Eileen, thank you for having me as a guest on your wonderful blog.
My latest novel Anthony (Risking Love Book Four) is available for pre-order and has a publication date of April 1. I’ve included the dedication to my mother in today’s blog to show you where some of my inspiration comes from when I’m writing.
Dedication
My mother has many talents. I share some of them throughout my novels. For instance, she was Ellie, Joseph’s administrative assistant in my last book, Joseph, playing the part of a caring, motherly woman who was more like a good friend. In Anthony, it was my mother’s delicious Italian cooking that inspired my writing about Anthony’s amazing meals in his successful Italian restaurant. In Joshua, I show my mother’s creativity and personality in the many colors she uses around the family cottage. She used to take us on walks up at our summer home, looking for driftwood that she would turn into wonderful works of art.
When she wasn’t coaching me or my four siblings in sports, girl scouts or boy scouts, she was reading to us, knitting us hats and scarfs, making us gorgeous quilts, cooking delicious food, and teaching us how to swim or waterski.
She is in her nineties now. I know that someday I will lose Mom, the person I love most in the world besides my husband and children. But I’ll always have these amazing memories of her and so many more.
ANTHONY BLURB IN VIDEO
EXCERPT from ANTHONY
Chapter One
Tessa
After my business partner went home for the day, I called James, our receptionist, into my office. I prayed he’d help me. “You know that gorgeous friend of yours? The one with the blond hair and blue eyes?”
He stood in my doorway and raised a brow. “You must mean Samuel. Why do you ask?”
I rolled the straw wrapper from lunch that was still on my desk with my fingers. “I need a date for Violet and Joseph’s wedding this weekend.”
“Girl, you know he’s one of my gay friends, right? I thought that you’d been drooling over that hunk of a man, Tony.”
“Yes, and that’s why I need Samuel’s help.” God, I hoped this scheme my friends had concocted didn’t backfire on me.
He put his fists on his hips and looked at me like I was crazy. “Girlfriend, you’re not making any sense. I thought Tony was going to the wedding.”
My chest tightened. “He is, but… the man moves at a snail’s pace.” I crushed the straw paper into a ball and tossed it toward the trash. “He’s interested in me. My friends told me that they could tell by the way he acted and the things he said when he was around me. But he hasn’t made any attempt to ask me out. Joseph and Violet’s wedding would have been the perfect opportunity but he didn’t ask.” I combed my fingers through my hair.
I took a deep breath then huffed it out. “Jaq told us that he hasn’t dated since his divorce over a year ago. That he’s been working hard to make his restaurant successful.”
He swooshed his hand toward me. “He’s done that. So why wouldn’t he go after you?”
I shrugged my shoulders. “Tony told Joseph that he’s taking his time this go around, so he doesn’t make the same mistake he made with his first marriage.”
“Are you telling me that hot man hasn’t had sex for over a year? His balls are going to shrivel up and die. Are you sure he’s straight?” He teased.
“I didn’t say he hadn’t had sex. I’m saying he hasn’t dated anyone.”
He smirked. “And how does Jaq feel about you manipulating her brother? I thought she’d put up a roadblock when she found out because of your boy crazed days in college.”
“Good question. I didn’t get a chance to tell you what happened at dinner last night. My friends forced me to tell her how I felt about her brother.” The look on Jaq’s face had made me queasy. “I told her that I was head over heels crazy about Tony and that was the reason I hadn’t been dating.”
“Drama. You go girl. I want all the dirt.” He plopped down on the seat in front of my desk.
I smiled. I knew how much he loved to gossip. “At first, she accused me of secretly dating her brother and wanted to know why I would do such a thing.”
James slapped the top of my desk. “Oh, this is getting good. What did you say? Did you get angry?”
“I told her I would never do such a thing. Then she stuck out her chin and demanded to know what I was going to do about it.”
He grimaced. “What do you mean?”
I laughed. “That’s what I asked. She told me that he wasn’t a pursuer of women and never had been. He was a driven man who put most of his energy into his dreams of having a successful restaurant, and he was a painfully slow mover when it came to asking a woman out. Then she asked me again, ‘What was I going to do about it?’ At that point, my heart raced.”
Even now it raced from remembering Jaq’s words after I’d asked her if she meant that she was okay with me dating Tony. I leaned forward and steepled my hands.
“She told me that I was a good friend. And, sure, at the beginning of our senior year she’d been worried about my trolling for men. At the time, I had been dealing with my worst daddy-daughter issues.”
“Oh, please. Who hasn’t done some sleeping around in their younger years?”
