Previously posted... A reincarnation of Courage of the Heart

this blog was previously posted December 2008:

The True Story Behind

Courage of the Heart

This true story isn’t about the love affair between Adam Sherman and Davie Prescott, the hero and heroine of my book. This isn’t about the shame that Adam feels or Davie’s innocence, or about the way he fears that he will taint her.

This is a true tale about the publication of a novel and the dreams of an author. You see, I first wrote Courage of the Heart in 1999 and it was published in June 2001. At the time, the publisher was an innovative print-on-demand company and one had to apply to be published. And while they never promised to move mountains to market the book, they indicated that they would help.

So my book went to “press” and I experienced the wild euphoria of seeing my name on the spine of the book. Between the time that I signed the contract and my book actually was made available, the company had changed its policy and became an all out self-publishing company. There was nothing wrong with that except that even the limited help with marketing I thought I would get was nil since I had not paid any money or purchased any packages. And… I knew absolutely nothing about marketing a book on my own.

Courage of the Heart received a few very favorable reviews (no, they were NOT relatives!) and not many more books were actually sold. My copy sat filed away as a frustrating memory of what could have, should have, been. It was frustrating, but I had a book in my name even if less than 20 people had read it. I still felt some accomplishment.

I kept writing and in 2008, Vanilla Heart Publishingpublished my novels Bartlett’s Rule, Forgotten andWithin the Law. Then Kimberlee Williams, managing editor of VHP, asked if I would consider re-releasing Courage of the Heart. My heart took a leap! Could it really happen? VHP and I had worked as a team to promote my other books and things were moving along very nicely. Did I dare to hope?

So I sent Kimberlee the manuscript – and legal looked into the question of rights. Kimberlee liked the story with some updated scenes (mostly to reflect the more modern world of computer technology that the story relied heavily on). Right now I am soooo excited I could squeal – Courage of the Heart will be re-released in a few months by Vanilla Heart Publishing!

Kimberlee designed a magnificent cover that so perfectly reflects the heat and intensity of Davie and Adam’s love story.

And while I don’t remember the music I listened to when I wrote the first version in 1999, I do know that I listened to Keith Urban singing “Once in a Lifetime” while I made the changes to make my story fit into the 21st century. So I guess that "Once in a Lifetime" is the theme song to Courage of the Heart.

Keep your eyes wide open for this romance… You know that I will let you know as soon as it is available. And in the meanwhile, keep coming back here for bits and pieces of interest about Courage of the Heart as well as Bartlett’s Rule, Forgotten and Within the Law.

And now, in 2013, Courage of the Heart is

soon to be released as an audiobook!

visit Chelle's website

An excerpt from Courage of the Heart

Sometimes unexpected events lead to unexpected actions - After Adam doesn't come into work, breaking a lunch date with Davie, she goes looking for him out of concern. He's home, sick with the flu, not answering his phone and in one heck of a foul mood.

It's Davie's nature to want to help - she is left wondering though if she did the right thing...

Sometime during the evening, Adam woke to feel a cool rag on his forehead.

"Sssh… You were moaning from the fever." Davie drew the rag across his shoulders and down his chest. "How are you feeling?"

"Sick.” He groaned. “What time is it?"

"Two o'clock. At least you managed to get some rest." She dampened the rag in a small bowl she had next to the bed and held it behind his neck.

"Thank you for staying." He caught her hand as she ran the rag down an arm. "Don't leave…"

"Don't worry. I'll be here."

Davie had fallen asleep while watching television in the living room after she had seen that he was resting. His thrashing sounds woke her and at first he seemed to fight against her touch when she felt his forehead. She had to admit that he had even scared her a little, his initial reaction to her presence had been violent and unexpected. It had only been after she tried to cool his forehead that his sleepy anger turned to moaning.

"I'll bring you some aspirin." She went to get the medicine from the bathroom.

After he swallowed the aspirin and another dose of cold medication, Adam lightly touched her hand again. "Davie…would you stay with me…please?"

"Don't worry, I'm not leaving."

"I mean here, next to me." He gently patted the bed.

She hesitated a moment. "Okay." After clearing away the bowl with cool water and returning the aspirin to the cabinet, Davie settled next to him. She sat with her back against the headboard and her legs stretched out on top of the bed covers.

