her. She was good at making herself at home no matter where she was.  She’d had a lot of practice as a kid.  Being raised by the wild and crazy Jocelyn Jackson meant she’d had no choice. It was sink or swim with her mom. And thank heavens she’d learned how to swim fast.
            “Come on, Baby,” she said as she reached for the leash.  “Time to let Fircrest know who’s boss,” she said with a smile and bent down to clip on the leash. Baby woofed softly in a very patronizing way and Grace laughed.  It was good to have someone around to keep her humble.
© Copyrighted Material *

So I just got my cover this morning! What do you think? 

Okay, my Friends, here is my sneak peek.  I've got most of the edits done and I'm working on the cover right now, but I can't make you guys wait any longer for a little taste of Kam's story.  Plus I'm super excited :) I'd love to hear what you guys think.  By the way, I'm thinking the title should be Accidentally in Love.  Thoughts?- Shannon

She had promised the Belinda Bakery girls to come for lunch again, and after the amazing food they’d so kindly given her yesterday, she was happy to oblige. That and she could use some friends outside of The Iron Skillet.  She took Baby with her and they made the two mile walk in no time at all.  It was only eleven thirty, but she knew Friday night was going to stretch her, so an early lunch would be no big deal.  She hooked Baby’s leash to the railing outside and walked in, stopping and smelling again as the delightful scents of the bakery surrounded her in welcome.“Are you going to do that every time you come in?”She opened her eyes and laughed, as she noted the cute blond she’d met yesterday was grinning at her. “You bet I will. How can anyone not?” she demanded and walked over to see all of the delightful creations in the cases.“I guess we’re so used to it we don’t appreciate it anymore.”Grace frowned at her. “Just head over to the local dump for an hour and then come back here.  Trust me, you’ll notice a difference.”“No thanks. But I’m glad you came back today.  Jane won’t be in until two today.  She’ll be so ticked she missed you.  But you’ll get to meet Kit.  She’s going to cover for me while we have lunch and get to know each other.”Grace smiled at the complete welcome and open friendship of this woman.  It was rare and very appreciated.  Most of her good friends had been slowly cultivated over years and years but here was this woman just feely offering her friendship as if friendship wasn’t the most precious thing a person could give someone.  Amazing. “I’d love that,” she said simply, not knowing how to express her gratitude yet.A beautiful red-head with a toddler on her hip walked out with a pan of what looked like fruit tarts in her hand.  The blond took the pan and expertly transferred them to an empty case while Kit kissed the little blond boy.“You okay to take over?” Kit nodded and then looked around, catching sight of her. “Of course, but first introduce me to the new Sous chef of The Iron Skillet.  I’ve been dying of curiosity.”Grace snorted, amused that anyone could possible die of curiosity over her. “I’m Grace and your little boy is gorgeous by the way.”Kit’s eyes warmed and she smiled brightly at her.  “He is, isn’t he? I should be less prideful about my son, but I can’t help it. He’s the best little boy in the world.”Grace laughed as the blond rolled her eyes.  “Ignore her. She’s one of those obnoxious mommies who likes to brag about their kids constantly.  If you give her an opening she’s going to start showing you Danny’s little crayon drawings.”
            Kit glared at her sister and Grace’s eyes widened, wondering what would happen next.  She’d never had a sister, but it looked kind of fun.  “And to think I was going to babysit for you tonight so you and Michael could go on a date.  Forget it now.”The blond sister laughed and took off her apron.  “I take it all back.  Danny is an artistic genius.”Kit made a huffing sound and turned around, ignoring her sister now.“So what will you have for lunch today?” she asked.Grace shook her head, looking at the menu. “It all looks so good, but I’ll try the pesto and turkey panini, the tomato basil soup and for dessert … hmm, surprise me.”“You got it.  She walked around getting the food and Grace walked over and picked a table at the back of the bakery with a view of the street.  Being the Pacific Northwest, the gray clouds were beginning to move in and she knew she’d be lucky to make it back home without getting wet at this rate.  