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What to Read Wednesday

Happy Wednesday and thank you for joining me for What to Read Wednesday. Today I’d love it if you’d help me welcome Heather Van Fleet to the blog. She wrote a wonderful post about changing from an introvert to an extrovert. She’s also sharing her latest release WHEN IT’S LEAST EXPECTED, the first book in her Perfect Timing Series :)

Take it away Heather…

I’m a loner – an introvert is the better word for it I suppose. I don’t like to go to parties of any sort. I don’t go out of my way to talk to people either. And I would much rather stay at home with my Kindle, than face the world. And you know what? I’m okay with that! I love my family. My husband and my three little ladies are my rock. I’ve got a great set of parents, and a family that a lot of people would be envious of. I’m not an unhappy person by any means, just more of a keep to myself kind instead!

But then I turned thirty, got my very first laptop, and discovered the world of writing. That was also when something changed inside of me – something clicked is a better description for it. That was when I finally found a way to become that extrovert kind of person, without having to change who I really was.

I had officially discovered my characters!

And like a lot of authors I’m sure, I seriously grew addicted to characterizations and creating alter egos. Now . . . I’m not saying I want to be a seventeen year old girl again . . . I’ve already been there, done that, lived through it, and never ever want to go back. But what I do love is creating these characters – creating their lives and molding them all into people who I admire, but don’t necessarily want to be. I love developing their personalities. I love creating conflicts and figuring out how in the world they’re going to get out of said conflicts. And the one thing I love most of all?  Having them fall in love for that very first time. Because to me, there is nothing better to than reading about and experiencing that swoon worthy, young love, between my hero and heroine – especially in YA romances. 

Creating fictional book characters has been one of the greatest experiences of my life, and the best thing I can possibly hope for now that When It’s Least Expected has been released, is that other people out there will fall as much in love with Harley and Mason, as I did.

WHEN IT’S LEAST EXPECTED

BY HEATHER VAN FLEET

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Moving on after a tragedy can be impossible – especially when you’ve been dealing with those tragedies for over two years. But it’s her senior year, and Harley Anderson is more than ready to do just that, even though the skeletons in her closet can’t exactly be hidden.

Enter Mason Daniel, the egotistical, sexy, surfer boy from California – a boy with his own hidden demons, and even bigger secret agenda.

Mason isn’t right for Harley. He knows this better than anyone. He’s the epitome of a runner–a guy who takes what he can get, only to split a short while later. But he can’t deny the emotions that Harley brings out of him, so he’s going to break his rules for once.

He should have known what it would lead to… Two kindred souls – both lost and then found. Will they fail, once again, in their search for contentment and happiness, or will they finally find true love, when it’s least expected?

Grab your copy:  Barnes & Noble  Amazon

Website    Facebook    Twitter

About the Author:

Heather Van Fleet currently resides in northern Illinois, with her three daughters, Kelsey, Emma, and Isabella, and her fabulous hubby (and high school sweetheart) Chris, with whom she’s been blissfully married to now for ten plus years. She’s a stay at home mom by day, and an avid and completely obsessive writer and reader by night.

 
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Posted by on May 15, 2013 in What to Read Wednesday

 

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10 – 4 Tuesday

Welcome to 10 – 4 Tuesday! 

10 – 4 Tuesday is a quick way to get to know an author and their latest release. I will ask our guest to share 10 things about themselves and their book and then 4 questions for fun :)   So let’s get started.

Our guest today is also offering up an e-copy of her book to one lucky commenter…so don’t forget to leave your email addy in with your comment to qualify!

Today I’d like to welcome Kathleen Ann Gallagher!  She’ll be sharing her 10, followed by her 4 and then an excerpt of her book A Summer’s Journey. :) …I just have to comment about your beautiful cover Kathleen….it’s so pretty. Love the colors and the images.OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA No on to our interview…

Thanks for joining us for 10 – 4  Tuesday:)

Hi Christine! I’m happy to be here :)

First the 10:

To start out, tell us a bit about yourself.