Adam put his head in her lap, murmured a thank you and dozed off again. She ran her fingers through his hair thinking of the independent air he usually had and how vulnerable he seemed now when he wasn't feeling well. He put an arm around her as if to make sure she didn't go anywhere. Davie could feel the heat from his fever and worried because, even though she hadn't taken it with a thermometer, she knew his fever was much higher than an adult's should be.

Although she hadn't meant to spend the night, she was glad to be there for him. In the morning she'd go home to pack her overnight bag for the short trip home. If Adam still were so feverish, she'd convince him to call his doctor first and maybe get some antibiotics. She had to get home to her dad.

Courage of the Heart 
by Chelle Cordero
COURAGE OF THE HEART shows us that sometimes love is the only cure for the very deepest of emotional wounds. The story of the two lovers takes a series of unexpected and fast paced turns where lives, sanity and love are put in jeopardy. Their commitment to one another results in a spirit that binds them together and helps them to overcome physical and emotional dangers.

Book Review: Final Sin

reposted from Chelle's XANGA blog:

Friday, 07 August 2009

• Currently Final Sin By Chelle Cordero see related

  Book review: Final Sin

Malcolm R Campbell, the author of The Sun Singerand the about to be released Jock Stewart and the Missing Sea of Fire had this to say about Final Sin:

"It's probably a "guy thing," but I always find it hard to understand the man-woman relationships in a romance.

That said, this well-written book also features non-stop action, plenty of suspense, and some well-handled chilling scenes. I enjoyed this book. With Chelle's EMT background, we have--in addition to a dandy plot--a window into the world of the EMTs including one brave lady Julie Jennings. There's a killer loose and what he leaves behind is strong stuff, but Julie and her partner must maintain their composure and skill levels in spite of the horror of the crime scene. So, too, does Jake, a no-nonsense lawman whose long-time experience helps keep him on track in spite of the media frenzy and his growing attraction to Julie.

I have yet to read a Cordero book that didn't keep me reading and turning pages and wanting more late into the night."

• Paperback: 324 pages
• Publisher: Vanilla Heart Publishing (May 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1935407139
• ISBN-13: 978-1935407133

Also available for Kindle

and in e-book from PayLoadz or SmashWords

Happy Father's Day!

Father's Day is a celebration honoring fathers and celebrating fatherhood, paternal bonds, and the influence of fathers in society (from Wikipedia)

A lot of men can be a "father" but it takes someone special to be a "Dad" - my cousin said that to me once when she was talking about her stepfather. It's so true.

My own father was my very first hero, more powerful than Superman, wiser than Solomon, and definitely more fun than a visit to an amusement park. He was very human and always owned up to the VERY FEW mistakes he ever made (he never pretended to be perfect), he was a fantastic role model, and was devoted with every fiber of his being to his wife and daughters. He was honored by a local civic group for being a community leader and always gave of himself selflessly.

In my romantic suspense novel Common Bond, Tangled Hearts, leading man Justin finds out that he is a father... and now he wants to meet the mother. The first time he sets his eyes on Layne he wishes he had known her before. But most importantly, Justin decides that he has to be a father that his son, Dennis, can be proud of.

(excerpt))

If he was reading her surprised expression right, she was expecting somebody else to be on the other side of the door when she swung it wide open. Cautiously, the willowy blonde pushed the door partly closed before politely inquiring if she could help him.

Justin took his time letting his eyes roam from her short, tousled hair down to her very long legs. He noticed, in typical male fashion, how very shapely those long legs were. She was wearing a loose fitting shirt and cut off jeans, her feet were bare.

Layne felt uncomfortable as the stranger's eyes made their leisurely excursion. She closed the door just a little bit more and then fortified her courage with the thought that her nosy neighbor, Mrs. Addamson, would open her door at the least little yell she might make.

"Is there something you want?" She impatiently asked him and then blushed when his eyes flew up to meet hers with an amused smile.

Oh baby, where have you been all my life? He thought and then smiled politely. "I was looking for…" he carefully checked a piece of paper he held in his hand. "…for Layne Gillette." Justin said 'Lane'.

