Secrets Between Them by C.J. Carmichael, Return to Summer Island, Harlequin Superromance, ISBN: 0373713746

In preparation for his new book, author Nick Lancaster has spent years researching the life of murdered jazz singer Simone DeRosier. But one mystery still haunts Nick--who was Simone's “one true friend”?

Nick travels to Summer Island, convinced the answer lies with Jennifer March, a lovely and elusive figure in Simone's past. But in order to find the truth, Nick must hide his real purpose from Jennifer--earning her trust even as he betrays it. Now Nick is caught between his work and reputation--and the woman he's fast coming to love....

Lone Star Diary by Darlene Graham, The Baby Diaries, Harlequin Superromance, ISBN: 0373713770

Following years of heartbreaking miscarriages, Frankie McBride has left an unhappy marriage and returned home to Texas, where an unexpected attraction to Texas Ranger Luke Driscoll turns into an unexpected pregnancy.

Luke's wife and child died six years ago, and while he has a reputation as a tough cop, he's wary of heartbreak. Frankie keeps her secret from Luke because she's certain she'll lose this baby, too--and can't stand the thought of putting him through that pain again. As the weeks pass, Frankie is amazed to realize that she just might carry this baby to term. But now she knows she has to face Luke....

Out of Control by Janice MacDonald, Harlequin Superromance, ISBN: 0373713789

Suffice it to say, Daisy's childhood had been less than idyllic. It hadn't been easy growing up the daughter of the great Frank Truman--a respected and prolific painter who was not what he'd appeared. Even fifteen years after his death, Daisy is still trying to deal with her mixed feelings, not helped one bit by the arrival of a persistent biographer.

Nicholas Wynne wants to write the definitive account of the artist's life, not stir up old ghosts for Truman's daughter. He'd certainly never intended to fall in love. So what's he going to do with his newfound revelations about Daisy's secret and traumatic past?

The Bad Son by Linda Warren, Suddenly A Parent, Harlequin Superromance #1375, ISBN: 0373713754

Beau McCain has become a successful lawyer, held the family together, mended fences and watched while others found love.… Now it's his turn. Or it would have been if Beau had managed to show Macy Randall that he wasn't just a substitute brother, that he could be--was meant to be--the man for her. But somewhere in the terrible breakup of her first marriage was the reason she refused to try again.

Yet just as Beau has reconciled himself to a life apart, an abandoned baby unexpectedly brings him and Macy together, pitching them both into a dramatic custody battle--reminding everyone that when something's very precious, it deserves a new start.

A Difficult Woman by Jeannie Watt, Harlequin Superromance #1379, ISBN: 0373713797

Making over the creaky Victorian into a bed-and-breakfast is probably a crazy plan, but the ramshackle house is all Tara has. And even though she can barely scrape together her brother's college fees, she won't give up. Until the townsfolk decide to show the independent "Sullivan girl" that she's in over her head.

What can Matt Connors possibly do to help this notorious beauty? He's just a carpenter to her, and besides, he's got problems of his own. By pounding nails, Matt struggles to blot out the trauma of his last years in a big-city police department. But once Tara thaws enough to let him in, he has to face the past. And the past is full of memories both of them are trying to outrun….

No news this month.
 

• October 6
-7
• Various times
• Terry McLaughlin s will participate at the Emerald City Writers Conference.and the conference bookfair. Coast Hotel, Bellevue, Washington.
• October 14
  • 9:00 am
    • Kay Stockham will participate in the Central Ohio Fiction Writers conference. Radisson Hotel Columbus, 7007 N. High St., Worthington, Ohio.

C.J. Carmichael: Grab a sneak peek at the first book of C.J. Carmichael's new trilogy and enter her contest for autographed books.  A new winner is selected every month, now through October 2006.

Melinda Curtis: Win an autographed, advance copy of the Once Upon a Christmas anthology. Visit her contest page for more details. Contest ends October 31.

Anna DeStefano: don't miss Anna's great monthly Funky Purse website giveaways. You never know what goodies she'll be sharing on her daily blog,

Janice MacDonald: To celebrate the upcoming relocation of her web site, she's running a contest for most romantic travel spot.  Describe yours in 100 words or less to enter.  The winner will be featured on traveling.romancewriter.com and will receive a romantic travel gift. Contest runs October 25 - January 25.

Kathryn Shay: Every three months Kathryn will give away three copies of her backlist (when available) or her upcoming release.  Visit her contest page for more details.

Linda Warren: To celebrate the release of her October book, The Bad Son, Linda will be running a two month contest (September and October). The winner will be drawn from the correct answer to a question on her website.  There's a baby in the book so she'll be giving away a baby quilt by Marlene Urso and autographed copies of A Baby By Christmas, Forgotten Son and Son of Texas. And a Texas beaded bookmark. Contest ends October 31.