Tuesday, December 13, 2011

What is your favorite winter holiday tradition?

MamaElk won the copy of Common Bond, Tangled Hearts
Thank you all for coming by.

Everyone is welcome to download a FREE copy of


It doesn't matter which winter holiday you observe, there are really beautiful traditions that just "warm us through" during the cold winter. So tell us what your favorite winter holiday tradition is...

Is it lighting a Yule log and enjoying hot cider with friends and family?
Is it singing Christmas carols at a local nursing home?
Do you spin a dreidel and eat potato latkes?
Maybe it's lighting the candles of a Kinara with your children?
Or dressing in your finest clothing and sharing a meal of meat with your family and friends?

Share your favorite holiday tradition below - I will pick one lucky responder (between now and 12/24) and announce the winner on December 25 and will send a pdf copy of my book Common Bond, Tangled Hearts. Be sure to include your email.

Be sure to visit all the fantastic authors participating in this

12 Days of Christmas Blog Hop


Monday, December 12, 2011

Woo-Hoo! HYPHEMA cover wins...

Hyphema won the
Hyphema: Bleeding in the eye caused by trauma
Matt Garratti, a paramedic from New York, moves his wife and son to North Carolina to work at his dream job as a flight medic. Pakistani born Sudah, his wife, receives frosty stares and insensitive comments from their new neighbors... Matt wonders if he is pursuing his dream or bringing his family into a nightmare from which they may never wake.

Friday, November 25, 2011

Black Friday Blog Hop 2011

Welcome to the Day After Thanksgiving Blog Hop!
Check out each of the blogs for a chance at terrific prizes -
the complete list is at the end of this post.

Here is how to win one of two prizes here,
each of the book covers pictured below is lettered A-J and
below that are 10 phrases.
Match the phrases with the correct book cover & title ~
GUESSING IS OKAY
& if you want to "cheat", check out my website at
DO NOT post your answers below, email them to me at
ChelleCordero@gmail.com
The email with the most correct answers will win one of two prizes
pdf e-book of Within the Law (anywhere in the world)
& in the continental US only, a Passion & Suspense T-shirt (size XL)
ties will be decided by random draw - please list your location in your email
(winners will be drawn Sunday at noon)


A B C D E

F G H I J


#1: There is a bond that can't be broken, now there is love too.

#2: He's a cop, she's a lawyer - and they always have each other's back.

#3: He lost his memory, but he believes she is worth taking a chance on.

#4: He wanted a better life for his family, prejudice threatened their happiness.

#5: He was only there to protect a rich widow and her kid...

#6: A month of writing lessons complete with exercises.

#7: He gave her the time to learn to trust again.

#8: He wasn't who she thought he was, how could she love her kidnapper?

#9: He wanted to protect her from his shameful past.

#10: They were used to dealing with emergencies, they just weren't prepared for each other.




Who to visit next?

Not Enough Time in the Day

Shelley Munro: Taste of Kiwi

It's all about the power of love..


Smoky Talks …

It's The Journey That Counts!

Chris Redding Author

Decadent Decisions

Wicked...with a side of Saucy

...& for the MFRWA blog
on Saturday 11/26

The winner of the T-shirt is
Kathryn M with 10 correct answers

The winner of the WtL ebook is
Teresa K with 10 correct answers

SURPRISE!
Tomorrow (Sunday) at noon
I will award another
WtL ebook from the remaining entries.

Friday, November 11, 2011

Happy Veterans Day

My parents met stateside during World War II, just a lonely northern soldier boy and a beautiful southern girl ~ their romance lasted a lifetime (& maybe more...). The following is the beginning of a story I wrote, a dramatization based on their fateful meeting and their life together.

If you are intrigued by this little teaser, please feel free to download the anthology Love and Chocolate.
The Meeting
by Chelle Cordero

Charleston, South Carolina
1942

―"Make sure you send me a letter as soon as you get there." Jeannette stopped to dry her eyes. ―"You just know how I am going to miss you."

