Today is the day! Twisted Lies, my 7th romantic suspense, published by The Wild Rose Press, is out in the world. Yes! Pretty darn exciting.

Here’s the Blurb:

Athena Cooper’s tragic past drives her to seek solace in a bottle. The addiction threatens her legal career, and she risks spiraling out of control. When her dog engineers a meeting with an all-too-handsome hunk, it’s lust at first sight…until she discovers his identity.

Businessman Russell Crawford is desperate to find the woman who cheated him out of his inheritance. His shock when she turns out to be the gorgeous red head he had a brief encounter with is only surpassed when she claims his father was a murderer.

Athena and Russ declare a truce and join forces to investigate the mystery of her parents’ disappearance from an isolated island off the rugged Northwest Coast of British Columbia. Russ promises to be her safe harbor as they uncover long-buried secrets that rock her very foundation. Can she overcome a lifelong distrust and open her heart to love?

Check it out at:

https://books2read.com/u/3Lw8LX

So…let the celebrations begin.

Cover Reveal!

I’m so excited to share my newest cover for my seventh book, published by The Wild Rose Press, and soon to be released. I just love it! Thanks to Debbie Taylor for creating this stunning cover.

Blurb:

Athena Cooper’s tragic past drives her to seek solace in a bottle. The addiction threatens her legal career, and she risks spiraling out of control. When her dog engineers a meeting with an all-too-handsome hunk, it’s lust at first sight…until she discovers his identity.

Businessman Russell Crawford is desperate to find the woman who cheated him out of his inheritance. His shock when she turns out to be the gorgeous red head he had a brief encounter with is only surpassed when she claims his father was a murderer.

Athena and Russ declare a truce and join forces to investigate the mystery of her parents’ disappearance from an isolated island off the rugged Northwest Coast of British Columbia. Russ promises to be her safe harbor as they uncover long-buried secrets that rock her very foundation. Can she overcome a lifelong distrust and open her heart to love?

I’ll keep you posted on the release date.

Summer Fun Kindle Giveaway!

Hello, my Awesome Readers,

I know you like reading Romance, but are you up for a fun on-line game where you can find new romance reads by some awesome authors, AND have a chance to win great prizes?

The Night Owl Romance Summer Fun Romance Reader Scavenger Hunt event starts June 23 and runs until July 7. I’ve teamed up with Night Owl Romance and other romance authors to bring you the chance to win a Waterproof Kindle Paperwhite, Redouble gift card, or Amazon.com gift card.

It’s EASY, FUN, and FREE to play. Enter the giveaway at:  https://www.nightowlreviews.com/v5/Blog/Articles/Summer-Fun-2020-by-Night-Owl-Romance. Make sure to check out my novel, Healing Hearts, along the way.

Have fun and best of luck!

C.B. Clark

***This contest is open to the world. There are some alternative prizes for those outside the USA. Void where prohibited. Open to those 18 and over. ***

Reeling from loss and heartbreak, Stella King is desperate to escape painful memories. The position of nanny on an isolated ranch in British Columbia’s rugged Chilcotin Plateau seems the answer to her prayers.

Cattle rancher, Dawson Wheeler, has worked hard to overcome grief and build a predictable world for his young daughter. The last thing he needs is the all-too-attractive Stella disrupting the smooth running of his ranch, especially now that disturbing incidents are happening on his property.

Defending his land against those who want to gut it will be a challenge, but the biggest threat of all may be to his heart.

 

 

Paradise Lost?

Healing Hearts, my latest release, a romantic suspense/western, is based on a real event. Five years ago the tailings pond of the Mount Polley copper mine in North Central British Columbia burst and spilled twenty-four million cubic meters (6,340,129,256.6 US gallons) of mine waste into nearby Hazeltine Creek, obliterating the narrow creek. This tidal wave of sludge and debris destroyed everything in its path and poured into pristine Quesnel Lake.

Warning signs posted at the mouth of Hazeltine Creek.

Mouth of Hazeltine Creek.

Quesnel Lake, at 600 meters (1969 feet), is the deepest glacial fjord lake in the world. The area is remote and stunningly beautiful. Trophy-size fish can be caught right from shore. The views of the snow-capped Cariboo Mountains and the lake’s many secluded bays and beaches make this area a treasure.

Quesnel Lake on a rare calm day.

The government scientists tell us the water in the lake is okay for fish, birds, and humans, but when you see the horrendous destruction to the environment, there’s no question that this beautiful isolated lake has been changed forever. The mining company has made some environmental remediation, and the work is ongoing, but the damage is done.

In Healing Hearts, the hero is fighting a mining company that is determined to develop a copper mine on his ranch. This story, set in the beautiful and remote Chilcotin Plateau area of British Columbia, is close to my heart. My family and I have spent countless days camping in our truck and camper in this stunning wilderness region.

Canoeing on Quesnel Lake.

 

 

Release Day!