I made duck lips at him because I knew Jaq hadn’t, but I wasn’t going to tell him that. He’d call my friend names, like prude, and most likely right to her face, and she so wasn’t one.
I melted back on my seat. “Well, it wasn’t my finest period in life. Then she said I was the nicest, smartest, most beautiful woman inside and out that she’d ever known.” My eyes welled up like they had last night at dinner.
James nodded. “Damn straight, you are.”
My heart smiled. “She wants me to date her thick-headed brother.”
“Of course she does. Your outgoing, fiery personality is what that man needs.” So how would having Samuel as your date help you get Tony?”
I leaned forward and took hold of his hand. “You’re not going to believe this, but, according to Jaq, we need to make him jealous enough to get him to ask me out.”
He gave me a devious smile. “Hmm, so Samuel would be the bait that gets Tony to wake up and get moving in on all the fineness that is you. I think you’re all nuts, but I happen to know that Samuel is free this Saturday, because he was going to hang with me until I had to leave for the wedding. I’ll hook the two of you up.”
“You’re the best.”
“I hope this doesn’t backfire on you. You could lose Tony if he doesn’t like being manipulated.”
“We’ll have to make sure he doesn’t find out. I’ve already waited seven months for him to notice me and to make his move. We ladies all think that’s long enough. Don’t you?”
“Yes, and that is why you should have taken all that fineness of yours and moved on to greener pastures. Stop waiting around for this guy. No matter how hot he is, no one’s worth waiting that long for.”
“I would normally agree with you, but there’s so much more to Tony than his good looks. I’m going to give it this one last try. If it doesn’t work, I’ll take your advice and move on. I’ll be heartbroken, but I owe it to myself to find what Jaq, Carlie, and Violet have. True love is out there for me too. I feel it.”
FIND OUT MORE
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Eileen:
Your blog looks wonderful as usual. Thank you so much. I hope you had a lovely birthday yesterday.
Callie
Tessa is my favorite girl in the Risking Love series, and I can’t wait to see what she gets up to with gorgeous Tony!
Thank you, Alice. Of course, they do some heavy cooking. Lol.
Callie
I liked Tessa a lot, but I’m really looking forward to Olivia a lot. She’s waited a long time for her happy ever after. 🙂
She sure has.
Callie
Love this cover and really looking forward to reading this book 😀
Thank you, Keren. Jessica Greeley made the cover, and as usual, it is wonderful. I’d love to hear what you think of Anthony if you do read it.
Callie
Loved the blurb. Looking forward to this one.
That’s great, Gibby. Thank you. I never know if those trailers work out or not. I can’t wait to hear what you think of Anthony if you end up reading it. I know I love your writing.
Callie
Loved the 1st chapter. Already pre-ordered. You’re such an inspiration!
Loved your trailer.
Carol
Thank you, Carol. So are you. I’m so happy that you enjoyed the first chapter and thank you for picking up a copy of Anthony.
Callie
Love this excerpt Callie. Nothing is more attractive than a man who plays hard to get and can cook too! The book is on my tbr list.
Thank you, Susanne. Hee hee. This man is definitely hard to get and boy can that man cook.
Callie
Awesome! I love hearing about where stories come from.
Thank you, Erin. My mother and father play a small role in all of my stories.
I’m sure a few of your wonderful books have a piece of your parents in them too.
Callie
Your relationship between you and your mother is inspirational . Even though I don’t have any kind of relationship with my biological mother and adopted mother I do however have an amazing relationship with my daughter as well as son.
I look forward to my pre-order purchase of your book Anthony. It’ll be interesting to see how if he plays hard to get it and to see his amazing cooking skills . I h
Thank you, Charlotte. It was wonderful to hear about your special relationship with your children. You must be a fantastic mother.
I can’t wait to hear what you think of Anthony. I think it was in my novel Joseph, where Anthony gives out his recipe for bracioles, which is my mother’s recipe.
Callie
I love that you base some of your characters on you mom, who you obviously have great love and respect for. The video trailer for Anthony was excellent and I also very much enjoyed the except. Sounds like a book I need to read!
Thank you, Betty Ann. I am lucky to have a mother like mine.
I always wonder if my trailer’s turn out okay or not. I’m glad you liked it as well as the excerpt. I’d love to hear what you think of Anthony. Be sure to pick up your ebook copy while it is on sale for 99c.
Callie
This excerpt has me excited to read Anthony!! I agree, true love is out there for everyone yet everyone’s time in finding it differs!! Best of luck with your new release Callie Carmen!!!