―"Oh honey, I‘ll write to you every day." Melanie hugged the best friend she always shared everything with. Their mommas had taken them for walks in their baby carriages together. They were there for each other‘s first dates, they consoled each other when Melanie‘s big brother left to go fight the big war, and they stayed up late reading letters from Melanie‘s ill mother. ―"Oh I wish I didn't have to leave you."

―"You tell your momma to get well so you can bring her home again."

―"Last call for Greensboro." The train engineer poked his head out to remind passengers to get their luggage loaded.

―"Oh, I have to make sure my suitcase is on board." Melanie gave Jeannette‘s hand a squeeze and then stepped towards the train.

―"Make sure you wave to me before you leave."

In another car an M.P. checked the cuffs of the prisoner he was transporting from Georgia.

―"I‘m going to step off and have a smoke." He was satisfied the prisoner wasn't going anywhere, especially since he was cuffed to the seat. The M.P. motioned to one of the other military personnel on board the car that he would be back in a few minutes.It felt good to stretch his legs as he stepped down from the train onto the platform. He watched as two women tearfully hugged each other and found himself unable to stop staring at the woman left on the platform. She was beautiful. He lit his cigarette and took a drag. Then he walked over to the woman.

Jeannette was aware of the soldier‘s stare and tried not to let it affect her. He was a handsome man, but it just wasn't polite to be scrutinized so thoroughly like that. He came even closer and she tried to look in the other direction.

―"Hello."

She could tell by the nasal quality of his accent that he was a northern boy. Maybe this was how they acted up there but he was being awfully forward. She was raised to be polite and couldn't ignore his speaking to her. ―"Good morning sir." She hoped he would go away.

―"I've been riding this train all morning – transporting a prisoner." He motioned proudly to the M.P. sash on his arm.

She glanced quickly at his armband and realized he was probably trying to impress her. Jeannette gave him a polite half-smile and turned her head. She was trying to watch to see where her friend got a seat, but he wasn't making it easy.

―"Well imagine how I felt when I stepped onto the platform and saw this gorgeous woman standing there."

He was definitely making her feel uneasy. She wished she had one of her little brothers with her.

―"Hey, aren‘t you going to tell me your name at least? I‘d love to have a name to go with the dreams I‘m going to have of you tonight."

Her momma taught her manners and her poppa taught her to stand up for herself. Jeannette mustered her courage and finally looked the handsome soldier in the eyes. ―"Sir, I find your manners appalling. I would greatly appreciate it if you would kindly leave me be."

He smiled back at her, the smile reached his eyes. ―"So you aren‘t going to tell me your name?"

―"No sir, I am not." His smile was devastating.

The soldier put on his best pouting face. ―"Hey, come on, I‘m just a lonely soldier. Can‘t you take pity on me? Just your name, please?"


Thursday, November 3, 2011

Cozy up with a free read

You'll find sample chapters, book discussion packets and bookmarks for:

