spot_imgspot_imgspot_imgspot_img
Home Blog Page 605

Anna DeStefano Shares her Inspiration for Chanderville and her Latest Book – Let Me Love You Again

0

love meLET ME LOVE YOU AGAIN is the second book in the Echoes of the Heart series by Nationally Bestselling author, Anna DeStefano. Book one of the series, HERE IN MY HEART was the #1 short story on Kindle when it was launched, and is an extension of Anna’s best-selling, award-winning Seasons of the Heart Series (#1 Family Drama and Series Romance best-sellers).

Chandlerville is remarkably beautiful and such a charming place to live. Reader responses keep pouring in, saying how much they want to move next door to these fun characters and live in Chandlerville themselves.

It’s also a real place filled with real, flawed people who love and support each other exactly the way they are. It a healing place where people are sometimes painfully honest—and when our hero and heroine are brave enough to venture back home, magical things begin to happen. BECAUSE of the honesty of love their friends and family shower on them. Because of the unconditional acceptance of the place. Because people in Chandlerville fight for their own and refuse to give up until everyone is taken care of.

Can you think of a more amazing place to set a love story, and then sit back and watch the magic happen?

As for my inspiration for making it so realistic—the way Chandlerville looks and feels and sounds? I grew up in small Southern towns and still live in one (a suburb northeast of Atlanta, Georgia, not that different from Chandlerville). I was born in Charleston, South Carolina and grew up in Savannah, and my extended family’s lived in another small Georgia community for generations. I’ve always written southern-set novels. And I wanted to spend some time spotlighting the best of what these remarkable places can be. I’m thrilled to have been able to do that with my Seasons of the Heart novels and now with Here in My Heart and Let Me Love You Again (Books 1 and 2 of my Echoes of the Heart series).

Give Chandlerville a try for yourself. I hope you fall in love with the place, just like I did ;o)

Here’s a sneak peek at what this amazing community comes to mean to Selena Rosenthal—from the final scene in the book, when she’s finally found her dream “home” for her and her daughter, and they’re both waiting for Oliver to return and make Chandlerville his forever home, too ;o)

“To Chandlerville’s Father of the Year.” Belinda raised her plastic cup of lemonade in a toast.

Selena joined the rest of the crowded room at the Garner Rehab Center where Joe had been moved, lifting her drink and saying, “To Joe!”

It was a beautiful late-Sunday afternoon, with family and friends and neighbors cheering and celebrating around her. The party Belinda had spent days pulling together had grown until Joe’s private room seemed to be bursting at the seams. The crowd had spilled into the center’s hallway as more guests and their families joined in the fun.

Adults were drinking and eating—goodies donated by either the Dream Whip or DJ’s bakery. Kids of all ages were everywhere. Free from school for the next ten weeks, the younger ones were running wild. The teenagers had grouped off in clumps, playing games on their phones or messaging on social media, basically ignoring the adults. There were balloons, streamers, a Father of the Year banner. It might have seemed corny to some. But to Selena the joy and celebration that filled the room was . . . love. The love she’d always hoped her daughter would be surrounded by. The home she’d dreamed of for herself…

About the Author
anna_destefanoAnna DeStefano is the award-winning, nationally bestselling author of more than twenty-five books, including the Mimosa Lane novels and the Atlanta Heroes series. Born in Charleston, South Carolina, she’s lived in the South her entire life. Her background as a care provider and adult educator in the world of crisis and grief recovery lends itself to the deeper psychological themes of every story she writes. A wife and mother, she currently writes in a charming northeast suburb of Atlanta, Georgia, not all that different from her characters’ beloved Chandlerville. She is also a workshop and keynote speaker, a writing coach, and a freelance editor.

Get to know Anna at annawrites.com/blog and the Anna DeStefano: Author page on Facebook, where she shares her inspirations, her challenges, a healthy dose of honest optimism, and tidbits about upcoming projects.

