Guest Post by Elise K. Ackers, Author of Ask Me For Tomorrow

Ask Me For Tomorrow is the third novella in my Homeland series published with Destiny Romance. A standalone title about two single parents, this book explores the many responsibilities of family, and the sometimes overlooked responsibilities to self.

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Set in a fictional country town in rural New South Wales, Australia, Ask Me For Tomorrow is full of small town personalities, family tradition, and second chances.

Dean Foster and Alice Jaye are both at their wits end. Dean’s kids are acting up and starting fights at school, his business is demanding long hours, and he’s having thoughts about a woman for the first time since his wife died. Alice is working two jobs, trying to be there for her son, and keeping secrets from her new boss, Dean. They’re exhausted, they’re confused, but somehow amongst all the madness of day-to-day life, their long-dormant hearts are stirring again.

Dean and Alice’s story is the tender conclusion to a series about brothers Dean and Ethan, their best friend Cal, and the three women they love. As Dean fights to convince Alice that the world, and all its complications, can wait, the characters who’ve previously stood centre stage in earlier books are all in this one, continuing their stories and supporting Dean’s.

As a reader, I’ve always been drawn to series, I love revisiting characters I’ve connected with to see them in different stages of their lives; so as a writer it was important for me to do each character justice as the Homeland series reached its third installment. Ask Me For Tomorrow can be read without having read the first two, but it’s richer in their company.

One of the challenges of writing this series was properly capturing the passing of time. There is approximately a year between the first and second novella, and almost the same between the second and third. This was necessary, especially in Dean’s case because it allowed for distance between the loss he suffers in Ask Me To Stay, and the love he allows himself to feel in Ask Me For Tomorrow.

This is my first series, but it won’t be my last. It’s been a delight to remain so long with these characters, and I’m thrilled to be celebrating the release of Dean’s story. He’s been on my mind for a long time, and I was very happy to have the opportunity to give him a second chance at a happy ever after. All three novellas are available from Destiny Romance.

Book Description

Three years after losing his wife, Dean Foster feels like he's living in a daze. When he finds himself attracted to his new employee, it comes as quite a shock. Single mum, Alice Jaye, is struggling to make ends meet. She's too tired to flirt with her gorgeous new boss and firmly maintains a professional distance. But when their children bring them into close contact, keeping their relationship strictly business isn't easy. As Alice and her son spend more time with his family, Dean's heart begins to open once more. But can he risk starting all over again? This eagerly anticipated final book of the Homeland series is a tender, heartwarming story about letting go of the past and giving love a second chance. 

About the Author

Elise K. Ackers is from Melbourne, Australia. She writes contemporary romance and romantic suspense and is published with Destiny Romance and Escape Publishing. Elise is an animal foster carer, a magnet for unusual accidents, and an enthusiastic couch commentator. Ask Me For Tomorrow is her sixth book. 

What makes a happy family? By Janey Fraser, author of Happy Families

Bobbie's children never listen to a word she says. Even worse, her mother has a new boyfriend: the notorious child expert Dr. Know, who dishes out hard-line advice to the nation. Could parenting classes control her kids - and save her marriage? Andy's wife is due to run a Perfect Parents course at the local school. But when she scarpers, he's left to look after their two teenage daughters - and face his own childhood demons. Vanessa has found love, second-time round. But one night, six-year-old Sunshine is deposited on her doorstep with a message from Vanessa's estranged daughter, 'Please look after her.' This time she's determined to get it right. Can Bobbie, Andy, and Vanessa really learn the secret of raising a happy family?

After three children, one divorce, re-marriage, and a great deal of walking on egg-shells, I often wonder what makes a really happy family. The following definitions come from my own experience and those of friends. (Plus, of course, my latest novel Happy Families.)

Laughing together, even when there doesn't seem much to laugh about.

Doing things together. My youngest son and I started a weekend bowling tradition when we were on our own.

Spending time together. My children and I go away together once a year without any other adults. It's our bonding time.

Making time for each other even when you're racing against the clock. Yesterday, I had to get up at 6am in order to finish a deadline as one of my sons needed me to drop off two heavy speakers for his band later in the day - which was when I had been planning to work!

Cooking together. Leads to laughter where my culinary skills are involved.

Trying not to involve them in adult problems.

Giving the children a certain amount of responsibility so they learn to stand on their own two feet. But also still being there for them. This applies to all ages.

Telling each other stories. It brings people together. I often tell my children stories about my childhood. I've also always encouraged them to make up stories.

Singing!

Limit nagging. Increase praise where it's due. Vital for self- esteem.

Teaching each other to be grateful for small things. One of my friends always asks her children, at bedtime, to tell her about the 'best thing' that's happened that day. I think that's lovely.

Encouraging courtesy and manners from all age groups. It leads to a nicer atmosphere.

Not expecting your children to be just like you or their brothers/sisters. We're all different.

Teaching them that when things go wrong, it's all right. Even if it doesn't seem that way. I once interviewed the agony aunt Claire Rayner on helpful sayings. She came up with the following. 'All things must pass.' That means the bad stuff won't go on for ever. However, you also have to make the most of the good times. It's a saying that has really helped my family.