Smoky Trudeau Zeidel ~ The Cabin, 2nd Edition
Chelle Cordero ~ Hostage Heart
Marilyn C. Morris ~ Sabbath's Gift
Robert Hays ~ The Baby River Angel
L.E. Harvey ~ Imperfect
Victoria Howard ~ The House on the Shore, 2nd Edition
Collin Kelley ~ Remain in Light
Malcolm Campbell ~ Sarabande
Charmaine Gordon ~ Reconstructing Charlie
Janet Lane Walters ~ The Warrior of Bast
Anne K. Albert ~ Frank, Incense, and Muriel
S.R. Claridge ~ Russian Uprising
Melinda Clayton ~ Return to Crutcher Mountain
Angela Kay Austin ~ Sweet Victory

~~~

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Internet Book Fair BLOGFEST!


Hyphema: Bleeding in the eye caused by trauma… Matt Garratti, a paramedic from New York, moves his wife and son to North Carolina to work at his dream job as a flight medic. Pakistani born Sudah, his wife, receives frosty stares and insensitive comments from their new neighbors... Matt wonders if he is pursuing his dream or bringing his family into a nightmare from which they may never wake.


and also

HOSTAGE HEART by
Chelle Cordero

FINAL SIN by Chelle Cordero

&


For MORE Great Books...


For more about Chelle Cordero's novels...


Thursday, October 13, 2011

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month
and this is a theme that is built into the story of
Common Bond, Tangled Hearts

Layne Gillette’s world is turned upside down when a man she has never met shows up to lay claim as the father of her 6-year old son. When Layne’s abusive “ex-husband” shows up, they are torn apart by danger, kidnapping and lies.
She just knew it was going to happen. Layne had finally fallen asleep during the very early morning hours and she hadn't heard her alarm clock chirping for the first thirty minutes. It was really only when Dennis shook her shoulder when she realized how late it was… the alarm had woken her son.

They were rushing through their morning trying to get ready, If Dennis missed the school bus, she was going to have to ask one of her neighbors to drive him to school. She hated to impose on the people around her. Layne had learned that every favor was a debt to be paid back, sometimes at prices much too high for her comfort. But she didn't own her own car and the walk to the school was just too far.

Dennis spilled his milk while he tried to gobble down the toaster pastry she tossed at him in a last ditch effort to get him ready to leave. Layne caught herself before she actually yelled, but Dennis started to pout anyway. It wasn't his fault that this morning was so askew. She kept reminding herself that. It was thanks to his father, his biological father… that damn Justin Ross. What right did he have to force his way into her home and preoccupy her thoughts all night?

She remembered to run water into Dennis' breakfast dishes although there was no way she would be able to take the time to wash and dry them this morning. Layne had thrown her own clothes on in a haphazard manner and had barely passed a brush through her golden curls, but her next hurdle after seeing Dennis off to school was getting to her job, a long walk in the opposite direction of the school building.

Layne worked as a receptionist at the local realty office. She was generally very good with people and her boss didn’t question her education, or lack of it. So long as she did her job well he was happy. The job was ideal because she was able to have the school bus drop Dennis off at the nearby corner. Since the office was in a small model house, there was an extra room where Dennis could nap, do his homework, or play a game. There was even a small yard he could sit in. She never had to worry about his whereabouts and he had gotten very friendly with the older children of one of the realty agents. Rita often let one or both of her kids come to the office after school to sit and play with Dennis. He never got a chance to feel neglected.

Layne pulled the door open to reveal Justin getting ready to knock.

"What are you doing here, again?" Layne said under her breath. She didn't want to upset Dennis before he had to go to school.

"I… I told you I would be back to talk." He looked down at Dennis and noticed that the boy was watching him with those very interested and very big golden eyes. "I thought Dennis would have left for school already."

She didn't take kindly to his criticism. Just because he left some sperm in a cup seven years ago didn't give him the right to barge into her life and criticize the way she was raising their… her son.

"We're running late. If you would just get out of our way…"

"Was he supposed to catch that school bus?" Justin didn't move.

Layne gave a resigned sigh, they had obviously missed it after all. "Yes."

"I'll drive him." Justin was looking just a little too eager for Layne's composure.

"No…"

"But Mom, I'm going to be late and Mrs. Chase is giving out our parts for the Memorial Day play today." Dennis whined. The stranger didn’t look as scary to him today as he did last night. Besides, his mother had told him they used to be friends.

"Come on, my car is right downstairs." Justin smiled as he encouraged her.

"I have to come with you." Layne relented. She wasn't going to chance putting her son in this stranger's car, a stranger that probably thought he had a right to the boy.

