"Beyond Excellent" review for Diversion!

Jenre at Well Read was the first reviewer to ever comment on my work way back when The Pirate's Gamble first released late in 2009. I admired her critique and took it to heart, which makes her latest review of my work all the more thrilling. She's been there to see the gradual growth and, apparently, noticed progress.

She had this to say about my March release, Diversion:

If you're looking for a strong character based book which is heavy on romance, action, plot; if you want a pair of opposites attract characters who are wholly sympathetic and consistently behave true to character; if you want a book you can hardly bear to put down; then I can highly, highly recommend this book.  I can see it being one of my top reads of the year.  Grade: Beyond Excellent!

See entire review at Well Read.

And a big sigh of relief for Fallen Angel

I've been so worried about the reception of Fallen Angel, the sequel to The Angel of 13th Street. Some folks don't like it when their heroes stumble and fall. Well today I read a fantastic review from The Novel Approach. Review Lisa had this to say:

Eden Winters once again delivers an emotional and moving story, a wonderful continuation to Noah and Jeremy’s May/December romance and all the trials they face, returning with some favorite friends who are more like family, and introducing new characters who brought with them their own challenges.

Read entire review here:

Find Fallen Angel at Torquere Books:

And yes, Lisa. A third novel is in the works, Broken Wing, featuring Lark and Sam with Noah and Jeremy as secondary characters.

Happy Places Part II -- Sanctuary

I'm a big Paul Richmond fan and hope one day to have one of his creations gracing the cover of my book. He's done many gorgeous cover for Dreamspinner Press, and that connection is how I first learned of his work. I joined his newsletter and was priviledged to watch his updates as he created "Sanctuary" a creation that spoke to my heart from the first time I saw it. It depicts a young man in the safe haven he's devised for himself, away from the outside world. This painting became one of my "happy places", and when I'd had a rough day, I could go to Paul's site and see what new he'd added.

Without going into too much detail, an earth-shattering event happened to me five years ago, and I desperately need my own sanctuary in which to recover. A result of that time is that, possession-wise, I started over. Completely. Each dish, each vase, each knick-knack in my home was bought by me, for me (with the odd Christmas gift from family thrown in here and there, but they know, and accept, my eclectic tastes.) Now, visitors to my home often exclaim, "You have the neatest stuff!" Yes, I do, for none of it is accidental, every piece was chosen special, and therefore carries meaning.

Now, I tried to convince myself that I didn't need that print, had nowhere to put it, it wouldn't match, etc. And then I met Paul Richmond in NY. What an amazing, friendly, wonderful man. Upon returning home, I bought a print. I took it to the local Hobby Lobby for framing, and though I was a bit skeptical about the framer's choices, I couldn't have chosen without her help. The results are spectacular, don't you agree?

Here's a link to Paul Richmond's studio, in case you'd like your own "Sanctuary" or any of his other works. 

 If you'd like to know more about this amazing artist, here's a link to his blog. 

The author meets the artist. ( When I sign my emails and books "Hugs, Eden" it's not merely a closing, it's a warning. If you don't back away fast enough, you will be hugged.)

I am now redecorating an entire room to match the print. 

Fallen Angel is Now Available from Torquere Books

Fallen Angel, the sequel to The Angel of 13th Street, is now available from Torquere Books.

***

Ten years of rescuing lost youth from the streets wear a man out, and Noah Everett buckles under the pressure of being "The Angel." What began as a two-man mission is now going corporate, meaning rules, regulations and inexperienced volunteers needing guidance in a field Noah makes up as he goes along. On top of this, his latest prospective rescue doesn’t seem to go to plan. Is he losing his touch? Normally he’d turn to his mentor, Doc, in times of trouble, but the old man's strength isn't what it used to be. Noah’s lover would be the next most obvious choice to share this burden with, but Jeremy Kincaid is about to leave for college. After all Jeremy's endured to achieve this goal, Noah won’t stand in his way, even though he fears losing the man to the joys of student life. 

Jeremy may be young and caught up in his own fights, but he's not blind to Noah’s plight, and now questions his own choices. Four years at State with a full ride will launch his future, but his present includes Noah--and a meth addict who’s become Jeremy’s own personal mission. 

When a physical attack sends Noah spinning out of control, Jeremy must reevaluate his life and plans before the man he knows and loves disappears forever.


Find it here:

The Countdown is On! With Giveaways!

Just two days until Fallen Angel releases from Torquere. I'm nervous, excited, and scared to death of the glaring error that cleverly hides and jumps out yelling, "Boo!" on pub day.

There's also less than twenty-four hours to get in on the drawing for an ebook copy from Stumbling Over Chaos. 

Another drawing will take place sometime this week at Reviews by Jessewave, so watch for that contest to be posted. 

A third and final drawing will be held on the Torquere Livejournal on Saturday, May 12, where I'll be playing hostess. Stop by and visit and get your name tossed in the hat. 

Kind Words for Highway Man

It's been a year since Highway Man released at Dreamspinner, so I was delightfully surprised to find a lovely review at Brief Encounters.

Here's a little of what reviewer Jenre had to say:

"Overall, this was a sad, but ultimately uplifting story about a man with a dark and troubled past, and how a random stranger helps him on the road to recovery. I enjoyed it and would recommend."

Visit Brief Encounters to read entire review. 

Fallen Angel Giveaway!

I've got a book due out next week, and the lovely Chris at Stumbling Over Chaos is hosting a contest for an ebook copy.

Ten years of rescuing lost youth from the streets wear a man out, and Noah Everett buckles under the pressure of being "The Angel." What began as a two-man mission is now going corporate, meaning rules, regulations and inexperienced volunteers needing guidance in a field Noah makes up as he goes along. On top of this, his latest prospective rescue doesn’t seem to go to plan. Is he losing his touch? Normally he’d turn to his mentor, Doc, in times of trouble, but the old man's strength isn't what it used to be. Noah’s lover would be the next most obvious choice to share this burden with, but Jeremy Kincaid is about to leave for college. After all Jeremy's endured to achieve this goal, Noah won’t stand in his way, even though he fears losing the man to the joys of student life.

Jeremy may be young and caught up in his own fights, but he's not blind to Noah’s plight, and now questions his own choices. Four years at State with a full ride will launch his future, but his present includes Noah--and a meth addict who’s become Jeremy’s own personal mission.

When a physical attack sends Noah spinning out of control, Jeremy must reevaluate his life and plans before the man he knows and loves disappears forever.

Visit Chris and enter the contest! Say "Hi" to the adorable Chaos and Mayhem while you're there, check out some linkety, or Misadventures in Stock Photography!