 Although writing is my passion, nursing is my vocation.  I work in an emergency room, and it’s been challenging, and rewarding, to be such an integral part of so many others’s daily struggles.  I have a wonderful husband who always offers his support, and never complains about my crazy schedule. One of our favorite romantic getaways is Cape May, New Jersey, an old historic beach town where we take a step into the past, and enjoy life’s simple pleasures.  Although my children are all grown with busy lives of their own, Chaz, our Shepherd mix, still dutifully stands guard at the house.  We are also blessed with three adorable grandsons.  

Other interests of mine include cooking, reading, and the theater.  However, spending time with my family is most important to me.  Even though my life is filled with work, family, etc., my mind continues to ponder the next story or concept for a new novel.

What’s genre (s) do you write?

I write contemporary romance.

ASJ_Cover2[1]Share your blurb for A Summer’s Journey.

BLURB

 

Savannah Mason fought for independence since she was a young girl, smothered by a controlling father who insisted she take over his medical practice one day.  Now, at the age of thirty, alienated from her father, the career minded journalist spends long hours at her job, hoping to take the spot as anchor.

 

On her darkest day twelve years ago, Savannah agreed to give her child up for adoption. She never even had the chance to hold her.  On her daughter’s birthday, a chance encounter gives Savannah an opportunity to explore a corner of her heart she thought was lost forever.

 

The last thing Savannah wants is a relationship, especially one with a doctor who happens to have two young children.

 

Rob Sinclair, a cardiothoracic surgeon and NY Times best-selling author, needs a promo spot on the television show The News Stop.  When Savannah gets the interview over a senior reporter, a door opens to her future.  However, first she must face the sorrow of her past and cast away the agony of guilt before she’s free to accept love.

 

Rob’s commitment to climb the ladder of success and provide a good life for his two small children keeps him on the road.  He’s determined to push forward despite the heartache of a broken marriage.  His deepest fear is being an absent parent.  When he meets Savannah Mason, desire and passion awaken his broken spirit.  Will he ever be able to trust another woman?

 

Savannah and Rob’s strong attraction to one another is undeniable as they follow the path to a place where honesty, love and forgiveness, can bring them both home.

 

When a man who seems totally wrong for Savannah slowly weaves his way into her heart, will he accept her when he learns about her past?

Savannah and Rob’s attraction to one another is undeniable.  As they follow the path to a place where honesty and forgiveness can bring them both home, will it be enough to heal the scars of the past and allow them another chance at love?

Are there any other genres that you write?

I also write paranormal and erotic romance.

Do you prefer to write at a certain time of day, or are you one of those lucky authors who can write wherever and whenever?

Since I work at my day job part-time, I have more time to pursue my writing. I find the morning the best time to write. I get up early and can’t wait to get to my computer.

What’s the easiest part of writing for you?

I’d say choosing the names for my characters is the easiest part of writing. Once I have the back-story for my characters, their names come to me. So far, the names fit perfectly.

I love choosing names as well. What was your favorite and least favorite part about writing this book?

My favorite is visiting the world inside of a television studio. Getting to know the characters, I realized even though some may think the people in the public eye escape the struggles the rest of us face, but we all have inner turmoil at some time in our lives.

My least favorite is how difficult it is to cut scenes out of your story. When I realize the story flows better without the extra fluff, I cut the apron strings.

Why should we read your book?

If you read A Summer’s Journey, you’ll learn how a chance encounter leads to a season of change. Sometimes the darkest moments enable you to open your eyes to the true meaning of your life.

What do you hope readers walk away with when they finish your book?

I’d be happy if my readers closed the book with hope in their hearts, and a sense of how a single moment in time can change everything.

Can you tell us a little bit about your current WIP?

My next book is set for release June 19 with Decadent Tease. Sun, Sand & Séances is a paranormal novella. It’s a story about ex-lovers who are both struggling with loss. They run into one another at a psychic fair in historic Cape May. They never dreamed of a weekend filled with spirits, memories, and a chance to rekindle the passion they once shared.

Now the 4:

Everything you write suddenly starts coming true and you want to use your powers for good…what would your next book be about?