She refrained from correcting his pronunciation. For the last few years, Layne had explained to people that it was pronounced like Janie except with an L.

"Who's asking?" No matter that he seemed to fit the exact description of tall, dark and handsome that she and her friends always joked about, she was wary of any stranger who came looking for her.

"My name is Justin Ross…" He waited just a moment to see if there was any recognition, he was disappointed. "I was told that Layne Gillette lives here."

"It's Lay-nee…" She was expressionless.

"Hi, I take it you're Lay-nee?" His eyebrows arched as he emphasized the proper pronunciation.

"What do you want?" Layne inconspicuously braced herself against the door so she could slam it forcefully in his face if need be.

"It's… uh… personal. May I come in?" He was mesmerized by her golden eyes.

"No." She was firm.

It took a moment before her refusal totally sunk in. Not many dared to refuse Justin Ross anything. He took a deep breath in and started to patiently explain to her that he needed to speak with her privately. "Look, I just came a long way… and we really need to talk…"

"Hey Mom, is that Rita?" The childlike voice startled the both of them. Layne turned her head to answer when Justin pushed on the door with his hand and knocked her off-balance. The door swung open and Justin got his first look at the little boy who had his mother's golden eyes. Like his own hair, the boy had jet-black curly locks and the contrast was extraordinary.

"Is that him?" Justin pushed his way past Layne and went to the boy. "Are you Dennis?"

The little boy stared at the stranger who had pushed past his mother. Justin didn’t mean to scare him and started to smile.

She was ready to physically tackle him as she shouted at her son. "Go to your room… now!"

"But Mom…" The boy looked between the stranger and his mother.

"And close your door!" She put herself between the stranger and her child. The door to the hallway swung wide open.

"Mommmm…" He did his best to hide his trembling lower lip.

"Now!" Layne stared at him until he obeyed. She stood with her hands against Justin's firm chest to block his advance. She swung her gaze back to Justin, he could have sworn her eyes glowed with rage. "Did Charlie send you?"

He was puzzled by her strange behavior. She seemed overly melodramatic. All he wanted to do was see the boy. "Who's Charlie?" He was annoyed when he heard the click of the boy's bedroom door.

"Just answer the damn question!" Layne had tried to mentally prepare herself for just this kind of confrontation for the last six years, but she never thought her anger or her fear would be so great.

"I don't know… who the hell… Charlie is!" He forcefully brushed her hands off of him. "Look, I came to speak to you because…"

"If Charlie didn't send you, who did?" She cut him off.

Justin tried to control his own frustration. He understood this woman's need to protect the boy from someone she didn't know, but he needed desperately to see the boy. He resented her refusal.

"No one sent me!" He made sure not to yell.

"Then why are you here?" She wouldn't trust him.

"Because… we need to talk." It was harder to say it than he realized.

Layne was prepared to defend her son with her life if she had to. "…about what?"

"You and I need to talk. I'd really like to do this calmly." Justin knew she wasn't going to react very well. She was being too overprotective without knowing the reason for his visit. Once she found out…

"What do you and I have to talk about? There’s nothing for us to talk about." She wasn't letting her guard down for anything. And if he thought he could just come in here and shove her around, he'd soon learn differently.

"Layne…" He tried to reach out for her, she sidestepped him. "We need to talk about… our son." He saw her look of shock. "We need to talk about Dennis."

She slowly turned her head to look at a photograph of Dennis that was sitting on the top of her television set and made the comparison to the man standing in front of her.

Suddenly she screamed at him and began to beat at his chest with her clenched fists. "Get out! Get out of here! Get the hell out of my home!"

"Layne, calm down." Justin tried to defend himself from her blows. He grabbed at her hands and tried to hold the struggling woman away from him. “Stop struggling. Just calm down!” That's when he heard a door open.

"Should I call the police, Layne?" Mrs. Addamson called across the hallway from the protection of her own doorway.

Justin wanted to see the boy again. He wanted this beautiful lunatic to stop attacking him. He didn't want to have to call his lawyer to get him out of jail. "I'll be back." Justin turned on his heel and left. Mrs. Addamson slammed her door as he entered the hallway.

