Nancy's Notes From Florida

Club Lake Plantation Fall Festival

October 19, 2023

Club Lake Plantation is a 43-acre site in Apopka, FL that serves as a wedding venue and fall festival site. The owners call it Agritourism, where farmers and ranchers host weddings and other events. The lakeside vista is graced by moss-draped oaks and tall pines. It looks more like a tree farm, with rows of potted trees shown during the hayride.

 

We went to their Fall Festival and our grandson had a blast. Admission costs $16.95, although the country store and pumpkin patch out front are free. The store had more pumpkins for sale along with jams and honeys. Concession stands sell hot dogs, chicken wings, and burgers so you won’t go hungry. This place has real restrooms, too, rather than portable ones.

  

Our grandson was amazed by the number of slides and bounce houses for kids. Various games abound around the site, too, like ring tosses or get the ball in the hoop type of contests. From this site, we strolled along the lake.

  

The lakeside setting was lovely with clever Halloween decorations scattered throughout.

     

There’s a corn maze for the adventurous. We chose to do the hayride. This journey took us past rows of potted trees. We laughed during the Cow Wash, which was like a car wash with a spray of water, as we ducked to not get too wet. Otherwise, it’s a tranquil ride and not very bumpy.

     

We each selected a pumpkin at the pumpkin patch after browsing in the store. This completed the day with perfect blue skies and balmy weather.

 

 

DEALS OF THE DAY

Booklover’s Bench
What’s the difference between bisque and chowder? Check out my post at Booklovers Bench and leave a comment there for a chance to win my Halloween novella, Haunted Hair Nights. 

Giveaway
Oct 1-22 Booklover’s Bench
Enter Now
to win two free books at Booklovers Bench in our monthly giveaway. Also check out our new puzzle feature while you’re there.

BOGO
Oct. 1 – 31, Kobo Paranormal Romance BOGO
Paranormal Sci/Fi Romance Sale at Kobo Oct. 1-31 – Buy One Get One Free! My book, CIRCLE OF LIGHT, is included. If you don’t own a Kobo e-reader, you can download the free app. Start Reading Now 

Booksweeps
Oct. 16 – 25, BookSweeps
I’ve teamed up with 45 authors to give away a collection of Paranormal, Sci-Fi & Fantasy Romances from Booksweeps to two lucky winners! AND the Grand Prize winner gets a brand-new eReader. My book, WARRIOR PRINCE, is included. Enter Here

 



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Warrior Lord – New Print Edition

October 17, 2023

Warrior Lord, #3 in the Drift Lords Series, is now available in a new trade paperback author’s edition. This title was previously published by The Wild Rose Press. A dream wedding in Las Vegas turns into a nightmare when contest winner Erika Sherwood realizes she’s married an alien.

Warrior Lord

Published by Orange Grove Press
Digital ISBN: 978-1-952886-15-7
Print ISBN: 978-1-952886-34-8
Cover Design by The Killion Group, Inc.
Interior Design by Formatting4u.com

Pottery sculptor Erika Sherwood accepts a challenge from a stranger at a Las Vegas casino. The man named Magnor proposes they pretend to be engaged to win a contest with a rich reward. It seems like a sweet deal, except for one point. The winners will be married in a televised segment right after the competition. In a moment of recklessness, Erika accepts Magnor’s proposal.

Much to their surprise, they win and are pushed into a whirlwind wedding on live TV. Once they’re alone, Magnor proclaims he’s a space warrior sent to Earth to stop an alien invasion. He’s searching for a powerful weapon, and he needs Erika’s legendary powers to help locate it.

When they’re attacked by alien soldiers, Erika realizes he’s telling the truth. They’re sucked into a maelstrom of danger as they evade the enemy. But even more alarming are the growing feelings Erika has for her new husband. Once his mission succeeds, he’ll return to the stars. Can she convince him to stay and turn their marriage into a reality?