What a dream come true!  I’d write  books that embody the magic that happens with a chain of good deeds. My characters would have to win their heart’s desire by offering an act of kindness and pass on the idea to their family and friends.

You’re stuck in a day that will repeat over and over, like the movie GROUNDHOG DAY. Which day would you pick to relive?

I’d pick the day my husband and I got married.

All the restaurants in the world are closing down because every government has determined it’s healthier to eat “home” cooking….you have 1 day before they all close….how many restaurants would you visit and name the top 3!

My first stop would be at The Washington Inn in Cape May, New Jersey. I’ve never tasted a better crème brulee. Since I’m already in Cape May, my next stop would be The Lobster House. I’d sit outside at the dock and enjoy a broiled seafood platter. To finish, I’d stop by Kohr’s and get a vanilla cone with a chocolate dip on top. You can never have too many desserts!

If you could compete on any game show—past or present—which one would you choose and why?

I used to watch Let’s Make a Deal with my father. I loved the costumes the audience members wore. I’d find a cool costume and join in the fun.

Thanks for being sharing your 10 and your 4 Kathleen Ann Gallagher! I enjoyed your answers and your book and your upcoming release both sound wonderful.  Please share an excerpt from A SUMMER’S JOURNEY :)

And here’s the buy link for A Summer’s Journey https://www.allromanceebooks.com/product-asummer039sjourney-1185381-148.html#.UX6JYxtw3fE.facebook

EXCERPT

Savannah stood and slowly moved toward him. Her chest tightened with each step. As she approached him and admired his broad shoulders, it dawned on her he could be a candidate for People’s sexiest man alive. Control yourself.   

“I’m happy here.”  Savannah admitted. “I love it when the morning light shines on the water and it mimics fine pieces of crystal.”

 Rob slowly approached her. The look in his eyes told her he had more than the view on his mind. Savannah turned away, afraid of what might happen next. Before she could stop him, they were too close for comfort. An electric energy surged between them. With one swift movement, Rob reached for her and gently placed his lips on hers. He cradled her head in his hands as if she was a precious jewel. The warmth of his touch sent shivers down her spine and the world stood still. When Rob’s hands moved slowly across her back, her body went limp and it took her to a level of arousal she never expected. It all happened so quickly, she didn’t have time to react. She found herself spellbound by the feel of his rock hard body pressed up against her chest. All of the emotions she’d kept inside emerged when Rob held her tight. When they finally parted, Savannah stood frozen in shock with her heart pounding and her ears ringing.

Rob’s expression made him look as if he broke the law. He quickly took a step back. “I don’t know what to say. I’m so sorry for my rude behavior.”

 “You weren’t rude. I didn’t stop you.”

 “I don’t know what got into me. You’re an amazing woman and I find you terribly attractive.” He stared deep into her eyes.  

“Thank you.” Savannah looked down, still shocked, but flattered.   

“I’d like to take you on a real date. Would that be possible? Is it against your ethics to date someone you’re working with?”

“There’s no rule against dating a guest on the show. I make my own rules.” Savannah could not believe her own words.

“That’s what I like about you. You’re not afraid of taking a risk. I could tell from the moment I met you, you were a strong, independent woman.”

 Unanswered questions twirled around in Savannah’s mind. What am I doing making a date with a doctor and one with a family, no less. I must be crazy. Her mind told her to run from a relationship with a client, however, her body told her something completely different.

 

 

 One random winner, US/ Canada/ International. Make a comment and you’ll be entered  in the drawing for an e-book copy of A Summer’s Journey.  Don’t forget to leave your email address in your comment. 