Your relationship with your mom reminds me of mine. I love my mom and she is amazing. She works harder then anyone I know and always has a smile on her face. I’ve loved all of your books and I can’t wait to read this one! You’ve become one of my top authors to read!
Camille, I am so happy for you. Your mother sounds wonderful. Thank you for your great comments. I am thrilled that you love my books.
Callie
I love the cover and looking forward to reading the book! ❤️
Thank you, Dawn. I love the cover that Jessica Greeley designed for Anthony too. When you read, Anthony be prepared to blush.
Callie
Thank you, Ursula. I agree, and sometimes true love happens when you least expect it. If you read, Anthony be prepared to blush. Lol.
sounds yummy!!!!
Ha ha. Yes, yummy in more ways than one.
Thank you, Julia.
Callie
Great first chapter, I can’t wait to dive into this book! It is awesome that you pay tribute to your mom as you do, she sounds like an extraordinary person. ❤
Thank you, Kelly. Yes, I’m lucky to have her as my mother.
I’m so thrilled that you enjoyed chapter one. Be sure to pick up your copy while the ebook is on sale for 99c. If you’re a paperback reader that will be soon.
Callie
I can totally relate with your mum being so inspirational. I’m very close with my own mother & her influence is in everything I do! I also loved the excerpt!! Good job, Callie! 🙂
Annabel, I’m so happy that you and your mum have each other. I know I’m lucky to have mine too.
I’m thrilled that you enjoyed the excerpt.
Callie
Your dedication was so touching. That first chapter really drew me in. Loved it. I’ve read the others in the Risking Love series and am looking forward to this one.
Rita
Thank you, Rita, for your kind words. My mom is special, so are my siblings. I’m so happy that the first chapter drew you in. I’ve enjoyed several of your books too.
Callie
Hi Callie,
Congratulations on the release of Tess and Tony (Anthony). They were two characters whose books I was eagerly awaiting almost from the beginning of the series. Early in the series Tess seemed so sad I hoped that she’d reconnect with her dad and find her special person.
And of course, there was Tony. I’ve always loved a hero with scars.
I’m pleased Anthony is out now. I’m eagerly looking forward to Olivia’s story. I’ve been looking forward to it for a long time too.
I knew of your mom’s role in Joseph. I think I read about that on a blog during the release blog tour for Joseph. I didn’t know she had a role in all of your books. I think it’s fun to include little traits from the people in real life.
I love the cover.
The trailer is GREAT! Who made it?
Laurie
Laurie,
Thank you so much for your kind words and for your fantastic edits on all of my novels. You are an amazing editor.
First, we have to finish working on Bella’s story that is near and dear to my heart. I’m looking forward to Olivia’s love story too.
Callie
A lovely blog as always Callie, and thank you so much, Eileen, for hosting it. this really is a great series of books. each one taking you deeper into the lives of this great group of characters. I have enjoyed all the books and can’t wait to read the next.
Thanks to you Richard and to BVS for publishing my novels. Otherwise, these wonderful women would never have been able to tell their beautiful love stories.
I’m so glad you enjoyed the blog.
Callie
A lovely tribute to your mum Callie, she sounds a wonderful lady. Congratulations on the release of Anthony in the Risking Love series. The excerpt has me intrigued already! Can’t wait to read it..
Hi Jan,
Yes, I am lucky I have Mom in my life.
I’m thrilled that you enjoyed chapter one.
If you read Anthony be prepared to blush.
Callie
I loved reading the excerpt of chapter one – really catchy dialogue and I can’t wait for more.
Thank you, E. I’m so happy that you enjoyed the excerpt so much. Sweet dreams.
Callie
Sounds delicious! I love your comments on your mother. My mother was a big inspiration for me, and I miss her every day.
Thank you, Viola. I know how you feel. My dad was wonderful, and I miss him every day.
Lovely dedication, Callie. I’m sure thi book is sizzling🔥
Anthony will burn you up in and out of the kitchen. Thanks, hon. My mom is something else.
Callie
Snappy writing style and looks like a real page-turner.
Hi Judy,
Thank you. I’m thrilled you like it.
Callie
Callie, as sweet a dedication as you did for your dad in Joseph! I’m so happy to see this new addition to the Risking Love series!! Great video, too, woman!
Dee,
Thank you. I’m so glad you liked them both. I hope Tessa finally gets her man. One, not several. Lol.
Callie
I love the cover and I am am also looking forward to reading this series!
Great excerpt, too.
Brit,
I love the cover too. That Jessica Greeley rocks with her graphics!
I’m so happy that you enjoyed the excerpt. Thank you.
Callie