No Tricks, Just Treats! It's Time To Party And Win Prizes! Don't Miss Out!

I am SO EXCITED that my new romance, Love's Broken Road, is being released tomorrow! In honor of that, I am giving away some great prizes!

• A $30 Amazon gift card (perfect to start your Christmas shopping with.)
• A Book Lover's Basket with three of my best-selling books, gourmet chocolate, and a new fuzzy blanket to curl up with
• An autographed copy of Love's Broken Road

Here's the back copy:

After surviving an abusive marriage, Victoria Newel needs a clean slate for herself and her son. Taking a job as a math teacher, she moves across the country to the small town of Lincoln, Utah, where no one knows her and she can start over. However, her new colleague, Drew Dalton, offers her friendship and maybe something more. But has her heart healed enough that she could trust again? 

Drew Dalton lost his wife to cancer years ago and he locked his heart away, throwing himself into his teaching job. But when Victoria Newel starts working at the high school, she awakens something in him that he never thought he’d feel again. Her gentle nature and quiet strength draws him to her, but it’s obvious she’s hiding something in her past from him. Can he open his heart to a woman who harbors so many secrets of her own?

There will be three winners and it's easy to enter! Don't miss out on the fun!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Last Weekend For Preorder Pricing On My New Book!

This is the very last weekend you can get special preorder pricing on my new romance novel, Love's Broken Road. It comes out on Tuesday, November 1st! I'm so excited to share this story with you!

You can preorder your copy for only $2.99 here

Here's the back copy:

After surviving an abusive marriage, Victoria Newel needs a clean slate for herself and her son. Taking a job as a math teacher, she moves across the country to the small town of Lincoln, Utah, where no one knows her and she can start over. However, her new colleague, Drew Dalton, offers her friendship and maybe something more. But has her heart healed enough that she could trust again?

Drew Dalton lost his wife to cancer years ago and he locked his heart away, throwing himself into his teaching job. But when Victoria Newel starts working at the high school, she awakens something in him that he never thought he’d feel again. Her gentle nature and quiet strength draws him to her, but it’s obvious she’s hiding something in her past from him. Can he open his heart to a woman who harbors so many secrets of her own?

Chocolate and Babies

As you can imagine, I've been super busy getting everything ready for my new romance to launch next week. (I can't wait! Have you preordered your copy yet?) It's been a little stressful for me, so my incredibly talented daughter-in-law came over and we spent the day making some amazing caramel and chocolate covered pretzels. 

(Well, if I'm being honest, I snuggled my grandson while she did most of the work. That's why they look so pretty!) 

One of the best days ever, though, just laughing and talking. Chocolate and babies make everything better! And all my stress has melted away. Aaah . . .

What I'm Reading/Watching Wednesday--And A Giveaway!

I am so happy to be part of the blog tour for The Christmas Project. This is a fun Christmas movie you will want to own and watch with your family every Christmas season!

This movie is about four brothers---the Buckley boys, who have bullies to deal with at their middle school. When their mom tells them they are going to be Christmas elves to the family of bullies, well, it's a pretty bitter pill to swallow. There are lots of funny moments with the four brothers, (my kids were laughing pretty hard!), but there's such a good message about how to love those that hurt you and how your heart can change through service. It's a great family movie that really brings home the Christmas spirit.

Here's more about the movie:

Even with Christmas around the corner, for the Buckley boys, payback almost always wins out over brotherly love. That is until the four brothers join forces against a common adversary—the Hagbarts—the meanest bullies at their middle school. But now Mom has decided that the Buckley family is going to Elve the Hagbarts this year for Christmas. Eleven-year-old Matthew can hardly stand it. By day the Hagbarts torture the Buckley brothers into submission, and by night the Buckleys secretly deliver Christmas treats and gifts to their sworn enemies. Soon the war of wits escalates to an incredible scheme designed to get the ultimate revenge on the Hagbarts. But now that Matthew has been learning that he's supposed to do good to those who hate him, what will he do when a little push becomes a great big shove? The Christmas Project is a heartwarming comedy the whole family will love.

Don't forget to enter the giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway .

Blog Tour Schedule:
*Oct. 24th: http://thethingsilovemost.com/, http://iamareader.com/

*Oct. 25th: http://ldsandlovinit.blogspot.com/, http://sweetlymadejustforyou.com/blog/, http://rockinbookreviews.com/, http://rachellewrites.blogspot.com/

*Oct. 26th: http://mybookaday.blogspot.com/, http://lisaisabookworm.blogspot.com/, http://ldswritermom.blogspot.com/

*Oct. 27th: http://ilovetoreadandreviewbooks.blogspot.com/, http://minreadsandreviews.blogspot.com/, http://fireandicereads.com/

*Oct. 28th: http://literarytimeout.blogspot.com/, http://iamareader.com/, http://booksaresanity.blogspot.com/

*Oct. 29th: http://www.singinglibrarianbooks.com/, http://bonnieharris.blogspot.com/, http://www.wishfulendings.com/, http://www.blogginboutbooks.com/, http://whynotbecauseisaidso.blogspot.com/

Need a good Halloween book?

Rip Van Winkle and the Pumpkin Lantern is a perfect Halloween book---and so much more. It has several twists and turns that entertain, but it also has an underlying message of hope that will make you think.

We are initially drawn into the story by a dream Abigail Van Winkle has about a baby in a graveyard. She convinces her husband to go there with her and they save the baby after an encounter with a pumpkin scarecrow. They name the baby Rip and start to become a family. Rip has some special powers that he must learn to control, and the Van Winkle family takes in other children that also need a place to belong. The world can be harsh and cruel and it is easier to bear when you have a family to help you along the way.

Rip has several amazing adventures that will keep readers enthralled and there are several parts that were downright creepy. I wouldn't let my eight-year-old read this one, but I would let my young teen because I know it would be perfect for him. The characters are relatable and well-drawn, and the writer has an appealing style that keeps the story moving quickly. There isn't any real violence or language, which was refreshing, and it is a book that will give the reader an experience in history they won't soon forget!

You can download your Kindle copy here

Here's the back copy:

Chased by a vengeful witch, hunted by an undead corpse, and guided by a secretive preacher, a boy must protect a magical lantern that can either save Boston . . . or destroy it.

In October of 1730, young Rip Van Winkle sneaks into a graveyard and comes face-to-face with the ghost of William Blaxton, the first settler of Boston. Warning Rip that the city is in danger, Blaxton gives him a mysterious gift: a pumpkin lantern with power over life and death. Before fading into midnight, the ghost tells Rip to take the lantern to Feathertop, a mythical pumpkin-headed scarecrow.

Pursued by Mistress Hibbins, a witch of terrifying power, and hunted by the nightmarish Midnight Minister, young Rip must rely on the aid of Jonathan Edwards, a stern and secretive preacher, and Nathaniel, a talkative, know-it-all raven. Guided by the magical light of the lantern, Rip races across New England to find Feathertop, save Boston, and become a most unlikely hero!

From the bestselling, award-winning author Seth Adam Smith comes The Pumpkin Lantern--a fantasy novel influenced by the writings of Nathaniel Hawthorne, Lloyd Alexander, and C. S. Lewis. Loaded with humor, action, suspense, and fascinating American history, The Pumpkin Lantern is also a poignant fable about faith, family, and the power of life over death.

Traci Abramson Book For Only .99 Cents!

If any of you love Traci Hunter Abramson books, you know that they don't go on sale very often. So, I was excited to see Chances Are is on sale, since I haven't read it yet and it sounds good!

Here's the back copy:

Maya Gupta is a survivor. After escaping an impending arranged marriage in India as a teenager, she has thrived in America. But now she faces her greatest challenge yet—cancer has invaded her life, and unless she finds a way to participate in a clinical trial in Washington, DC, this may be one battle she loses. When Maya’s best friend Kari offers Maya the lifeline of a place to stay—her brother’s currently vacant DC apartment—the young woman eagerly accepts and goes to meet her fate . . .

Ben Evans’s plans have changed, and he’s heading home for some much-needed rest and relaxation during his off-season in the major leagues. Upon arriving at his DC apartment, however, Ben is shocked to find Maya—his sister’s friend, who he hardly knows—in residence. He soon finds himself trapped between protecting his above-reproach reputation and searching for a way to help a woman he is coming to admire. When Maya’s fight to survive her disease becomes more complicated than ever, she and Ben scheme an extreme solution to her predicament that tests to what lengths they’re willing to go together to save Maya’s life.

Download your copy here for only .99 cents!