Sometimes she dreamed of moving somewhere sunny like California or Arizona, but this was her home.  She could never leave.“Here we are,”Grace looked up and smiled at the array of delicious food in front of her.  “And what do we have here?” she asked, staring at the cookie, feeling a little disappointed.“Hey, no frowning allowed.  If you don’t like it, you can pick something else you like, but honestly, a simple oatmeal cookie after lunch is still the best thing in the world. Don’t you know sometimes the showiest things are just all fluff and no substance? It’s true to life and cooking. Didn’t your grandma ever make you oatmeal cookies after school?” she asked.Grace grinned, enjoying the conversation already.  Life truths with food and friends.  Could it get any better?“I’ll trust you,” she assured her and took a bite of her panini.  “Oh, man, that is good,” she said simply and shut her eyes in enjoyment.“I have a feeling that you spend most of your life with your eyes closed, trying to pick out all the flavors of everything you eat or smell.”Grace blinked open her eyes and laughed loudly.  “You happen to be right.  What’s your name, by the way? I have a super hard time remembering names and yesterday was so crazy and I met so many people that it all just leaked out last night.”The pretty blond flipped her long hair over her shoulder. “Layla. Layla Bender.  Co-owner of Belinda’s Bakery with my two sisters, Jane Matafeo and Kit Hunter.”Grace nodded, intrigued.  “Three sisters running a bakery together.  That’s gotta be a dream come true.”Layla paused and then smiled sweetly. “Yeah, it really is.  My family was what you would call dysfunctional and so when our grandmother left us her bakery in her will, it brought what was left of our family together.  Now we’re a family that is functioning and loving and we have a lot of fun together.  All of our kids are growing up together and we have a network of friends and family now that works. What about you? Do you have family here in Fircrest? Or did you just come for an adventure?”Grace paused and chewed her bite before answering.  Layla was being open with her, so she should do the same.  “Well, I don’t actually have a family. My mom is living somewhere with someone doing something, but not sure on the particulars. And that’s it. No dad to speak of either. He and my mom were never married and he was never part of the picture.” she said, putting her hand over her heart as the pain flashed bright and then receded again.  “So it’s just me. I wouldn’t say I was on an adventure so much as on a journey.  Sometimes my heart tells me things and I’ve made it a rule to listen.  My heart said it was time to move on and that Fircrest was the place to be.  I have no idea why, but I can’t wait to find out,” she said, smiling out the window as she watched an older couple walk hand in hand down the sidewalk.Layla made a humming sound in her throat as she took a sip of water.  “Fascinating. I can’t wait to find out either.  So what do you think of The Iron Skillet so far?”Grace shrugged as she stirred her soup and frowned a little.  “It’s kind of a collage of different things right now.  I could give you a fake answer but I’d rather not.  It’s good and bad.  I’m in a kitchen where someone keeps turning off my music so I can’t dance or sing.  I have the restaurant manager glaring at me every chance she gets for no reason I can think of and my boss is stern, unhappy and not much fun.  But other than that? It’s okay,” she said honestly and took another bite of her panini.Layla frowned and put her sandwich down, as she leaned her chin on her hands.“I’m not surprised by anything you just said, but knowing your heart brought you here, I hope you give it a good chance before you give up on Fircrest.”Grace smiled and nodded.  “I’m tougher than I look, but I don’t stick around in toxic environments either.  We’ll see if I can bring a little light to The Iron Skillet. If not, then there are other healthier, happier places to find.”Layla frowned and nodded.  “True and smart.  I agree, but I hope you do bring some of that light that you have.  Out of all the places in Fircrest, The Iron Skillet’s kitchen needs light more than any other place I know.  Kam’s had a lot of heartache and pain in the past few years. It would be so good for him to let some light in.”Grace’s eyebrows rose as she looked back at Layla.  “His eyes look so sad. I wondered if there was something wrong.  