 

Sneak Peek: LET ME LOVE YOU AGAIN by Anna DeStefano

0

love meCan their second-chance love be a dream come true?

Selena Rosenthal left behind her high school sweetheart, who was the love of her life, seven years ago.

Now, she and the once-rebellious Oliver Bowman are back in Chandlerville—after his foster father’s heart attack and Selena’s contentious divorce—to deal with her secrets, the recklessness that caused their breakup, and the almost-strangers they’ve become to each other and their families.

As soon as his father is stronger, Oliver must return to the successful career that helps support a new generation of foster kids. But he’s falling for Selena again, her daughter has a hold on his heart, and he can’t imagine leaving behind his brothers and sisters once again.

More attached by the day to their charming hometown and families, Selena and Oliver fall in love for the second time.

Has fate brought Chandlerville’s prodigal children together again…this time forever?

You can read an excerpt here.  Tomorrow, Anna shares her inspiration for Chanderville – the town readers want to live in.

Now available at Amazon.

Things Just Got Hot in Alaska – Wild Heat by Lucy Monroe

0

Monroe_WildHeat_MMSometimes old flames are the hottest of all . . .Northern Fire Series #1
From bestselling author – Lucy Monroe

Alaska is heating up with Lucy Monroe’s new Northern Fire Series.  The first book in the series is Wild Heat and it is hot as it is cute, fun, funny and sweet.  Caitlin (Kitty) Grant thought she left the small town of Cailkirn, Alaska for good and good riddance!  She left her family and her best friend for the glamour of Los Angeles and a marriage to a man who would control her.  But when her husband was away she filed for divorce to escape his abuse and came back home a shell of her former self.

Tack MacKinnon grew up with Caitlin and they were insuperable.  But, she left without a word and never contacted him again once she married, leaving him broken hearted, but wiser.

Caitlin’s journey has her questioning her life decisions, regretting her past mistakes and surprised to find Tack has filled out, grown up and is beyond sexy.

Tack doesn’t want to be hurt again, but he wants to help and he has some sexual healing to offer.

But nothing is that easy when it comes to Kitty and Tack and their Wild Heat.

Read an excerpt here.

About the Author
monroe1Lucy wrote more than one million words of romantic fiction before selling her 13th manuscript to Harlequin Presents. She has recently signed a three book deal with Grand Central, launching a brand new contemporary stand-alone romance series called the Cailkirn Chronicles. Set to publish in Spring 2015 back-to-back (April, May and June) the series takes place in Cailkirn, a small Alaskan town where the temperature might be cold, but the men are hot! You can find more about Lucy at her website.

You can find this title at Amazon.

Wild Heat by Lucy Monroe Review

0

Monroe_WildHeat_MMWild Heat by Lucy Monroe Review

Leaving an abusive husband in LA, Kitty Grant comes back home to Cailkirn, Alaska with more than her fair share of regrets.  The way she left her best friend Tack McKinnon is one such regret.

Now Tack is successful, sexy and though he’s forgiven her, he hasn’t forgotten that she was his greatest heartbreak.

As Kitty starts to re-learn who she is and what she wants from life, Tack offers help in a way that could melt all the snow in Alaska.

I love the small town and all the interesting inhabitants there.  Meddling and match-making are the sport to watch and lots of shenanigans push Kitty and Tack together regardless of their  assurances they could never be a couple.

Tack is so great with Kitty who was abused by her ex-husband and as he helps Kitty learn the ropes of having her own life again, he learns a thing or two he never suspected.

This is pure romance with a fun town that you will learn to love.  You fall in love with the main characters and hold out hope that everything will turn out for them.  It’s romance, so you can guess how it turns out.  But, you love all the eccentric and sweet townies too!  It’s an addictive series and I can’t wait for the next book!

Memorable Animals From Literature’ for World Book Day!

0

Infographic provided byInfographic provided by helpucover.