Book Review: For This We Are Soldiers

Carla Kelly is one of my favorite historical fiction writers. She has a way of weaving a story that pulls you in and doesn't let you go until the last page is turned. But even from the preface, Ms. Kelly offers an historical insight into the title at the beginning which definitely sets the tone for the book.

For This We Are Soldiers is a collection of novellas and short stories that highlight ordinary men and women who are dealing with war and its aftereffects. There were some that were sweet, like Ozzy and Suh, and some that will make you cry, like Ezra Freeman, and there are definitely some that will make you smile like Ted and Millie. But each one has that special something that makes a Carla Kelly book stand out---they are about regular men and women, just trying to find that special someone while they muddle through the trying times. Everyone can relate to it and everyone will love the journey to their happily-ever-afters. I know I did.

This is the perfect collection for when you want to have a little bite-sized romantic story with well-developed characters combined with a setting that will make you feel like you're there. You won't be disappointed!

Here's the back copy:

From master storyteller Carla Kelly comes this collection of frontier tales that take you behind typical army lines and into the hearts of ordinary men and women who perform extraordinary acts of bravery. From handsome hospital stewards and dashing soldiers to courageous children and wives who will pull at your heartstrings, there's something for everyone's fancy.

Download your Kindle copy here

Great Sale On Thrills & Chills In All Hallow's Eve Anthology

The Timeless Romance Anthology All Hallow's Eve (that just recently won the RONE award for Best Anthology!) is on sale for only .99 cents! I loved all these suspenseful novellas that had romance and a dash of toe-curling suspense thrown in. Just in time for Halloween!

Here's the back copy:

Another addition to the popular Timeless Romance Anthology series. ALL HALLOWS' EVE is not to be missed. Romance, thrills & chills. Need we say more?

In Sarah M. Eden’s mysterious novella OF GHOSTS AND GARDENS, if Enid Pryce has one downfall, it’s that she talks to the ghost in her garden, which doesn’t make her too popular among society’s elite. In fact, she returns to her home in Wales after a Season in Bath with not one offer of marriage. Deeming herself a failure at the nearly-spinster age of nineteen, she is pleasantly surprised when an English gentleman shows up in her garden, apparently intent on finding out more about the ghost. Burke Kennard, grandson of an English marquess, quickly becomes utterly charmed by the young Welsh woman, but the ghost in the garden is more likely to push them apart than pull them together.

In Annette Lyon’s enthralling story IT’S YOU, when Charlie and Anna both see the ghost of Nanny Mae, they think they’re losing their minds. Anna tries to find out more about the ghost and uncovers a decades’ old family secret. One that separated two people in love. Now, the ghost of Nanny Mae must set her wrongs to right. As Charlie and Anna explore the past, and the truth of what happened, they discover that the mistakes of the past might lead to love of the future.

In SOPHIA’S CURSE, a suspenseful novella by Heather B. Moore, Joan grows up in an abbey in France, believing that she is an orphan. A chance encounter with the foreboding owner of a neighboring estate, alters everything she’s understood about her parents. She discovers she’s an integral part of changing a decades-old curse, and that her life, as well as the handsome and intriguing Simon Rousseau’s life, are both in danger unless she makes an enormous sacrifice that will change the course of her dreams.

In Lisa Mangum’s haunting story THE SIRENS’ SONG, we meet recently widowed Oliver, the lead physician on a luxury cruise liner traveling to Greece. He hopes that the change of scenery will help ease his grief over his deceased wife, Cate. After falling overboard, though, he is captured by a siren and taken to a mystical island. Through the sirens' song, Oliver is able to relive his memories of Cate—both the good and the bad—as long as he gives away his memories of her. But can he sacrifice his best memory in exchange for one last chance to say good-bye?

In Jordan McCollum’s thrilling novella THE MAN OF HER DREAMS, homicide detective Alexandra Steen dreams about real murders before they happen, seeing the crime through the eyes of the killers. But the dreams never contain enough clues to save the victim before it's too late. Then one dream ends before a murder occurs—in a place she knows. She finds herself racing against time to prevent the deadly act, only to discover that the intended victim is a man she thought she’d never see again. Seven years might have passed since her breakup with Nick, but the years haven’t changed her feelings for him. Now, she must convince Nick that her dreams are real and find a way to prevent his death.