If anyone would like to add their own definitions of a happy family, please email me via janeyfraser.co.uk, and I'll put a selection on the website. I'll send a free copy of my new book to anyone whose saying goes on the website.

Janey Fraser always dreamed of writing novels. After a career in women's magazines interviewing celebrities, Janey wrote several non-fiction books about childcare. She has also written a series of children's books. Janey has appeared live on breakfast television, talking about her books, and has also been on numerous radio programmes, including Woman's Hour and The Learning Curve. She also writes short stories for magazines, runs writing courses, and is a regular speaker at literary festivals, including Winchester and Guildford. Her recent hobby is belly dancing, much to the horror of her children. However, Janey firmly believes that embarrassing one's offspring is a perk of the job. Find out more at www.janeyfraser.co.uk.

The Power of the Wedding Cake

by Cynthia Ellingsen 

I have a true confession to share with you: When I cry at weddings, it’s not about the romance - it’s because I’m excited about the wedding cake. I think it's the frosting that gets me. The granulated sugar, the buttery texture of the floral accents and oh! The way the fondant just seems so unnaturally snow-white. The cake itself, though, can also be a delightful journey. A light and frisky vanilla interior won’t distract from the frosting. In fact, it’s a great way to cleanse the palate after each and every sugary bite.

In Marriage Matters, my latest novel from Penguin-Berkley, the cake tasting scene is one of my favorites. The three women sit down to an elegant tasting and as the grandmother and granddaughter decide to compete to see who can eat the most cake, the event descends into a raucous, sugar consumption frenzy. And I have to admit, it’s difficult to read that scene without eating a cupcake.

Brides, please know this: As you walk down the aisle in your resplendent beauty, tears of joy streaming down your face, I’ll be right there with you. Rooting for you. But in another part of my brain, I’m definitely clocking the seconds until that piece of fluffy, sugary joy gets passed around the reception.

Excerpt from Marriage Matters

Eagerly, Chloe took a seat at the table, followed by June, then her mother. The pastry chef set out a glass of water for each of them, along with a napkin and a full place setting. To the side of each plate was a small silver bucket. It looked just like a spittoon at a wine tasting but Chloe had no idea what it was for.

“The bucket,” the pastry chef explained, noticing her confusion, “serves as a receptacle. Many brides choose to take a tiny bite of cake and discard the remainder.” She handed them each a piece of paper with a small pencil. “Use this to keep track as you go. If there’s a flavor combination you like, just give it a tiny star.”

In the chocolate column, there was a lengthy list: milk chocolate, dark chocolate, white chocolate, German chocolate, black forest and hazelnut. Below that, the options were angel food cake, butter cake, pound cake, tres leches and (oddly) wedding cake. The specialty flavors included carrot, tiramisu and red velvet.

Many of the cupcakes were frosted with buttercream, whipped cream or raspberry chocolate. The carrot and red velvet cake were, of course, frosted with cream cheese.

Chloe’s eyes scanned the options eagerly. She hadn’t eaten any breakfast, in preparation for this little extravaganza. Suddenly, an idea struck her.

“Hey, Grandma,” she said, kicking June under the table. “Want to see who can eat the most without spitting?”

June already had a cupcake halfway to her mouth. Her face lit up. “I’ll most certainly win.”

“Chloe, we are not at the county fair,” her mother said. “We are selecting cake for your weddings.”

Chloe waved her fork. “Mom, you can either sign on as a judge or vacate the premises.”

June’s eyes surveyed the assortment of cupcakes. “I say we battle for the right to plan the bachelorette party. If I win, Bernice is doing it.”

Even though Chloe’s grandmother was cooler than most, it didn’t mean her friends knew how to throw a good party. What would they do, knit?

“No way,” Chloe said. “My friends are in charge of that. Your friends do not know the first thing about throwing a bachelorette party.”

“Then you better win,” June cried.

 “Done.” Dramatically, she reached for a square of dark chocolate cake. The cake was slightly spongy, with an earthy richness. The whipped cream frosting melted like a roasted marshmallow in her mouth. “Yum . . .”

June’s sharp eyes considered the cupcake in her hand, and she consulted with Kristine. “Should I stay away from the rich ones? Until she’s full?”

Chloe sank her teeth into the piece of tiramisu, sighing happily. “Doesn’t matter what you do, Grandma. I can eat cake for days.” The powdered cocoa on the tiramisu melded with her tongue like a kiss. It suddenly struck her that Ben would have enjoyed this tasting, since he liked tiramisu so much. Too bad they still weren’t really talking or she might have just brought him a cupcake.

“Pace yourself,” Kristine warned. “Old age and treachery beats youth and enthusiasm every time.”

June nodded. “That’s a fact.”

Chloe scoffed. “Keep telling yourself that.” She surveyed the cakes, trying to decide which to try next.

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Connect with Cynthia at facebook.com/cynthiaellingsen and twitter.com/CynEllingsen.