It is incredibly easy to get attached to a character when reading a book, particularly when they are lovable animals! There have been many to relate to over the years – from Black Beauty, to Peter Rabbit, to Animal Farm’s Benjamin to Watership Down’s Hazel. Helpucover love animals, and want us all to reminisce about our favourite animal characters from our childhoods (although we are sure many will remain today!) As a result, they have compiled a list of the most unforgettable animals that have all played a part in ever reader’s lives. They have presented them in this handy infographic, and have even included some memorable quotations, so take a look and let us know your favourite animal character.

Memorable animals from literature

 

Sneak Peek: Claiming Scarlet by Madison Sevier

0

Close-up portrait of young sensual ginger woman wearing black party maskClaiming Scarlet, River Jewel Resort 4 by Madison Sevier

Twenty years ago, Kevin Sunman’s life changed forever when the woman he believed was his soulmate walked out of his life and disappeared. He spent copious amounts of time and money on detectives who came up short, leaving him lonely and frustrated. Determined to forget her, he saddled up his custom motorcycle and hit the road searching for closure.

After many days and hundreds of miles on the road, Kevin checks himself into the River Jewel Resort for a much needed break. Coming face-to-face with his past and the woman who has haunted his every waking moment for two decades wasn’t what he expected. And what he learned about his mystery woman is far more than he ever bargained for.

Scarlet Noir, owner of the River Jewel Resort, has lived a life full of mystery. Bringing soulmates together and helping them find their true happiness has become the mask she’s worn to hide her own loneliness and secrets. When the man she walked away from twenty years ago shows up at her resort, she’s forced to remove the disguise and confront all that she left behind.

Will their time apart prove to be too much to overcome? Or can the River Jewel Resort heal their heartache, allowing them a second chance to claim their true love?

Excerpt:

She’d found him! It had worked and nothing bad happened. Years of listening to her mother’s warnings about using her abilities for her own personal gain had left her feeling paranoid and lonely. For the past five years, she’d been able to help unite soulmates, but as her twentieth birthday fast approached, she was without one of her own.

“You can never, ever, under any circumstances use your sight to find your true love.”

“But why not, Mama? I’ve been given a gift. I should be able to find happiness, the same happiness I help everyone else find.”

“The backlash from using your gift for personal gain could be dire. The universe is fickle and you never know how she’s going to punish you. Please, please promise me that you’ll never do it. You’ll find true love someday, when it’s time. I promise.”

Her mother had held her on many occasions while she’d sobbed. Being invited to wedding after wedding, baby shower after baby shower had become bittersweet. All she wanted was someone of her own to love. For so long, her gift felt more like a curse than a blessing! What good was it if she had to be unhappy while everyone else could be held at night, kissed in the mornings and made love to? It was so unfair!

She’d reached the breaking point when her best friend moved away with her high school sweetheart turned fiancé. She decided then and there that she didn’t care about the consequences. No matter what, she’d find her soulmate. And it wasn’t long before she did.

After using her powers to cast a spell to locate him, she’d convinced her parents they should head to a beachside community in South Carolina for Labor Day weekend. He was there, just as she’d seen with her mind’s eye. The young man with dark brown hair and brilliant green eyes, the one she was meant to spend her life with. She knew with every ounce of her being he was everything she’d ever dreamed of and more! Their meeting was magical, movie-like and love at first sight. The moment their eyes had met, she knew her visions were true and he was the one for her. Their destiny was written in the stars they laid beneath on the white sand beach.

About The Author:
SpiceRomance author, Madison Sevier, officially began her writing career in 2011 by going after her lifelong dream and has been having the time of her life ever since.

Her days are spent homeschooling her daughter and doing the bookkeeping for her family’s business. At night, she gets to become someone else, creating characters who work their way into the hearts and minds of romance readers everywhere.