In Elana Johnson’s chilling story THE GHOST OF MILLHOUSE MANSION, Naomi knows her crush on Colt Jennings is unreasonable. When he invites her to his reclusive mansion to restore an old wooden rocking horse, Naomi can’t resist accepting the job. The more time Naomi spends touring his home, the more interested she becomes in Colt. Until she sees a man in the library who vanishes into thin air. She thinks she’s losing her mind until Colt tells her about the ghosts he’s been seeing for years.

Download your copy here!

Fablehaven Book of Imagination

Brandon Mull is one of our family's favorite authors. His series, Fablehaven, is amazing and all of our children have loved it. The new Book of Imagination has just been released and every Fablehaven fan will want a copy of their own!

It includes workbook style pages with fun riddles and games. We've had a lot of fun with the origami (I'd post my attempts, but I don't want to embarrass myself. But it's all about the fun, right?) and secret codes. It's an amazing activity book that brings out fun aspects from the book and is a must-have for every Fablehaven fan!

Here's the back copy:

Fablehaven has sold more than 3.5 million copies and readers made The Caretaker's Guide to Fablehaven, the first visual discovery and definitive guide to all the mythical creatures of Brandon Mull's wildly brilliant imagination, a bestseller in Fall 15. Now it's the READER'S turn to tap into your imagination in the very first interactive guide to Fablehaven!

Tuck this journal into your backpack, tote it along and use it as a fun activity book for all things Fablehaven and to reflect on the mythical creature metaphors found in the series.

Examples:

If you owned your own invisibility glove like Seth, how would you use it today?
Learn how to draw a dragon’s head with step-by-step instructions.
You have found the legendary Totem Wall. Choose a face to speak with. What question would you ask?
Within the pages of this book are secret codes what will help the reader discover a secret message from Brandon Mull about Dragonwatch, the sequel to Fablehaven.
Dragons can create paralyzing fear. Imagine your hands and arms were literally paralyzed from encountering a dragon, but you still needed to write a message. Use your feet or mouth to write a note on the page.
Create your own art: draw your own magical preserve. Include your home, landmarks, trees, trails, areas to avoid. Where is it located? What is it called?
Draw your family pet as if it were a guardian to a hidden, ancient artifact. What special power does your pet have to protect the treasure it is guarding?

Fans will also find coloring book pages, mazes, scavenger hunts, and instructions for origami creatues of Fablehaven characters like Raxtus!

A Little Break--Everyone Needs One!

I usually post what I'm reading, but yesterday, my husband whisked me away to a bed and breakfast and we took a break, just the two of us. I didn't pick up a book at all, and enjoyed the time alone with my husband.

I think all couples need that time. Even if it's just an overnighter, having that time to talk and reconnect is invaluable. Don't get me wrong, I love being a mom of a large family, but my husband and I rarely have a conversation at home that isn't interrupted several times with phone calls or little people or kids coming and going. We do have a weekly date night, but sometimes having a whole 24 hrs. dedicated to us is a much needed recharge. We're better parents when we have that.

So, I hope you get some time alone with your sweetheart in the near future. I came back ready to face the day and everything that brings and I was deep down happy. Which makes me want everyone to feel that!  Plan some time away! Do it as a gift to yourself.

If you could plan a getaway to anywhere in the world, where would you go?

Free Historical Romance Today!

I know it's not Freebie Friday, but Heidi Ashworth's historical romance, O'er the River Liffey is FREE today only! How could I not pass that on to my romance fans?! This was such an enjoyable afternoon read for me.

Here's the back copy:

Irish heiress Caroline Fulton knows this house party, ostensibly celebrating the victory of Waterloo, is really an audition: will she make a suitable wife? Her host, an English lord, has already won over her father, who’s determined to buy a title with Caroline’s dowry. She is far from taken with the baron, however, especially once she meets Niall Doherty, the impoverished, perceptive tutor to her host’s younger brothers. He shares her love of Irish fairy tales and seems to guard a troubled past…but neither quality will earn Caroline’s father’s approval.

Download your free Kindle copy here

Book Review & Giveaway: Kept Secrets

I'm excited to be part of the blog tour for Traci Hunter Abramson's new book, Kept Secrets.

This one starts out with a mysterious meeting in Hong Kong, but quickly switches to the introduction of Devin and Grace, high school sweethearts who haven't seen each other in six years. They reconnect and realize their feelings for each other are as strong as they can be. After a whirlwind reunion, they get married in Vegas without a lot of thought for the consequences, especially when they are both finishing their master's degrees in different states. They do their best, though, and want to make their marriage work.