Is it something you can tell me? If not, that’s okay.  I don’t want to gossip, but if knowing what’s going on can help me understand him, then I’d like to know.”Layla bit her lip and looked down at her hands for a moment before she looked up and nodded her head.  “Okay then, I trust you with this information because I care about Kam.  His wife, Bailey, died about three and half years ago in childbirth. It broke Kam’s heart and this town’s heart too.  We’ve been hurting for Kam every since.  He’s a single dad who’s basically living for his son, Nate. But if you only knew him before Bailey died, you would have met the kindest, happiest, most incredible man in the world. Now he’s just a shell of himself and that’s the biggest tragedy of all.”Grace closed her eyes, feeling sad for her new boss and what he’d been through. “He needs a friend then? Is that what you’re saying?”Layla blinked a few times and shook her head slowly. “Oh, he has plenty of friends. The whole town loves Kam. And he has a huge family that surrounds him with support.  No, I wouldn’t say he needs a friend although I hope you and Kam can become friends. I would say, he needs someone to help him come back to life.  I don’t know if that’s something you can do, but it would be interesting to see if you can.”Grace looked away and frowned. “Bring a man back to life? That’s a lot to ask of someone.  The best I can hope for is to bring music back to that kitchen.”Layla nodded her head in excitement. “But that’s exactly what I’m talking about! Bring music back to The Iron Skillet.  Dance in between orders. Bring some laughter and happiness back to that dark dungeon of a kitchen.”Grace shrugged, still a little taken aback.  “All I can do is be me, Layla.  I mean, my heart goes out to the man, but to be healed of that kind of pain, you have to want to be healed, you know?  You have to actively seek out healing and light and he gave me the impression that he’s very comfortable in the dark with the pain and that’s where he wants to stay.  If that’s the case, then there’s nothing I can do.”Layla sighed.  “You’re very perceptive and you’re right.  But it doesn’t take that much light to break up darkness. One little match in a dark cave can do wonders. He’s been cold and alone in the dark for too long.  Maybe being around your light and goodness will make him remember what life used to be and what it could be again.  It’s worth a try, isn’t it?”Grace nodded her head, knowing that she’d been through some dark times too and she was so grateful she wasn’t there anymore.  Remembering her nightmare from the previous night, she nodded her head.  If she could help someone, of course she would.  She just felt weird having the responsibility squarely on her shoulders. “I’ll do whatever I can but in the end, it’s his choice to be happy or not. No one can take on the responsibility for bringing a man back to life, no offense. But… I guess I can try.”Layla smiled brightly at her and motioned towards the cookie. “Of course you will. Now, try my cookie.”Grace sighed and picked up the unappealing cookie as she glanced at the cases of beautiful desserts she could be eating.  She closed her eyes automatically and smelled the cookie before taking a generous bite. The smell of nutmeg and cinnamon made her smile. She chewed and paused and then chewed again before swallowing.  She opened her eyes and grinned.  “I get it.  Appearances are deceiving. This is incredible,” she said, taking another bite.  “The nutmeg is so warm and the chewy texture is incredible.  I love it.  But that doesn’t mean I won’t rest until I’ve tried everything you’ve made.”Layla laughed and sat back, looking very pleased with herself.  “Excellent. Now, let’s talk Taryn.  You’re helping the whole town out by helping Kam, so I’ll help you with your mean Restaurant manager.”Grace frowned and picked up a crumb.  “I’m not sure that’s possible. Picture an angry tiger with an appetite for Sous chefs and you’ve got Taryn. She took one look at me and automatically hated me.  And I hate to brag, but I’m actually a really likable person.  So this has come as a complete shock.”Layla laughed and crossed her legs.  “Between you and me, she’s having some marriage problems.  She doesn’t feel she can trust her husband anymore and she’s not happy about having to move cross country. She’s taking it out on everyone around her. Trust me, I’ve heard from all of the waiters and waitresses who have passed through here on their way out of town.”Grace shook her head. “Sad, but how can you help me if I’m her new target?”Layla pursed her mouth.  “I can tell you her secret.  Her one weakness is my flourless chocolate cake.  You bring her one of my mini cakes in a cute box and I promise some of that fire will disappear.”Grace frowned as she finished her cookie. “And if you’re wrong?”Layla raised an eyebrow.  “Are you putting my skills down?”Grace grinned before laughing a little.  “I wouldn’t dare.  But that reminds me, I promised all my new friends that I’d bring them a treat today from you guys. Candice wants cannoli but I have no idea about James, Manuel or Kam. Maybe Rob too just to be safe.”Layla popped up and walked over to the counter. “Kit, help me out.  The kitchen staff at The Iron Skillet.  Can you remember what they like?”The pretty redhead walked over, the toddler nowhere in sight now as she looked at her curiously. “Trying to bribe everyone?” Kit asked with a teasing look.Grace laughed and shook her head.  “Just trying to bring a little fun back to that kitchen.  I get the feeling they’ve been making the same thing for so long that they don’t even care anymore.  I was thinking that if I jump started everyone’s taste buds with some of these delightful pastries, they might be more excited about food.” Kit nodded.  “Gotcha.  But they’re still going to love you for this.  James and Manuel . . . it’s been a while since they’ve been in but I’m thinking our mini-pineapple upside down cakes for Manuel and for James maybe one of our smore’s cupcakes.  Rob is a food snob, so I’d pick the roasted pear with the espresso mascarpone cream.”Layla nodded her head. “Kit knows her stuff.  Good job.”Grace held up a finger. “What about Kam? He said he doesn’t eat sweets anymore, but maybe something you guys have here might bring his appetite back.”Kit and Layla exchanged a sad smile before Layla spoke.  “He used to love our Matafeo cupcakes.  Jane created them for her hubby, Tate but all the Matafeo’s are in love with them.  I honestly don’t know what could tempt him now.  Kit?”Kit walked back and forth, looking at all of the contents of their display case and shook her head in deep thought.  Grace kept staring at the poppy seed cake with the passion fruit curd. That’s what she’d get if she was Kam. Heck, that’s what she’d get for herself.  “Add in a slice of that cake for me while you’re thinking about it,” she said, blushing as Layla glanced at her.  “Hey, I know I just had a cookie, but you can’t blame me.  This place could tempt a saint.”Kit nodded.  “It can tempt anyone except Kam Matafeo.  But if I was a betting woman, I’d bet on our banana pudding parfait. It’s simple. It’s comfort food at it’s best and it’s non-confrontational, you know?”Grace laughed.  “Non-confrontational food.  I know what you mean.  I was looking at that roasted pear I’m getting for Rob and I was thinking, it would take a brave soul to think they’re cool enough to eat that.”The sisters laughed and nodded.  “That’s the thing with Rob.  He doesn’t think he’s cool enough to eat the best.  He knows it.”Grace grinned as the women boxed up all of her orders.  She took out her card to pay and then noticed a shelf of very innocent looking glazed donuts.  “Give me one of those too,” she said thoughtfully.Kit frowned.  “A glazed donut? Who in the world is that for?”Grace shrugged. “I don’t know yet, but I’m thinking someone needs one today.  I’ll let you know who it ends up with.”Layla sighed happily.  “I actually really want to know now.  Come in again soon, Grace.  That light of yours is a lot of fun to be around.”Grace rolled her eyes.  “That’s what they all say.  Have a good day, you gorgeous bakers.  And come by The Iron Skillet one of these nights so I can cook for you.”Layla put her apron back on and nodded. “Why do you think Kit’s babysitting for me tonight?  Michael and I have reservations at seven.  You’ll have to come out to the table and meet my husband.”Grace smiled. “I’ll make sure whoever waits on you lets me know.  I’ll make your dinner extra special,” she promised. Kit pouted.  “Okay, I’m feeling very left out here.  I didn’t get to have lunch with you and now you’re making her special food.  Next week, it’s my turn.”
Grace opened the door as she held her large bakery box in one hand.  “Listen, Red, there’s plenty of me to go around.  See you two later,” she called out and hurried outside, glancing at her phone. 
*COPYRIGHTED MATERIAL*