A revival (& a short story)

Sometime in the 1980's I wrote a manuscript I called More Than a Friend - it was about a female NYC police officer, the (gender) prejudice she encountered on the job and two men, the one she married and the one who loved her. It had suspense, mystery, passion and, of course, a happy ever after.

I made the rounds of big-name print publishers and and a few agents; while I received some compliments, some constructive criticism, and many form letter rejections, no one wanted to take a risk on a relatively new writer. Although I had started writing professionally, it was mostly as a stringer for a local weekly paper.

The manuscript was put away in a drawer. A few years later my sister and I attacked it with a fresh re-write. Long story short, it went back in a drawer again. I never thought to send it to small press or e-publishers.

As any writer knows, our characters are our pseudo children and we yearn to bring them to life. Unfortunately Jerry and Janis, my main characters in More Than a Friend, had resided silently in drawer space for decades.

BUT I FINALLY DID IT!

Thanks to Vanilla Heart Publishing and managing editor Kimberlee Williams, Jerry and Janis are alive and well and living in a short story called More Than a Friend in The Many Faces of Chelle Cordero: Short Story Collection, Vol 1

I am so excited to see my characters given a chance at life.

from the intro:

As a youngster I was always fascinated by Robert Frost’s poem “The Road Not Taken” and the concept that every decision we make can have life altering effects.

“I shall be telling this with a sigh

Somewhere ages and ages hence:

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—

I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference.”

I have never regretted the roads I chose to lead me to where my life is now, but I certainly had no idea when I was a teen of the things I would get to see and do in my lifetime...

The Many Faces of Chelle Cordero Short Story Collection Volume 1

including:

Nine short stories and a special bonus section, featuring:
Introduction
Pussycat Tails
Holiday Happiness
Not Alone
I Swear That Raccoon Just Knocked on the Door
Stormy Weather
A Mother’s Love
More Than a Friend
The Meeting
The Vacation

Available on Smashwords http://bit.ly/13sN86Q
and on Amazon Kindle :http://amzn.to/13sMXZt

The Many Faces of Chelle Cordero - YouTube video

The Many Faces of Chelle Cordero Short Story Collection Volume 1

including:

Nine short stories and a special bonus section, featuring:
Introduction
Pussycat Tails
Holiday Happiness
Not Alone
I Swear That Raccoon Just Knocked on the Door
Stormy Weather
A Mother’s Love
More Than a Friend
The Meeting
The Vacation

Available on Smashwords http://bit.ly/13sN86Q
and on Amazon Kindle :http://amzn.to/13sMXZt

from Vanilla Heart Publishing 

June is AudioBooks Month

...and I am celebrating!

Now in Audio! 

Final Sin was an Honorable Mention in the Fiction Category
of the 2010 NY Book Festival 

http://amzn.to/14jLlC7

Deputy Sheriff Commander Jake Carson has his hands full with the investigation of a brutal multiple homicide, a troubled son and a vindictive ex-wife when he meets young, free-spirited paramedic Julie Jennings. He is immediately drawn to her and finds himself unexpectedly falling in love. Julie finds herself just as drawn to him.

When Julie becomes the subject of an obsession, it puts both of their lives in extreme danger... Romance... danger... adventure... suspense... another great Chelle Cordero novel sure to grab listeners from many genre!

• Final Sin by Chelle Cordero ~Audible Audio Edition
• Listening Length: 6 hours and 43 minutes
• Program Type: Audiobook (Unabridged)
• Publisher: Vanilla Heart Publishing
• Audible.com Release Date: June 6, 2013
• Language: English
• ASIN: B00D8HA2KK

Can you hear me?

Coming soon from VHP...

   

HOSTAGE HEART & FINAL SIN

will soon be available for your listening pleasure!

Hostage Heart  by Chelle Cordero
Life was hard after the hurricanes swept through, destroying her parents' home and livelihood... An errand for her boss - a chance encounter with a crew of bank robbers - a kind man who tried to help her ... a man who isn't all he seems...no, he is so much more

Final Sin by Chelle Cordero
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...

Vanilla Heart Publishing is pleased to announce that in the coming weeks and months, a long list of selected VHP works will be available IN AUDIO. All audiobooks will be available on 

Amazon.com, Audible.com, and iTunes!

Coming Soon!