Unfortunately, Devin has promised the CIA the next five years of his life and when he's assigned to go overseas on an undercover mission, he can't tell his new wife what he's really doing. She's left behind to wonder if he really did love her while he's fighting to stay one step ahead of the deadly spy game being played.

The suspense in this book was like a coil that just kept getting tighter and tighter as the danger ratcheted up with each chapter. The beginning was like the calm before the storm and the more you read, the less you'll be able to put it down, it's so engrossing. I thought the characters were well-drawn and believable and combined with the setting, the author painted a vivid experience for the reader. There were so many ways it could have ended for Grace and Devin, the author keeps you guessing until the very last. My recommendation? Clear your schedule, sit back, and enjoy the ride!

Buy your Kindle copy here

Be sure to scroll all the way down and enter the giveaway!

Here's the back copy:

Unexpectedly reunited after six years, high school sweethearts Devin Shanahan and Grace Harrington cross paths and have a whirlwind wedding. A lot can change in six years, however, and they must figure out how to make their two independent lives mesh. Unable to disclose his CIA job to his new wife, when Devin is assigned a top-secret mission to Hong Kong, he tells Grace part of the truth: that he is going to work abroad for six months in finance. But when the mission turns deadly and Devin doesn’t know whom to trust, he must make the most difficult decision of his life in an effort to keep Grace safe. Will the seeds of deception prove destructive to their newly formed marriage? And will the love that brought them together be the very thing their enemies use to tear them apart?

a Rafflecopter giveaway 

Blog Tour Schedule:

*Oct. 17th: http://booksaresanity.blogspot.com/, http://mybookaday.blogspot.com/, http://www.wishfulendings.com/, http://ldswritermom.blogspot.com/
*Oct. 18th: http://gettingyourreadonaimeebrown.blogspot.com/, http://literarytimeout.blogspot.com/, http://www.singinglibrarianbooks.com/
*Oct. 19th: http://bonnieharris.blogspot.com/, https://joyinthemoments.wordpress.com/, http://rockinbookreviews.com/, http://empowermoms.net/
*Oct. 20th:http://katiescleanbookcollection.blogspot.com/, http://ldsandlovinit.blogspot.com/, http://melsshelves.blogspot.com/
*Oct. 21st: http://lisaisabookworm.blogspot.com/, http://sweetlymadejustforyou.com/blog/

Freebie Friday!

Today's Freebie Friday is Ring of Truth by Jaclyn Weist. I met the author at the conference last week, and she was so sweet. Her book looks like a romantic comedy and I'm excited to read it!

Here's the back copy:

Erin's fake engagement isn't her most brilliant idea. But how does she admit the truth to her wedding-crazed mom?

Erin doesn’t have time for a relationship. After six years of late nights and mind-numbing assignments at her job as a marketing executive at the billion dollar Silver Script Ad Agency, she’s finally landed the coveted Smithson Jeweler’s account—which means her love life will have to wait a little longer.

When the actress at the first commercial shoot upsets the director, Erin finds herself cast as the leading lady alongside Jake, a handsome up-and-coming actor who rescued her cat from the streets and stole her heart.

Flustered, she walks away from the shoot wearing the diamond ring, and her mom mistakes it for an engagement between Erin and Jake. Both are desperate enough to get their parents off their backs, that they run with the lie.

Now Jake and Erin have to figure out how to admit their story is false without hurting their parents or destroying the friendship they’ve gained with each other.

Download your free Kindle copy here

Designated Survivor and Sprinkling Backstory

At the conference last week, I attended a class about sprinkling backstory throughout your story instead of doing an info dump. Just giving your readers crumbs about the characters until they finally have a clearer picture and have gotten to know your characters like they would a real friend--a bit at a time.

As I've been watching the new show, Designated Survivor, starring Kiefer Sutherland, I have to take my hat off to the writers. Every week they are sprinkling little bits of backstory to every character and we're making assumptions about them, getting to know their fears and strengths, and we are intrigued. Take Tom Kirkman's character for example. In the first show we find out he's a family man, he serves as the president's advisor for HUD and he was being reassigned before everyone was killed and Tom suddenly finds himself as the president. In the second show, we find out that he is completely overwhelmed with what's happened and his new position, he wants hard evidence before he acts, and he's not afraid to stand up to people when it's warranted, but doesn't seem to like confrontation. By the third show, Tom's innate morality seems to be taking a beating and he's starting to realize that maybe not everything is black and white and he might have to play dirty. It's a fascinating character development that viewers can't take their eyes off of. And there has never been an info dump of ticking off talking points of what kind of person Tom is. We are slowly seeing him evolve on our screens.