So excited you joined me for 10 – Tuesday!  Before we wave good-bye, let us know if there are any other links you’d like to share so that we can find you and your book online :)

Here’s where you can find me. I love to make new friends! :)

My blog. http://kathleensplacetoreflect.blogspot.com/?zx=e896f573de6ed38c

 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/kathleen.a.gallagher?ref=tn_tnmn

 Twitter https://twitter.com/Kathleenwrites

 My website. http://www.kathleenanngallagher.net/

 
 

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What to Read Wednesday

Is it just me or do the weeks seem to be moving fast? Here we are at another What to Read Wednesday. Today I have a special treat for you. My wonderful friend Cerian Hebert wrote a thought provoking guest post on character development and she’s also sharing her latest release NO GOING BACK from Soul Mate Publishing.cerih

And I’m sure you know what I’m about to say next, because I’m such a cover junkie…lol…but don’t you just get pulled into her gorgeous cover. Very sexy :) Another one to add to my “love” list.

Okay, let’s hand over the blog to Cerian!

The last few days I’ve been stewing about character development. I tend to like to put a lot of details into my writing, lots of narrative, maybe too much narrative and I’ve discovered that sometimes I spend so much time on my surroundings that I forgot to develop my characters just as much. So I pulled out a book on writing and stared at it.

And stared.

And looked at one of my manuscripts and then back at the book. When I first started writing I had a book on how to get published. I read that thing cover to cover and back again. Since then I haven’t been much for how-to books, but I wonder, are they a resource that should be tapped in times of trouble? Will they show me the err of my ways, or am I better off figuring it out on my own?

I’ve looked back at past characters that readers have liked, and wonder why them? The sweet, the romantic and the troubled. As a writer, is it a good idea to stick with “what I know” or branch out into the unknown? I’m all for branching out.

Turns out I didn’t re-re-read the book. It’s still on my desk. I may read it, but I feel better with coming up with a solution on my own. Besides, I had other things to worry about, like researching a few things about one of my latest characters careers. He’s a small town police chief but he’s just returned from war. Since I don’t know too many people personally who’ve been there, it was a little more challenging. But again, it all comes down to character development. The more I know, the more defined my hero will be.

Of course he didn’t have to be a vet. Maybe he could be an encyclopedia salesman. Out on the road for weeks at a time. How important is the job the character holds down anyway? Can he get away with holding down a mundane job, like the owner of an environmental safety equipment company and still be dashing, dangerous and sexy?

I guess it all goes back to character development. Done right, I bet an encyclopedia salesman could be just as intriguing as an ex-Navy Seal. Hmm…. Maybe that’s my next project.

But for now I’m pleased to present my latest release from Soul Mate Publishing,  No Going Back.

NoGoingBack_850 (2)

 

Blurb:

As if moving from Los Angeles to a New Hampshire town with less than two hundred residents isn’t enough for ex-Hollywood socialite, Ari Milbanke, she has a house full of someone else’s life, the lonely ghost of a teen-aged girl and a handsome neighbor who runs a horse rescue facility. She has a lot ahead of her as she settles her two young daughters into their new life while trying to hide the one she left behind.

Sam Beauchamp was content with his life. Rescuing and training horses has always satisfied him, but when newcomer, Ari and her daughters came into his life he realized how much was missing. Even the ghost attached to the decade’s old mysterious disappearance isn’t enough to deter him. What might, though, is Ari’s inability to be open with her past and who she really is.

Excerpt:

“…I can’t imagine pining away for someone I’ve lost for as long as he has.”

They’d arrived at the pond and Sam brought Papi to a halt as Ari stopped next to him. The mirror-still water reflected the browns and russets of the leaves that remained on the trees. Autumn’s peak had passed southern New Hampshire, and though there were still some trees holding out with bright yellow and red leaves, the world had settled into more coppery tones.

He loved this spot. As a kid he’d come here with his thoughts and a fishing pole and spend hours.

“What, you’re not a romantic?” Sam turned his attention away from the pond and gave it to Ari.

She frowned at his question. “Not particularly. There haven’t been any fairy tale moments in my life to date. I guess you could call me a cynic when it comes to romance and all.”

“Now that’s a shame, Ari.”

She smiled and her eyes met his steadily. “Are you one? A romantic, I mean?”

“Would that be an odd thing? Big guy like me being a bit sentimental?”