"Okay."

"Will you be able to drive me back?" She would have preferred to get out at Dennis' school with him, but then there would be no way she could get back to her job anywhere near on time. Layne needed her job.

"Sure." Justin waited while Layne locked the door and then led the way to his car.

Sunday, October 9, 2011

Taking an ambulance ride & Final Sin


Have you ever been a patient in an ambulance? How did it make you feel? Did you wonder about the people who were caring for you, what their training was, how much they cared about your well being? I'd love to hear your comments below.


I have the memory of being a patient twice in the past, once after a relatively minor car accident and once for a severe asthma attack. The asthma attack was especially scary because the treatment en-route was vital, it was definitely more than just a transport.


I also have the terrific perspective of being one of those trained individuals giving care to patients on the way to hospital. I’ve been a volunteer EMT with my local ambulance corps since 1986. Sometimes the care provided is simple compassion and transport… sometimes we work hard to save a life. I’ve delivered babies - and I’ve done CPR trying to restart a heart. Both successful CPR and holding a newborn in your arms can give you a really heady feeling.


My entire family is in emergency services, both volunteer and career. That’s why, when I wanted to write a mystery suspense, it seemed natural to make my characters emergency service professionals. Going by my own experiences, where else do you get to see so much of life?


I encourage each of you to consider volunteering with your local ambulance squad; the rewards of being able to do something to help, to give some people the only chance they may have, and to know that you have provided (at the minimum) comfort and reassurance is never-ending. There are many ways to be a vital part of your community, give your ambulance corps a chance – it is definitely worth it.


About Final Sin:

Deputy Sheriff Commander Jake Carson has his hands full...

investigation of a brutal multiple homicide, a troubled son and a

vindictive ex-wife. He meets young, free-spirited paramedic Julie

Jennings. When Julie becomes the subject of an obsession, it puts both

of them in danger...

Download a FREE Final Sin “discussion starter package” complete with free bookmarks – it’s perfect for a book club or library discussion group.

for multiple e-book formats http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/2354

from Amazon (print) http://bit.ly/GEgv6

Friday, October 7, 2011

Free Trading Cards

I’m signing and sending out free
Hyphema and Final Sin trading cards

Just send a self-addressed and stamped envelope to:

CHELLE CORDERO
Post Office Box 333
Tomkins Cove NY 10986

and I’ll send back with two trading cards PLUS!


Tuesday, September 27, 2011

About Hostage Heart

I am a romantic dreamer. Despite all of the rumors that writers are full of angst, I really like my life - so I love to write about the things in my life... but my books are pure fiction.

After the 2005 hurricane season and the devastation it caused to parts of Louisiana and Texas, I heard many stories about the people down there and their remarkable spirit. (As an aside, my hubby was a rescue worker down there and he came home with incredible stories to tell.)

Deanna Blair, the heroine of my book Hostage Heart, was born from these stories. Add to that my sometimes "questionable" imagination and my need to let everyone have their special romantic moments and I added Ryan Hunter and a few other interesting characters. Then I tossed in a bank robbery.

The book starts in New York City, a city that never sleeps and the place where I was raised. The bulk of the story takes place down south in Baton Rouge, LA and Little Rock, Ark. Although I grew up with a southern-born mama, I still did a lot of research into Deanna's Cajun heritage and the local customs. It was really fun for me.

I want my readers to experience the flavors of a beignet (a Louisiana fried fritter) and the dialect of a Cajun as they read my story. More than that, I want them to feel the love between my characters and each of the relationships they have. And of course I hope that they sit on the edge of their seats as they wonder what will come next.

Here's an excerpt:

Deanna tried to pull away. Tears came to her eyes. “Please, let me go.”

“Hey Roy, Miss Southern Bell said please.” He mocked her pronunciation. One of the other two men laughed at her distress.

The third man got up and grabbed her chin. He held her face still as he forced the neck of another open bottle of beer between her lips and poured. Deanna choked and spit out most of it.
“Come on, swallow.” He kept pouring and she finally swallowed some to keep from choking. “That’s right baby, you’re going to feel much better. We just want you to enjoy too.”

After most of the contents of the bottle of beer was either down her throat or spilled down the front of her blouse, the bottle was put on the table. Deanna fought to keep from gagging as the beer hit her stomach and started an abrupt return trip. “I’m going to be sick.”