Being a coffee-addicted Gemini, Madison is known for doing whatever strikes her fancy at any given moment. Some of her favorite hobbies include; hiking, geocaching, animal rescue, writing, reading, baking, horseback riding and she loves NASCAR.

Living in what everyone calls ‘Kentuckiana’ with her husband, daughter, two Chihuahuas, one Saint Bernard and two cats, she’s found the perfect paradise to allow all of her stories to come to life. Against a backdrop of the Ohio River and surrounding hillsides, she never knows where a new romance will come from. But you can be sure you’re going to hear about it.

She loves hearing from her readers and meeting new ones, so feel free to contact her anytime. You can find Madison at:

Website: http://www.madisonsevier.com/

Facebook Profile: https://www.facebook.com/madisonsevier12

Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/MadisonSevierAuthor?ref=hl

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Madison-Sevier/e/B00BDWM3DG/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1428437748&sr=8-1

AmazonUK: http://www.amazon.com/Madison-Sevier/e/B00BDWM3DG/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1428437905&sr=8-1

Createspace: https://www.createspace.com/pub/simplesitesearch.search.do?sitesearch_query=Madison+Sevier&sitesearch_type=STORE

Tumblr: http://madisonsevier.tumblr.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MadisonSevier

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/MadisonSevier/

Booklikes: http://madisonsevier.booklikes.com/

Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/113626781991778172262/posts

The Romance Reviews: http://www.theromancereviews.com/mypage.php?location=madisonsevier

Influenster: https://www.influenster.com/dashboard/campaigns

Reader Romance: Ideas to Find a Career in Books

0

Reader Romance Ideas to Find a Career in BooksIdeas to Find a Career in Books By Brooke Chaplan

If you’ve had a love affair with books since you were young, could spend hours in the library, and think there is nothing better than getting lost in a novel, a career in books could be the path for you. A love of all things library can open the door to many opportunities no matter what you may have heard previously. It’s simply a matter of knowing what is out there, and how to get started finding your way. Turn the passion of reading into a rewarding career and you won’t feel like you’re working a day in your life.

Be an Author
If you have the ability to write in addition to your love of reading, you can combine your interests to become a writer. However, don’t expect it to be easy. You will need to have an idea for a book that sets itself apart from the crowd, and you should be prepared for rejection. If you can’t break into a major publishing house, you’ll find that self-publishing is taking off. With the right marketing techniques, you could make a living all on your own writing. While you are waiting for your break, content writing is a good way to pay the bills and refine your skills.

Prepare Books for Publication
Consider going behind the scenes when it comes to publishing books or magazine articles. Take part in editing, proofreading, and polishing a manuscript until it is ready for publishing. You can also be hired to do reviews for authors. You’ll get paid to do something you love, and help others to decide if they want to read a new book or not. Become a critique partner for authors who are willing to pay you for your input on their latest projects. You will have the satisfaction of helping writers to improve their work and see the books you have faith in go out into the world.

Get a Degree in Library Science
Put your love of the library to good use and get a degree in the field. A Masters in library science will enable you to work in public libraries, school libraries, and archives for special collections. You can spend your working days using information technology to organize and preserve collections of books and pointing others in the right direction when they are searching for a particular resource. When you work in a library, you can instill the love of reading into others, beginning with special programs that are offered to the very young. Assist patrons in research or help them find an unforgettable novel.

When you have a love of books, they can take you into exciting, new worlds. Make the adventure of reading your lifetimes work as you choose a career. Not only will you be able to support yourself, you will be able to indulge yourself in your passion.

About Brooke:
Brooke Chaplan is a freelance blogger and recent graduate of the University of New Mexico. She now lives in Los Lunas where she writes and researches when she’s not outside running, hiking and biking. Contact Brooke on LinkedIn.

 

Sneak Peek: Stealing Home by Wendi Zwaduk

0

Stealing HomeStealing Home by Wendi Zwaduk – Book 3 in the Complicated Series

The last person she expected to fall for her just might be the one she’s been looking for all along.