So my friends, it's been too long since I've blogged.  I apologize. And I want to take this chance to tell you what's been going on and what I've been up to.  I feel like most of my readers are my friends so it's only right that you guys know what's up.  
So as most of you know, I was a single mom of six kids in 2011.  Before that, I'd write a book every now and then, but it was more like once a year. Some people might have called my writing a hobby. Pssht But after my divorce, I had a choice, do I get a job ... working in an office away from my kids.... being miserable - OR I could get serious about my writing and see where that takes me.  I prayed about it. A lot. And went with writing.  
I knew I'd have to write and write a lot.  I wrote under my pen name Katie Lee O'Guinn, and dove into the world of werewolves and witches. That was a lot of fun.  I also began writing contemporary women's romance. Clean romance and had a lot of fun doing that.  But in order to support my kids and pay the bills and put food in all the many tummies I needed to feed, I had to put out a book a month. Sometimes two.  
So many people would write me and ask me, how? How in the world are you writing a book a month.  I'll tell you the simple reason.  I had to. It's amazing what you find out you can do when you have no other choice.  My kids depended on me and I had no where else to turn.  Yes, I could have gone on welfare or gone to my church and there's no shame in that. But I knew I had it in me to stand up on my own two feet and see where that could take me.  
My brother Zach would go to the LTUE writer's conferences and come back with all the great advice and pass it on to me. He'd write down copious notes in the hopes of giving me the help and inspiration to make it.  My brother Zach Hill - amazing guy and a great uncle.  Also an amazing writer. I'll always be grateful to him for being my best friend and moral support during those crazy four years.