PRAISE FOR WARRIOR LORD

“A fun combination of action, adventure, sci-fi, mystery, mythology, and romance. I loved this book and cannot get enough Drift Lords.” WiLoveBooks

“Cohen’s third book in her Drift Lords series is an action-packed thrill ride from start to finish. She effortlessly blends fact with Norse mythology and fiction to create a fabulous tale, layered in detail and rich in texture.” Muddy Rose Reviews

Warrior Lord is a fast-paced science fiction tale with suspense and romance. A well-written book that kept me reading and guessing until the last page.” Reader Forever 

“Another great installment of Nancy Cohen’s series that combines sci-fi romance, action/adventure, and Norse mythology! Recommended for anyone who loves lots of action and sexy romance.” Alyssa Maxwell, author of the Gilded Newport Mysteries

Warrior Lord held me spellbound with this story of soul mates trying to save the world. If that is not enough for you, this book will have you at the edge of your seat. A great read.” Drue’s Random Chatter

BUY LINKS

Amazon Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08KDHPJHF
Amazon Print: https://www.amazon.com/dp/1952886341/
Apple Books: http://books.apple.com/us/book/id6448873701
BN Nook: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/warrior-lord-nancy-j-cohen/1120033032?ean=2940161037072
BN Print: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/warrior-lord-nancy-j-cohen/1120033032?ean=9781952886348
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/warrior-lord-3
Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=LHG9EAAAQBAJ
Books2Read: https://books2read.com/Warrior-Lord
Indiebound: https://bookshop.org/p/books/warrior-lord-nancy-j-cohen/20102232?ean=9781952886348

Excerpt

Cameras aimed at her, and a wedding march blasted from the speaker system. She resisted the urge to press a hand to her aching temples.

Magnor waited for her under the canopy where myriads of tiny lights twinkled. He looked proud and tall, an unreadable expression on his face as he watched her step forward. His cape swung behind him, making him look like an avenging god with his impressive height and sword.

She took her place at his side and together they faced Dennis. The official held an open book in his hands. Dennis began the brief ceremony, his words bypassing her brain as she stood rooted in place, immobilized by the rapid pace of events.

“With the power invested in me by the State of Nevada and the city of Las Vegas, I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride.”

Erika’s head whirled. Not even fifteen minutes must have gone by. Was this what passed for a Las Vegas wedding?

What a sham. She supposed that every minute they were on the air, it cost money.

Magnor’s head descended, and he pressed his mouth to hers. As far as the TV viewers were concerned, they’d been married. The exchange of rings had felt real. She wondered who’d given him the one he’d slid onto her finger. Dennis, most likely.

The ruddy-faced official shook their hands, gave Magnor the key to the honeymoon suite, and said their new car would be available for pickup from the valet. As for the cash prize, it was theirs for the taking. He handed them a large-sized signed check made out to Mr. and Mrs. Magnor.

“Oh, and one more thing,” Dennis said. “I’ll need your signatures on these documents, please. It’s simply a formality, but we do need permission for the resort to use your likenesses for publicity. These papers also include transfer of title to the car, tax forms and such.”

Erika signed with a shaky hand. In her frazzled state, she couldn’t be bothered to read the details.

Magnor followed suit, then grasped her hand in his and raised it in the air. The watching throng cheered loudly.

“That’s it then, wife.” His low, rumbly voice broke through the haze in her head. “You’re mine now.”

New Print Release WARRIOR LORD A dream wedding in Las Vegas turns into a nightmare when contest winner Erika Sherwood realizes she's married an alien. #alienromance #fantasy #romance Share on X

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ORDER YOUR COPY OF WARRIOR LORD

GIVEAWAYS

Oct 1-22 Booklover’s Bench
Enter to win two free cozy mysteries at Booklovers Bench: https://bookloversbench.com/contests/win-two-free-books-oct-2023

Oct. 1 – 31, Kobo Paranormal Romance BOGO
Paranormal Sci/Fi Romance Sale at Kobo – Buy 1 Get One Free! My book, CIRCLE OF LIGHT, is included. If you don’t own a Kobo e-reader, you can download the free app.  https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/circle-of-light-9

Oct. 16 – 25, BookSweeps Paranormal, Sci-Fi & Fantasy Romance Giveaway
Enter to win my book, WARRIOR PRINCE, and 44 other fantasy, sci-fi and paranormal titles PLUS a brand-new eRreader: https://www.booksweeps.com/giveaway/oct23-win-a-bundle-of-paranormal-sci-fi-and-fantasy-romances/



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Paranormal, Sci-Fi & Fantasy Romance Book Giveaway

October 16, 2023

Are you looking for a fun escape from reality? If so, I’ve teamed up with 45 authors to give away a huge collection of Paranormal, Sci-Fi & Fantasy Romances from Booksweeps to two lucky winners! AND the Grand Prize winner gets a brand-new eReader.