Bliss McMahon isn’t looking for love. She’s got a degree to complete and a life she wants to live. Besides, love isn’t looking for her. The last and only time she’d tried dating, the whole situation had ended in disaster. Being twenty-one and never going beyond second base doesn’t exactly endear her to the guys, but the one guy she never expected to notice her has. Will she give him a shot or run the other way?

Evan Phillips has a way with the ladies. He can charm them just as easily as he hits homeruns, but this ballplayer has a problem. He won’t be able to pass art history without help. Enter Bliss. Sure, he’s dated her roommate, and yes, Bliss can’t stand him, but he’s not about to back down from the challenge of getting her help. She’s spunky, out of his league and just who he wants. Can the ballplayer convince Bliss he’s up for more than one inning or will she forfeit before the game begins?

He’s ready to steal home in order to win the woman of his dreams.

Warning: Contains a dangerous combination of fragile new love, bone-deep angst and desperate rivalry that will consume you with throbbing, out-of-control passion.

Excerpt:

Evan steered her to the building’s courtyard. The space, filled with various plants and trees, was meant to encourage the students and to provide a welcoming place to study. With the LED lights draped from the small fruit trees and fake snow surrounding the plants, the space looked festive. The play of light and shadow set a certain mood, especially after hours of activity in the building.

He glanced over at Bliss. A smile curled on her lips.

“What’s on your mind?” Evan slowed to a leisurely pace. “You ran away from me yesterday.”

“I’ve got lots on my mind.” She sighed. “I’ve got a couple of finals coming up, I don’t have a place to stay and I refuse to take incompletes because of my living arrangements. Does that work for you?”

“Stay with me.” He’d been rash, but the answer would work. “I’m on the fourth floor, and I’ve got room. Rick’s trying to get a single.”

“I can’t. You know they won’t allow co-ed rooms. Just co-ed buildings.” She stopped. “Besides, I can’t.”

“Why? I don’t have a disease.” Evan faced her. “I’m housebroken.”

“I just… I can’t.” She closed her eyes.

“Bliss, talk to me. I’m not going to bite you or flip out.” Evan clasped both her hands and kissed her knuckles. “I’m pushing too hard, but I like you. I’m screwing everything up by coming on strong, but I don’t know how to be anything else. Come here.” He led her to one of the benches and sat her on his lap. “Talk to me.”

Bliss opened her eyes. “I’m… I don’t have a lot of experience with guys.” She tensed on his thighs. “I’ve only dated once, and it was a disaster.” She covered her face with her hands.

“Okay.” Evan rubbed her back. “Who cares? Some people don’t date much.”

“I’m a virgin,” she said around her hands.

“Cool.” He respected her conviction. He’d lost his virginity the night he turned eighteen. At the time, he’d thought he was doing the right thing. Looking back, he hadn’t meant much to the girl he’d slept with.

“Cool?” She moved her hands and stared at him. “You sound like I’m a prize to be destroyed. You want to be the guy who can claim he’s taken my virginity.” She scooted off his lap. “I don’t play that way.”

“Wait. Bliss.” He jumped from his seat. “Stop.” He grasped her hand again, keeping her from leaving the courtyard. “Listen. Do I want to date you? Yes. Sleep with you? Eventually. I’m attracted to you and want to see where things can go. Am I going to push you? No.”

“Evan.” The muscle in her jaw tensed.

He navigated through the courtyard to the gazebo set up in the middle of the area. “Sometimes, a good thing is staring right back at you.”

Available from:
Resplendence Publishing
Amazon
AllRomance Ebooks

About the Author:
0WendiWelcome to my corner of the universe. I’ve always wanted to write. I love storytelling and weaving images with words. There’s something magical about a happily-ever-after that draws me to a story. Be it spicy and suspense-filled or lusty hot and bothered, I’m game for a good book.I’m still learning and growing and I hope you’ll join me. It’s been a crazy ride, but it’s totally worth it. You’ll see.