A blush crept into her cheeks and she looked away. How in the world had the conversation gotten so personal? Sam wasn’t sure if he should steer the exchange back to the ghost of Ruth Anne or pursue the direction they’d been following.

“Well, honestly, yeah. But perhaps it’s the cynic in me again. You seem too down to earth to be romantic.”

Sam shook his head. “Oh, Ari, I think I’m sad for you. Now, let’s get going. We have some clouds coming in. Nothing worse than being stuck out in an October rain.”

While he hated to end the conversation, Sam had no doubt the topic would come up again when they’d be in a better place to go into details.

***

You can buy a copy of No Going Back here:

 http://www.amazon.com/No-Going-Back-ebook/dp/B00C16SXAK/ref=la_B003NTI0HU_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1366667438&sr=1-5

And you can visit me at www.cerianhebert.com

Twitter: @CerianHebert

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Cerian-Hebert/183730891671970?ref=hl

 

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What to Read Wednesday

WOW…The month of April is flying by. We’re already at another What to Read Wednesday. Today I’m excited to have Linda Joyce joining us. She’s written an awesome guest post titled Place Isn’t a Lesser Angel in Bayou Born and is sharing her debut release BAYOU BORN.

And there’s more!

Linda is graciously giving away 1 kindle copy to a lucky commenter today. Please leave your email address along with your comment so that we can find you :)

And I just want to give Linda some COVER LOVE…I can get lost in her cover. I’d love to be able to see that view from a window right now. Gorgeous.

Okay, let’s get things started. Please help me in welcoming Linda to What to Read Wednesday!

Greetings! I’m so glad you joined me here at Christine’s Words. I appreciate Christine for giving us this time to chat. But, I have to ask, Where is “here”?

Where are you right this second? What’s your location?

Me? I’m hanging out in a little town called Acworth. Yet, despite the difference in our physical locations, we are together “here” at Christine’s place where we’re surrounded by the chocolaty brown background of her blog that makes her space cozy while we spend a few minutes together. (I’ll bet Chocolate, Caramel, and Smokey, her feline cheering squad is keeping her company.)

Don’t you agree that “Here” is an important aspect of every story written? How many times have you have picked up a book, a romance, a mystery, a historical, and decided to read it because the place where the conflict happens appeals to you? Like Paris, or London, or Las Vegas, or even the Grand Canyon.

Contained within Eudora Welty’s essay, “Place in Fiction,” in her collection of essays and reviews, The Eye of the Story, she says this about “Here”:

Place is one of the lesser angels that watch over the racing hand of fiction, perhaps the one that gazes benignly enough from off to one side, while others, like character, plot, symbolic meaning, and so on, are doing a good deal of wing-beating about her chair, and feeling, who is my eyes carries the crown, soars highest of them all and rightly relegates place into the shade.”

Christine WordsPlace is not a lesser angel for me, as you will see in my novel, Bayou Born. Branna Lind’s roots run deep in Bayou Petite, Mississippi, but she’s taken a job in the small north Florida town of Lakeview. From the mere names of the places, your imagination begins to conjure swaying Spanish moss in hundred-year old oak trees, bodies of water from a brackish bayou to a sparkling lake. I’ve also included a favorite place of mine in the book, the Ichetucknee River. I’ve been tubing down the warm, constant 72-degree water, which is the most pristine spring-fed river in Florida. Take a peak: http://underwaterflorida.homestead.com/itch.html

Now, let me introduce you to Branna Lind and James Newbern in Bayou Born.

Branna Lind’s self-esteem rests at the bottom of the Mississippi River. She canceled her “wedding of the decade,” though she isn’t saying why. She wants life on her own terms, no ready-made job in the family business, no safety net of close-knit kin, and no more betrayal.

College professor James Newbern prizes his bachelorhood. Experience has taught perf5.000x8.000.inddhim beautiful women are high-maintenance trouble and Branna fits that type.He is happy to avoid her until the college vice president assigns him to mentor the newest hire–Branna.

Branna is on her way to a new life, but will the scars of the past send her running from love? If she doesn’t, will she convince James that she truly is his “type”?