That's what authors need to do in their writing. Each scene gives another piece of the character puzzle. Each bit of dialogue shows a side of the character, or an opinion, or a core belief. When we sprinkle in the backstory it keeps our readers riveted and they can easily relate to the characters we've imagined.

And that's how it is with Designated Survivor.  I hope the writers continue to be brilliant in their handling of the storylines and characters. I honestly cannot believe how fast the hour long show goes by and I always wish it was a two hour show!

Have you been watching? Who is your favorite character so far?

What I'm Reading Wednesday And A Giveaway!

I'm really excited to be part of the blog tour for Kristen McKendry's new novel, The Governess. This is a book centered around fitting in and finding out what's really important.

Kate Porter doesn't want to live off the charity of her relatives, so she sets out to be a governess as a step toward her dreams of finally finding a place in society. She accepts a position to teach Mr. Colaco's children, but when she arrives, she finds that the arrangements aren't at all what she expected. Living in the woods with the Colaco family teaches her a lot about herself, especially about prejudice and the repercussions of that. Soon, she finds herself loving the simple life and the family she's a part of, but she has a chance to go back to society and is forced to make a choice. Will she stay with those she's come to love?

I thought this book was so unique in its setting and its message. It wasn't preachy or anything, it just resonated, especially with the issues in today's society about prejudice and what it means to truly look past society's judgment of a person. I thought Kate was three dimensional and easy to relate to, and really enjoyed how Alonzo interacted with her. The children in the story stole the scenes they were in and really completed the main characters in ways that were unexpected. There were several twists and turns and a cute ending that made me smile.

You can buy your copy here

Don't forget to scroll down and enter the giveaway!

Here's the back copy:

Independent young Kate Porter envisions a future far greater than the middle-class existence she's always lived, and her work as a governess is simply a means to an end. The glittering world of a society wife calls, and her new position as a private tutor for the children of Mr. Alonzo Colaco is a step in the right direction. She merrily imagines the grand house awaiting her—but when her new employer meets her at the train station driving a gaily-painted gypsy wagon, Kate suspects her new job as a children's tutor will not be all she dreamed.

Instead of the mansion she anticipated, Kate finds herself living in the woods in a refitted train car and teaching the charming children of Alonzo, a tinker by trade. After trying in vain to secure another job, Kate is left with little choice. She must simply bide her time until a better position presents itself. Before long, however, she finds herself abandoning her petticoats and preconceptions in favor of the joys of a simple life—and the possibility of true love. But when opportunity knocks, will Kate really be ready to walk away from all she's come to care for to pursue her high-society dreams?

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Blog Tour Schedule:

 *Oct. 10th: http://booksaresanity.blogspot.com/, http://mybookaday.blogspot.com/, http://literarytimeout.blogspot.com/, http://www.rockinbookreviews.com/

*Oct. 11th: http://www.wishfulendings.com/, https://atransparentmom.com/, http://ilovetoreadandreviewbooks.blogspot.com/

*Oct. 12th: http://lisaisabookworm.blogspot.com/, http://justcommonly.blogspot.com/, http://www.singinglibrarianbooks.com/, http://thethingsilovemost.com/

 Oct. 13th: http://gettingyourreadonaimeebrown.blogspot.com/, http://katiescleanbookcollection.blogspot.com/, http://ldsandlovinit.blogspot.com/, http://sweetlymadejustforyou.com/blog/

*Oct. 14th: http://heidi-reads.blogspot.com/, http://bonnieharris.blogspot.com/, http://www.kindleandme.com/

The RONE Awards and InD'Scribe Conference! (There's Even Dragon Pictures)

As you all know I went to the InD'Scribe writers conference in Burbank, California last week. I had a wonderful time and met so many amazing people!

I also had the privilege of flying on a small airplane (only thirteen rows) and every little twist in turbulence had my stomach feeling like it was on a roller coaster ride. We made it to Burbank safely, though, and headed for the hotel, just in time for the costume party!

When we walked in we were greeted by a huge dragon. It was every fantasy writers dream, I think. Here's a picture of me with it.

Isn't it fantastic?!