I still remember my first check from Amazon that came through.  I was sitting at the table and just staring in awe. I was literally shaking in my chair and had tears running down my face as I stared at the computer screen.  I called over my kids and sat them down and I said, I want to tell you about a miracle.  This miracle is just as big as the parting of the Red Sea.  God is good and God is looking out for us. His hand is over us and you should know that.

During those four years when I put out a book a month, the words flowed. I would sit down on the couch with my laptop and put my fingers to the keys and the words flowed like manna from Heaven, because that's what it was. It's hard for me to even take credit for my books because it was such a blatant gift from God.  I'd look down at the words I'd written sometimes and I'd say to myself, I'm not this good. This can't be from me.  And I was right. But it was through me that these books were written.
Last year though, 2015, I'd have to say the words didn't flow quite so fast and free. I could feel myself drying up.  Yes, I was dating a lot more which I think was good. I'd spent so many years writing about what I thought romance was it was high time I experienced it first hand. It had to help my writing to actually go on a date. It might even help me describe kissing if I could maybe actually kiss a real man.  

But then I did it, I went and fell in love.  It happened so fast and so wonderfully, that it felt like another gift from God.  One of the best gifts God could ever give to be honest.  And by the way, all those critics who like to tell me romance never happens that fast in real life? Ha! Sometimes it's faster, thank you very much. 
Well, then I did something really crazy, I jumped off the cliff and got married.  Yay! Best decision of my life.  Marrying my sweetheart has been amazing and wonderful and even better than I imagined it would be when I'd write about it in my Fircrest books.  Love is grand, my friends.  Love is amazing.
I've been married 6 months now and I have to say, these have been the happiest six months of my life. So much has changed and happened and I'm still in awe and so grateful for Heavenly Father for looking out for me.  Life has been hard. Incredibly hard at times, but for every sorrow, I know that God will make it up to us. If not in this life, then in the next to come for sure.  
What hasn't happened in the last six months though, is any writing.  I've had so many of you write in and ask when Kam's book will be out. And I haven't known what to say.  In a couple months, in a few months, but then a few months pass by and I have no book.
I have to tell you though, these last six months, along with being so amazing because I'm a newly wed, have been hard too.  
My beloved brother, Zach Hill, died unexpectedly from a pulmonary embolism that took his life instantly and with no warning, leaving his new bride a widow and the rest of his friends and family reeling in shock.  Mourning a brother who has died is hard. Mourning a brother who was your best friend and confidant and your biggest supporter is something I'm still trying to figure out how to do.  
So bear with me. 
We also had a wedding last month. I threw my first wedding shower and I think I did okay! And now I have another wedding coming up in June.  
So I'm being stretched in new and crazy and wonderful and hard and sad ways that I wasn't expecting. So I hope that all of my friends and readers will continue to bear with me and just know that I'm aware that you guys are waiting for Kam's story. 
Things are different for me now. My well was drying up last year. I was beginning to burn out and it was beginning to make me nervous. The tidal wave of words that would flow out of me, doesn't quite flow the same way.  Probably because my hubby is always dragging me away to romantic dates and kissing me and taking me on motorcycle rides and spoiling me rotten.  

But I want you to know that I will start working on it.  It won't come fast. It's not going to be done in a month or even two or three. But I will begin and see where that takes me.  
Also - of note and of great importance to me - I won another Swoony Award this year! Free Fallin' won Heidi's Choice award- So honored to be singled out. Thank you Swoony Awards!
And not to be forgotten, - California Dreamin'!
The CA Dreamin' collection received a 4.5 star review from InD'Tale Magazine which also means that it earned a Crown Heart award. My story Stay With Me, was so much fun to write. If you haven't read my short story, now's the time to enjoy a little beach time.
 
One last announcement: I've decided to take half of the proceeds from my Fircrest Series, and donate that money to the organization O.U.R.  http://ourrescue.org/  - this organization is INCREDIBLE.  If I could give all of my money to them, I would because they help rescue little kids from being sex slaves.  Please go to their page and check out what they do. They even have a movie called the Abolitionists that I've seen at Megaplex. It shows exactly what they do and how they take down the sex traffickers who abuse these children for money.  
I will continue to support this cause in any way I can.  (I would actually love to go on a mission myself) hint hint O.U.R. But I hope you will also support this organization. 

My new webpage www.fircrestromance.com gives a link at the bottom of the page and pledges my support as well.  Last month I was able to send them a check for $1,363.00.  I hope to send them even more.  If my books can bring joy to others and at the same time help free little boys and girls from a hell I can't even comprehend, then that fills me with joy.  The only true joy I've found, is when we serve our fellow brothers and sisters.  It's all about bringing light to this sometimes dark world we live in.  I hope we can all do our part. 
So please know that I'm thinking about you and also thinking about Kam and where his story will take him.  His story will be the very last in the Fircrest series and then I will begin all over again in a new town with new friends and people that will hopefully lift you guys up and bring a little fun and laughter and romance to this world. 
Take care and do some good today,
your friend,
Shannon

Just wanted to let everyone know that At Last is now Live on Kindle! (Paperback will be available shortly) Enjoy!Here's the link.


Maya Tenney just wants to feel safe again. She never would have pictured herself as a woman who runs from danger, but being put in the hospital by a violent man has made her realize that staying alive is more important than her pride. She'll even move in with the grouchiest man she knows if that will scare off her ex.Tristan Jensen knows what it's like to deal with heartbreak, but he's not okay with anyone who hurts women. He's intrigued with Maya but he's done with women who manipulate and use others. Will these two be able to get past their misconceptions of each other or will they let pride destroy what could be a great love story?

Just waiting on the last edits now. Should be live next week!