I’ve always dreamt of writing the stories in my head. Tall, dark, and handsome heroes are my favorites, as long as he has an independent woman keeping him in line.  I love playing with words and letting the characters run wild.

NASCAR, Ohio farmland, dirt racing, animals and second chance romance  all feature prominently in my books.  I also write under the pen name of Megan Slayer. I’m published with Total-E-Bound, Changeling Press, Liquid Silver Books, Shara Azod Publishing, Turquoise Morning Press, Decadent Publishing and The Wild Rose Press. Come join me for this fantastic journey!

You can learn more about Wendi’s book and read excerpts at her website.

Reader’s Entertainment Radio Presents: Mina Khan

0

When you chat with Mina Khan, several things stand out. Her love of cooking, the joy that bubbles up when she talks about what’s important to her, and writing. She’s a great humanitarian and has donated proceeds from her books to help the UNICEF Project, and a local food shelter. She’s as wonderful in person as she is in print. Her novel, A Christmas Wish (A Djinn World Novella), more on Mina, a special treat for readers: Some of the recipes Rayez made in the book, and more!

Mina Khan A Christmas Wish cover_final (3) Book Blurb:

Rayez, a smoking hot chef and fire djinn in exile, lands himself in deep trouble (at the bottom of a beer bottle) when he tries to help a mysterious beautiful woman.
Selene is pursued and desperate. She’ll do anything to keep her brother safe–including capture a djinn.
While deception brings them together, dangerous enemies make them unlikely allies. Can one gigantic wrong lead to two rights and true love?

 

 

 

 

Click on the book cover image to listen to the podcast from Mina’s show!

 

Mina Khan
Mina Khan

Connect with Mina Khan on Social Media:

www.facebook.com/Mina.Khan.Author

http://minakhan.blogspot.com

 

 

 

Great Paranormal Fiction!

Sneak Peek: Off Camera by Megan Slayer

0

OffCamera_35Off Camera, Book 2 in the Complicated series by Megan Slayer

Two film students learning about love on and off camera. Navigating college is hard, but not as hard as learning to love and trust.

Kade Evans knew what he wanted to do with his life—write scripts for Hollywood. He’s poured his heart into his work and learning the tricks of the trade, but being only twenty-one he knows he needs experience. How’s a guy supposed to get experience when he’s shy and quiet? The answer might be closer and more forceful than he thinks.

Tony Victor’s goal in life is to make movies. He won’t quit until he’s working on the next blockbuster. First, he’s got to get through college and get the handsome guy from script writing class to notice him. Tony’s never had trouble getting attention, but something about Kade calls to him. Tony’s head says go slow, but his heart is ready to take things to the next level.

Will these two find common ground or will the simmering passion between them fall apart when their secrets are revealed?

Want to read more? Follow this link. This link is intended for readers 18+.

About the Author:
0WendiWelcome to my corner of the universe. I’ve always wanted to write. I love storytelling and weaving images with words. There’s something magical about a happily-ever-after that draws me to a story. Be it spicy and suspense-filled or lusty hot and bothered, I’m game for a good book.I’m still learning and growing and I hope you’ll join me. It’s been a crazy ride, but it’s totally worth it. You’ll see.

I’ve always dreamt of writing the stories in my head. Tall, dark, and handsome heroes are my favorites, as long as he has an independent woman keeping him in line.  I love playing with words and letting the characters run wild.

NASCAR, Ohio farmland, dirt racing, animals and second chance romance  all feature prominently in my books.  I also write under the pen name of Megan Slayer. I’m published with Total-E-Bound, Changeling Press, Liquid Silver Books, Shara Azod Publishing, Turquoise Morning Press, Decadent Publishing and The Wild Rose Press. Come join me for this fantastic journey!  Visit Megan’s online home here.

Available at:
Resplendence Publishing
AllRomance Ebooks
Amazon