The next day was full of really fun and informative classes on audiobooks, book doctoring, authorpreneurship, and behind the scenes of a romance cover photo shoot, to name a few. Just before our dinner that night, I snapped this beautiful shot of the sunset. Burbank's weather was perfect!

After a full day of classes and chatting with authors, it was time for the masquerade party. They had these amazing hors d'oeuvres and our chef for the lunches was a judge from Top Chef. I was in a serious food coma after every meal. It was so good.

Here's me at the masquerade. Do you think I hid my author identity well enough? 

One of the highlights of the conference for me was being able to chat with Anne Perry. She is such an inspiring woman and so down to earth!

The final night was the RONE Awards. I was going back and forth all day. There were so many great finalists this year and I didn't think I would win, but I was crossing my fingers anyway. Of course the Suspense category was the last one of the night so I was on pins and needles! But I didn't win. (I look tired in this picture, but still smiling!)

Even though I didn't win a RONE this year, I did have a great time. I really enjoyed making new author friends, including one of my favorite authors, Rachel Rossano. She is one of the sweetest people I've ever met!

I came home rejuvenated and ready to tackle my work-in-progress. So, after three days of party and fun, it's back to real life. But it was such a great time. Can't wait for next year!

Happy Canadian Thanksgiving!

TODAY IS CANADIAN THANKSGIVING!

I've been busy celebrating Canadian Thanksgiving with my family today. I love having the best of both worlds of being Canadian and celebrating my traditions, and living in the U.S. where I'll be able to celebrate again next month! Two Thanksgivings is the best!

(Canadian Thanksgiving is exactly the same as American Thanksgiving. The only difference is the date because Canadians celebrate after the harvest, where Americans, of course, celebrate at the end of November with Pilgrim stories.)

I hope you take minute today to think of something you're grateful for.

And Happy Thanksgiving to all my Canadian friends and family. I am so thankful for all of you!

I'm At The InD'Scribe Conference!

I am in California at the InD'Scribe conference and having a wonderful time! There is just something so fantastic about being around so many writers. An energy that can't be replicated anywhere else.

Of course the RONE Awards are tomorrow night and I can't wait to see if my novel The Captive is a winner for Best Suspense! I will definitely keep you posted and have lots to tell you on Monday.

Cross your fingers for me!

For My Author Friends

If you are an indie writer then you know how overwhelming it can feel after your book is finished and ready to publish, but there's a million things to remember about what to do next!

I came across this blog post on Writers Helping Writers and it's an intensive checklist not only of where you should be uploading your book, but also some great marketing checklists as well.(Good for ANY type of author, indie, hybrid, or traditional!) It was detailed and even though I've been in this business a long time, I even learned something new!

So, if you are an author, you definitely want to check it out.

Click here for the A Checklist for Publishing Your Book post. (You should also look around the site once you're done reading that one. There's some great stuff on there!)

What I'm Reading Wednesday

All I've been reading this week is the final copy of my new novel, Love's Broken Road. I'm feeling a little nervous and want it to be perfect! This story and these characters are so dear to my heart, I hope you love them as much as I do. Not much longer and this book will be out! There will be a lot of fun book launch contests and prizes. I hope you'll check back to be a part of it!

If you want the special pre-order pricing you can get it here

Here's the back copy:

After surviving an abusive marriage, Victoria Newel needs a clean slate for herself and her son. Taking a job as a math teacher, she moves across the country to the small town of Lincoln, Utah, where no one knows her and she can start over. However, her new colleague, Drew Dalton, offers her friendship and maybe something more. But has her heart healed enough that she could trust again?

Drew Dalton lost his wife to cancer years ago and he locked his heart away, throwing himself into his teaching job. But when Victoria Newel starts working at the high school, she awakens something in him that he never thought he’d feel again. Her gentle nature and quiet strength draws him to her, but it’s obvious she’s hiding something in her past from him. Can he open his heart to a woman who harbors so many secrets of her own?

I love the cover. It's so perfect for this story! What book are you looking forward to this fall?

My New Book Club!

Last month I started a neighborhood book club and it's been so fun! I have been invited to other book clubs and I just never found one that fit me. I read for entertainment and escape and a lot of book clubs read fiction that deals with heavier subjects or non-fiction.

So, I decided to start my own Happily-Ever-After Book Club!

We are going to read books that have happily-ever-afters and can be read in a day or two. Books that are fun and entertaining. They can deal with heavier subjects, of course, but still have to have the happily-ever-after ending. That's my one must-have requirement.