My sixth Romantic Suspense/Western, published by The Wild Rose Press is out in the world today! Very exciting. Day 1 and Healing Hearts already has two 5 Star reviews. Can’t get better than that.

Blurb:

Reeling from loss and heartbreak, Stella King is desperate to escape painful memories. The position of nanny on an isolated ranch in British Columbia’s rugged Chilcotin Plateau seems the answer to her prayers.

Cattle rancher, Dawson Wheeler, has worked hard to overcome grief and build a predictable world for his young daughter. The last thing he needs is the all-too-attractive Stella disrupting the smooth running of his ranch, especially now that disturbing incidents are happening on his property.

Defending his land against those who want to gut it will be a challenge, but the biggest threat of all may be to his heart.

Buy Links:

Nook (Barnes & Noble): https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/healing-hearts-c-b-clark/1136377247?ean=2940163089826

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Healing-Hearts-C-B-Clark-ebook/dp/B084FW1VTV/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=healing+Hearts+cb+clark&qid=1581114278&sr=8-1

iTunes: https://books.apple.com/us/book/healing-hearts/id1497767650

Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/ca/en/search?query=healing+hearts+cb+clark

Google Books: https://books.google.ca/books?id=htzWDwAAQBAJ&dq=Healing+Hearts+cb+clark&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjrzsTIyaToAhUIvp4KHbJ4B2MQ6AEIKTAA

Also available at Walmart.com.

The Chilcotin Plateau, British Columbia.

Canoeing on Quesnel Lake.

Chilcotin wild horses.

My Top Ten Reads

I’ve been a voracious reader my entire life. If forced to make a choice between watching television or reading a book, the decision is a no brainer. I go to bed early so I can read, and I get up an hour earlier in the morning to read. My taste runs across the spectrum, and I read mysteries, romances of all genres, Scifi, thrillers, literary fiction, and even a few westerns.

Choosing the top ten books I’ve ever read is a monumental task. I could easily come up with hundreds of great books. But forced to choose, here’s my top ten (in no particular order):

1. Gone With the Wind by Margaret Mitchell – Who can resist this sweeping saga of the fall of the American South in the Civil War. The sparks between Rhett Butler and Scarlett O’Hara are off the charts.

2. Clan of the Cave Bear by Jean M. Auel – This book explores the possibilities of contact between Neanderthal and Cro-magnon humans. I really enjoyed learning about herbal remedies, to say nothing of the hot romance between Ayla and Jondalar.

3. Little Women by Louisa M. Alcott –This popular young adult story follows the lives of the four March sisters as they struggle with the transition from childhood to becoming women. Loved it when I was a kid. Reread the book a few years ago, and I still loved it.

4. Not Without My Daughter By Betty Mahmoody –An autobiographical account of the author’s escape with her daughter from her abusive husband in Iran. A fascinating read, and with what’s happening in the world today, all the more relevant.

5. Outlander by Diana Gabaldon –A terrific time travel romance. Claire Randall travels through ancient standing stones and is transported from 1943 Scotland to 1743 where she meets the oh-so-dashing highlander, Jamie Fraser. I couldn’t put the book down.

6.  Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. –The heroine, Katniss Everdeen, in this dystopian young adult novel, battles powerful forces, saves her sister, helps her community, and finds love. Non-stop action from beginning to end.

7. All Quiet on the Western Front by Erich Maria Remarque –A very moving story of a young German soldier’s trials fighting in trench warfare in World War 1. The story will stick with you long after you finish.

8. Nancy Drew Mysteries by Carolyn Keene –This series of children’s books is a bit dated, but as a child, I was enthralled with Nancy and her adventures. Who doesn’t love a good mystery?

9. The Da Vinci Code By Dan Brown – This exciting mystery thriller kept me on the edge of my seat. The historical details are fascinating, and the hero’s adventures riveting.

10. Anything by Sandra Brown –I love all of her stories. She’s a master of mixing romance with suspense. Always guaranteed a great read.

Any books to add? I’d love to know. I’m always looking for another great book.

 

New Release!

I’m thrilled to announce that Healing Hearts, my sixth Romantic Suspense, published by The Wild Rose Press, will be released on March 23!

Blurb:

Reeling from loss and heartbreak, Stella King is desperate to escape painful memories. The position of nanny on an isolated ranch in British Columbia’s rugged Chilcotin Plateau seems the answer to her prayers.

Cattle rancher, Dawson Wheeler, has worked hard to overcome grief and build a predictable world for his young daughter. The last thing he needs is the all-too-attractive Stella disrupting the smooth running of his ranch, especially now that disturbing incidents are happening on his property.

Defending his land against those who want to gut it will be a challenge, but the biggest threat of all may be to his heart.

Available for Preorder:

 

A Busy Month

Wow! November is shaping up to be a very busy month. My upcoming romantic suspense, Healing Hearts is at the copy editor and should be released in the New Year, and all the promotions are going on.