My book, WARRIOR PRINCE, is included in this multi-author book giveaway. This title has “sci-fi, fantasy, mythology, mystery, and humor all wrapped up in a steamy romance.” Enter to win your copy now plus 44 other amazing reads.

Click Here to Enterhttps://www.booksweeps.com/giveaway/oct23-win-a-bundle-of-paranormal-sci-fi-and-fantasy-romances/

Good luck and enjoy! Deadline is October 25.

BOGO Sale

P.S. If you’re a fan of this genre, check out Kobo’s BOGO Sale going on now! Paranormal Sci/Fi Romance Sale runs Oct. 1-31 – My book, CIRCLE OF LIGHT, is included. If you don’t own a Kobo e-reader, you can download the free app. Start reading now: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/circle-of-light-9



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Carrabba Wine Dinner – Orin Swift Wines

October 12, 2023

We attended the October wine dinner at Carrabba’s Italian Grill featuring Orin Swift wines. It was a fun evening with too much to eat! Here is the 4-course menu:

   

          

Shrimp Mandola paired with NZ Sauvignon Blanc

Shrimp, asparagus, roasted red pepper and herbs topped with lemon butter sauce and served with garlic toast. The sauce was so good we couldn’t help dipping the toast in there. The white wine was light and fruity and made the perfect accompaniment.

Rigatoni Amatriciana paired with Department 66 Others Red Blend

Rigatoni pasta with crushed tomatoes, bacon, parmesan, and Romano cheeses topped with grilled chicken. This full-bodied wine was a deep burgundy color and the best of the reds, in my opinion.

Filet and Scallop Florentine paired with 8 Years in the Desert Zinfandel Blend

Wood-grilled filet accompanied by seared sea scallops with spinach and tomatoes in a cream sauce that tasted a bit salty to me. This came with mashed potatoes.

Chocolate Torte with Fresh Raspberries paired with Abstract Red Blend

Chocolate torte with chocolate sauce and fresh raspberries topped with whipped cream. All in all, it was a delightful evening.

GIVEAWAY

Enter to win two free cozy mysteries at Booklovers Bench: https://bookloversbench.com/contests/win-two-free-books-oct-2023

 

BOOK SALE

Buy One Get One Free at Kobo’s Paranormal Romance Sale Oct. 1-31. My book, CIRCLE OF LIGHT, is included. If you don’t own a Kobo ereader, you can download their free app. https://www.kobo.com/us/en/p/paranormal-bogo-us



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Facebook Party Takeover Tonight

October 9, 2023

This is a reminder to Join me TONIGHT from 7:00 – 8:00pm EDT for an Author Takeover at Joanna’s Readers Facebook Group hosted by my friend, bestselling author Joanna Campbell Slan. Fun & Prizes! https://www.facebook.com/groups/1602372550058785

 

UPCOMING EVENTS

Saturday, Oct. 14, at 10:30 am – 12 noon “Book Marketing on a Budget” with Nancy J. Cohen via Zoom sponsored by South Florida Fiction Writers. 10:30 am is meet & mingle and business meeting; Workshop starts at 11am. Register Here: https://southfloridafictionwriters.com/upcoming-events/

 

Oct. 20-22, Florida WritersCon 2023 at the Hilton Orlando/Altamonte Springs, 350 Northlake Blvd, Altamonte Springs, FL 32701. Register here: https://www.floridawriters.org/registration

“Self-Publishing Made Simple” on Friday, Oct. 20 at 3:30-4:30 pm
“Book Marketing on a Budget” on Saturday, Oct. 21 at 3:30- 4:30 pm

 

Saturday, Nov. 4, 2023, 10:30 am – 4:00 pm EDTIndie Author Day, Ponte Vedra Beach Library, 101 Library Blvd, Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32082. I’m proud to be a keynote speaker and panelist at this event. Free registration: https://sjcpls.org/event/indie-author-showcase/

 

GIVEAWAYS

Enter to win two free books at Booklovers Bench in our monthly giveaway: https://bookloversbench.com/contests/win-two-free-books-oct-2023

 

Paranormal Sci/Fi Romance Sale at Kobo Oct. 1-31 – Buy 1 Get One Free! My book, CIRCLE OF LIGHT, is included. If you don’t own a Kobo e-reader, you can download the free app. Start reading now: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/circle-of-light-9



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