The first guy stood and nearly dumped her on the floor. They let her heave the contents of her stomach while she bent over. They laughed at her. When she was done, one of the men splashed her face with even more beer to rinse her off. Then the front of her blouse was torn open.

“Oh God, please don’t...:” Unable to defend herself or run away with her hands and feet still tied, she cried and pleaded.

Tugging the front of her bra as if to rip it off of her, the second guy found her grandmother’s ring. “What’s this?” He dug the piece of jewelry out.

She looked longingly at the ring. “Please, that’s all I have left of my mamere.” They still hadn’t recovered the old woman’s body long after the flood waters receded. “Please don’t take that.”

One of the men leered at her. “Maybe we’ll let you earn it back.”

“What the hell is going on here?” His booming voice surprised everyone.

“Hey man, we were just having some fun. She doesn’t mind. Do you?” One of the three drunken revelers pouted.

“I told you, she’s my property... and I don’t share with anyone.” The pseudo bank customer had returned from his errand. He walked to them and grabbed her roughly by her arm. “What’s that?” He questioned the guy with the ring in his hand.

“She was hiding it.”

“Give it to me. Now.” The ring was put into his outstretched palm and he put it into his pocket. He looked at the floor where she spit up. “Clean this up.”

“Hey man, we were just bored.

“That’s not my problem.” He pulled Deanna into the small kitchen and helped her wash her face and rinse her mouth at the sink.

“So long as Jacob is gone, I’m in charge around here. And I don’t like having my orders ignored.”



Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Get autographed ebook covers

Autographs for my eBooks are available at Kindlegraph.


You don't have to have a Kindle to get an autograph.

All you have to do is sign in at Kindlegraph and
request an autograph for whichever book/books you would like.

You need to sign in with Twitter before you can request a Kindlegraph.

Sunday, September 11, 2011

Where were you?

Where were you ten years ago when you heard?

Everyone seems to remember with accuracy where they were and what they were doing ten years ago when America was under attack - they remember when they heard about the planes crashing into the World Trade Center towers in NYC, they were already reeling when the news came about the Pentagon in flames, and people cried from both fear and pride when they heard that an airplane full of people resisted and wouldn't allow their deaths to be used as a weapon for even more destruction.

My husband and I had the day off and were sleeping in late when my sister called to tell me a plane had crashed into one of the towers - I was already watching the TV news when the second plane hit. Our son made a call home from the local high school to ask if his dad was working that day (he had been working the day before at a WTC venue). My daughter called from college (upstate) to make sure everyone was okay. Of all my memories, hearing the fear and worry in my children's voices will stay with me forever.

Where will you be today?

Towns and villages around the world will be holding memorial services. House of worship will be saying prayers. The new One World Trade Center and the reflecting pools will be the sight of dignitaries and survivors of the fallen. Periods of silence will be observed and many places will read from a lost of names. Flags will wave and candles will light the night.

Where have you been for the last ten years?

How did September 1, 2001 change you? Have you found a way to honor the memories of those who died with charity, good deeds, compassion, patriotism, and volunteerism? Do you remember to tell your loved ones how you feel every day? And if you are a parent, have you made sure that your kids know they will always be cared for?

Our lives changed ten years ago. Now is the time to remember the innocent victims, the heroes and the families who were torn apart with positive deeds. Yes take time to shed a tear and then show honor for the lives that were lost, gratitude for the heroes that came out, and compassion for our fellow human beings. Volunteer in your community. Smile at a stranger, Thank a soldier, a paramedic, a firefighter and a police officer.

Ten years ago Americans united to show strength, resilience and pride. We flew flags and came together to show we would not be defeated. Let's show we are still strong and proud, that we respect our country and our people, and that we are caring and committed to doing right.




Wednesday, September 7, 2011

A Chat and A Contest,


“Matt, why are you angry? Sudah shook her head gently. “She was just making conversation.”


“She didn’t even give you the courtesy of asking you the question.”


She shrugged. “They see the color of my skin and my scarf. I’m different. They do not mean any harm.”


“You’re my wife Sudah and I want people to respect that.”


“Maybe they worry I don’t speak English?”


“If they bothered to speak to you they would find out that you do.” His wife always made excuses for people; she never wanted to see bad in any of them. But even her positivity wasn't enough to dispel his foul mood.