Looking for that perfect gift for the reader in your life? My book (as well as many other Wild Rose Press authors’ books) is featured in the N.N. Light’s Book Heaven’s Holiday Gift Guide. https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/holiday-gift-guide

I am also featured in this month’s issue of Uncaged Book Reviews magazine. You can read my interview, see my latest book cover, and read about Jazz, my German Short haired pointer, whom we recently lost. Rhttps://issuu.com/cyreneolson/docs/uncaged_book_reviews_nov2019

Finally, The Wild Rose Press 2019 edition of the Holiday garden Gourmet cookbook is out. Follow the link below and get your free copy. My Sauerkraut-Rye Bread is a family tradition and delicious, especially toasted or served with a hearty bowl of soup. Find the recipe on page 34. /2019HolidayGourmet_w14464_digital.pdf

Aloha From Maui!

The beautiful sands of Big Beach.

Aloha! My husband and I just returned from two fabulous weeks in Maui. The trip was great, and we got our fill of surf, sun, and sand. We spent our days walking the miles of pristine sandy beaches and hiking through verdant tropical rainforests. The eerie creaking and clacking of bamboo trees in the wind in a shaded bamboo forest is something I’ll never forget. We also trekked over craggy black lava beds to secluded beaches, and climbed to over 10,000 feet to the top of the Haleakala Crater and hiked the cold, desolate moonscape on the Slippery Sands Trail.

View from the Haleakala Crater. 10,023 feet above sea level

Swimming and playing in the warm sea was a joy. Sea turtles and colourful tropical fish swam around us in the clear azure waters. We even tried boogie boarding—not something I’d recommend when the beach lifeguards have issued a red flag warning for the surf. Let’s just say, we put on quite a show for the people watching from the beach, and we survived intact.

Many of the roads in Maui can be challenging. The most well known is the road to Hana with its narrow, winding sixty-four miles (one way), including 620 hair pin turns and fifty-nine single-lane bridges. Whew! At times, the vehicle coming towards us scraped by with mere inches to spare.

One of the many waterfalls on the road to Hana.

It has been almost forty years since I was last in Maui. Lots has changed, but the warm, friendly, slow-paced vibe is the same, and like a comfortable shoe, I slipped back into Maui time. Mahalo, Maui.

Beach was closed as five reef sharks were sighted.

One of the many lava formations.

 

Exploring The Rock

I’ve travelled to many beautiful locations, but my recent trip to Newfoundland was one of the best. Newfoundland is a hiker’s paradise with stunning ocean vistas, abundant wildlife, very friendly locals (The people in this province took in hundreds of stranded airline passengers after the 9-11 tragedy), and best of all—no crowds.

Every town has trails, and my husband and I hiked along shaded, forest paths, climbed steep, rocky cliffs, rapelled down cliff faces, and explored hidden beaches and sea caves. Incredible views waited around every bend.

Gros Morne National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was amazing. We arrived the day before Hurricane Dorian was due to hit, but the weather was sunny and warm, with not a breath of wind. Impossible to believe a massive hurricane was headed our way. We took advantage of the beautiful day and hiked Gros Morne Mountain (806 meters), a very challenging sixteen-kilometer climb with a hard scramble up steep, rocky scree to the top. The views of the fjords and surrounding mountains were breathtaking.

View from atop Gros Morne Mountain.

The hurricane hit the next afternoon, but we managed to get in a windy hike in the morning through scrub forest and peat bogs to a waterfall. We were fortunate, and other than a power outage and downed trees, the storm caused only minor damage.

Our next stop was L’Anse aux Meadows, the location of the first known presence of Europeans in the Americas. More than a thousand years ago, Vikings settled there on the tundra and barren rocks.

Port aux Choix was another mind-blowing experience. The rugged landscape and the pounding surf were incredibly beautiful. Crossing the limestone barrens with fossils embedded in the rock, and passing through ancient archaeological sites was a dream come true. We even spotted a herd of woodland caribou.

Rocky shores, picturesque fishing boats, and wind-swept cliff tops made Bonavista, where John Cabot discovered North America in 1497, another fascinating area to visit. At Cape Spear, the most easterly point in North America, we faced driving rain, gale force winds, and fog, but also rugged beauty.

Aside from the terrific hiking, and great wildlife viewing (moose, caribou, coyotes, and puffins), the food was unique. We ate our fill of bakeapple berries, wild blueberries, partridge berries, and blackberries. The traditional Newfoundland dish of fishermen’s brewis, made with salted cod, hard tack bread, scrunchins (salted pork fat, chopped into small pieces and fried in grease) was tasty, but definitely not healthy. Fried bologna was another treat. And then there was cod—deep fried, battered, breaded, cod tongues, and cod cheeks.

 

We stopped in Dildo, Horny Head Cove, Tickle Bay, Witless Bay, and Cuckholds Cove. Is it any wonder the Rock is one of my favorite places? I’m a come-from-away gal, but I’ll definitely be back.