I hope you’ve enjoyed our chat. Many thanks to Christina for hosting me today.

I’m doing a giveaway today. If you leave a comment with this post today, your name will be included for a giveaway of a copy of my book. The book is on Kindle, so I’ll send it as a gift through Amazon pretty quick. If you don’t have a Kindle, the Nook version will be available about mid-May.  

Bayou Born is available through:

Amazon Kindle http://www.amazon.com/Bayou-Born-Fleur-Lis-ebook/dp/B00B9L1VAC/ref=sr_1_10?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1360196114&sr=1-10&keywords=Bayou+Born

And, I hope you’ll visit me at my website: http://www.linda-joyce.com or my blog: Linda Joyce Contemplates http://lindajoycecontemplates.wordpress.com/

Or through Facebook Author Page https://www.facebook.com/groups/293283790733871/499198890142359/?notif_t=group_comment_reply#!/pages/Linda-Joyce-Author/211949585615265

Twitter: @LJWriter

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6950241.Linda_Joyce

LinkedIn:  http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=69773158&trk=tab_pro

Now, a little about me: 

Award-winning writer Linda Joyce has deep southern roots. Her Fleur de Lis series captures her love of southern culture and it is the backdrop for Bayou Born, the first of the series. Linda was born in Mississippi to an Irish/Cajun father from New Orleans and a Japanese mother. She lives in Atlanta with her husband, Don, and their three four-legged boys, General Beauregard, Gentleman Jack and Masterpiece Renoir.

Linda_Joyce_0342

Thanks so much for your wonderful post and the amazing pictures. Good luck with your debut book Linda and HAPPY SALES and HAPPY WRITING!

 
29 Comments

Posted by on April 17, 2013 in What to Read Wednesday

 

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Night Stars and Mourning Doves book BLITZ freebie alert

Night Stars and Mourning Doves

(Dearly Beloved Series) by Margo Hoornstra
Genre: Contemporary/Reunion Series

Picture

Elyse Monroe may be her sister’s maid of honor, but that doesn’t mean she has to follow the bride’s example and fall in love. Battle-scarred and weary from previous relationships, she has no desire to take a chance on another–no matter how many hints her little sister drops about the best man.Devastating life events have taken a toll on Eric Matthews. After losing his wife and unborn daughter, he’s come home to heal. Serving as best man at his kid brother’s wedding is the only relationship he cares to contemplate–no matter how attractive the maid of honor.Thrown together again and again by wedding duties, Elyse and Eric reluctantly agree to explore a possible relationship–only to have their casual date turn into a glorious night of passion. Can two hearts, convinced a happily ever after will never happen, recognize love when it finds them?

Excerpt

“Remodeling your home to accommodate Jay and me. Isn’t that a little extreme?”Lips pursed, he shook his head. “Your mother and I have talked about adding on for years. Anyway, whatever we put into this house should increase its value eventually.” Setting aside the paper once and for all, his expression mellowed as he regarded his son. “Helping you out is helping us out.”“It’s nice to hear you say that. And I want you to know I do appreciate what you’re doing for us. Especially Jay.”

“Losing your mother at any age is tough,” he replied as he stood. “It’s gotta be especially devastating when you’re as young as my grandson. He still needs someone to care for him like a mother, and Iris is more than up to the task.”

“She is that,” Eric began, then made himself quit talking.

Hard to admit, but he wanted someone to care for him, or at least listen when he needed them to. It wasn’t easy to look for a woman when you’re mortally injured and still require time to heal. Right now, it seemed all the time in the world would never make him whole again.

About Margo Hoornstra

Picture My personal history in a nutshell is pretty simple. I’m a wife to one; mother to four—seven if you count in-law children which I do—and grandmother to four so far. 

My work experience includes public relations specialist, magazine editor, television producer, and script and speech writer. I’m also a founding member of Mid-Michigan Romance Writers of America.


Tour Details

Night Stars and Mourning Doves is a Book Blitz Tour running from on April 9 thru 13, 2013 and the book will be offered FREE on Amazon on these date.


 

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