Matt was feeling edgy all day. He was very aware of the hostile looks they received earlier in the day while touring some nearby towns. One old man even called Sudah an Aaa-Rab and made fun of her head covering. Matt almost lost his temper with the old man, but Sudah’s light touch on his arm calmed him. When she politely told the man she was Pakistani, the old guy guffawed and said “same thing.” Later, Sudah explained to Matt that she didn’t think it was worthwhile to argue. “We will not change a man’s mind unless he wants to hear something new.”


Earlier in the day he drove to the college campus with them so that Sudah could see the route she would have to take. He also wanted to see the area she’d be spending so much time in for himself and make sure that it was safe for her. That’s when he first got an uneasy feeling that they were being watched, but he didn’t see anyone specific. Matt convinced himself that it was just more of those hostile looks keeping him on edge. There was a small mosque in the student center and Sudah told him that she would pray there. Matt hoped she wouldn't be harassed because of her faith. The campus advertised that childcare was available but neither of them were impressed with the facilities. That was when they started exploring and finally wound up in the diner on their way back home.


Sudah fed Aden creamed corn from a small jar while they waited for their orders. The waitress put heaping platters of food in front of each of them. She made sure to thank the waitress.

Matt bit into an overstuffed club sandwich with turkey and ham Sudah chewed slowly on her grilled cheese sandwich while she helped Aden hold his bottle.


“I am happy the drive to school will not be long.” She took time to chew the bite of sandwich she just put in her mouth.


He nodded. “It’s a pretty direct route. That’s good.”


“Matt, thank you for bringing us here.”


He took a gulp of lemonade. “Oh baby, I hope you’re happy.”


“Yes, I am happy.” She smiled at him. “You give us a nice home. You are taking care of your family.”


The three left the diner with their stomachs full and his foul mood dispelled a bit by his wife’s optimism. Matt stayed off of the highway as they headed back towards their home in order to see a little more of the area. Driving along a street of one and two million dollar homes, Matt tried to imagine coming home to Sudah and their son in one of those luxurious estates.

“One of these days…”


“One of these days what, Matt?” Sudah asked about his barely audible statement. Her own voice was low because of the sleeping infant in the rear seat.


He chuckled. “One of these days I would love to afford one of these homes for you and Aden.”


She looked out of her passenger side window. “These homes, they are so big.”


“Yeah. They’re beautiful.”


“But Matt, compared to the house I grew up in, our home is a,” she paused to come up with the right word, “a… a big house.”


“Like a mansion?” He was amused by his wife’s naivety about the language and expressions.


“Yes, a mansion. It is a mansion to me.”


He pulled the car to the side of the road and put it in park. A wisp of hair had escaped the scarf she wound around her head. Reaching towards her, Matt tenderly brushed it behind her ear. “Baby, I want to give you so much. I want to do so much for you and Aden.” He wanted to be the perfect husband and father, everything his own father wasn't.


She smiled demurely. “You have given me everything. You are everything that I need.” Looking around quickly to make sure they were not being observed, Sudah leaned forward and placed a light kiss on his lips. “You have made me very happy. I never thought that I would find a man like you for me. I am so lucky.”


When Sudah looked at him like that, she made him feel successful. “I’m the lucky one.” He gently pulled her forward to kiss her again. “Would you mind if we went home?” He knew she wasn’t comfortable with public displays and it was a lot more than simple kissing that he wanted to do with her at that moment.


“I think that might be a very good idea.”

~~~

Okay - here are the contest details...


Fabulous Vanilla Heart Publishing authors are on Coffee Time Romance's yahoo group today. Stop by, say hello, and ask a question! http://t.co/JTlVmvK


My latest release, HYPHEMA, is a murder mystery set in North Carolina, one of my main characters is a Muslim Pakistani immigrant and the book deals with a lot of post-9/11 sentiment.

Ten years ago the world changed, nearly three-thousand people lost their lives and the lives of millions more were irrevocably changed. Recent news has been filled with families of the victims telling us how they have tried to do "positive things", honor their loved ones, keep the memories alive, and work towards a brighter future.

So here is the contest opportunity - Tell me what POSITIVE thing you plan to do this September 11 to honor the memories of those that perished and work to make this world better. You have all day to post on the Coffee Time Romance Yahoo group , entries will be accepted until 10pm EST (please include your email address).

I'll post some of these planned POSITIVE acts here on my author blog to appear on 9/11/2011 AND I will choose one random entry for a free ebook of HYPHEMA (http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/54453)