Last month, we read Sarah Eden's book, Kiss of a Stranger. Sarah was able to fit us into her schedule and actually came to our book club meeting and was amazing. (I talked about it in a previous post so I won't repeat myself, but needless to say, I love Sarah Eden books and she is just as fantastic as the fiction she writes.)


This month our book club picked Christy Barritt's novel Hazardous Duty to read since it's a bit spooky, but not scary. If you'd like to read along with us, you can download the book free on Kindle here

Here's the back copy:

Buying a gun to kill your wife: $3,000
Hiring Trauma Care to clean afterward: $1,500
Having that same cleaner uncover evidence that frames you: Priceless

On her way to completing a degree in forensic science, Gabby St. Claire drops out of school and starts her own crime scene cleaning business. When a routine cleaning job uncovers a murder weapon the police overlooked, she realizes that the wrong person is in jail. But the owner of the weapon is a powerful foe . . . and willing to do anything to keep Gabby quiet.

With the help of her new neighbor, Riley Thomas, a man whose life and faith fascinate her, Gabby plays the detective to make sure the right person is put behind bars. Can Riley help her before another murder occurs?
If you end up reading it, be sure to let me know what you think in the comment trail! (I wish you all lived close and could come to my house for book club, but online will have to do.)

Are you in a book club? What do you love about it?

Book Review and Giveaway!

I am super excited to be part of Marlene Bateman's blog tour for her new novel, For Sale By Owner. This was a heart-tugging romance that takes place around the Christmas season and with the cold weather we've been having, it was the perfect book to snuggle up with in front of my fireplace!

McKenzie Forsberg, or Kenzie as everyone calls her, is coming home to her small hometown to stay. She plans to buy her childhood home and give her daughter the same sort of childhood she had--full of magic and love and familiar people. Unfortunately, when she arrives she discovers her childhood home has been sold out from under her to a widower named Jared Rawlins. Jared is interested in possibly dating Kenzie until he realizes how badly she wants the house. She is so dead-set on having it that when he doesn't seem to be able to sell his current house so he can buy the one they both want, he wonders if Kenzie is trying to sabotage him. How can they have a relationship with a haze of distrust hanging over them?

I loved how the author is so adept at really drawing the reader into the characters' lives. It kept my attention riveted. I thought the hero was well-drawn with trying to juggle his responsibilities as a father as well as trying to carve a life for himself. Kenzie had a lot of emotional baggage from her own past relationships, that it was nice to see her really be able to see a different perspective, grow as a person, and allow herself to dream about the possibilities of truly falling in love. I thought the plot had just the right balance of romance and drama and I was fully invested in these two getting their happily-ever-after!

Don't forget to scroll down and enter the giveaway!

You can order your paperback copy here

Here's the back copy:

McKenzie Forsberg is headed home. She's quit her big-city job to return to her roots in the small town of Lake Forest. Kenzi hopes to buy her childhood home from her brother, Tom, as a way of revisiting the peace and security she's been missing in her life. But soon she is shocked to discover that the house has a pending sale, and Tom won't budge from the sale—not even for his sister.

Handsome widower Jared Rawlins catches Kenzie's eye until she realizes that he's the one who is buying her house—but he can only close the deal if he sells his own house by Christmas Eve. Jared is more than a little interested in Kenzie but has second thoughts when it seems that she may be sabotaging the sale of his home.

Slippery feelings of animosity and distrust ensue, with both Jared and Kenzie denying the chemistry between them. But then an unexpected discovery about their connected past puts a new twist in the dynamic. Now, can they put their differences aside and come to terms on a relationship that could last forever?

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Blog Tour Schedule:

*Oct. 3rd: http://mybookaday.blogspot.com/, http://literarytimeout.blogspot.com/, http://bonnieharris.blogspot.com/, http://www.rockinbookreviews.com/, http://ldswritermom.blogspot.com/

*Oct. 4th: http://lisaisabookworm.blogspot.com/, http://thethingsilovemost.com/, http://iamareader.com/, http://empowermoms.net/

*Oct. 5th: http://www.wishfulendings.com/, http://heidi-reads.blogspot.com/, https://joyinthemoments.wordpress.com/, http://www.singinglibrarianbooks.com/

*Oct. 6th: http://gettingyourreadonaimeebrown.blogspot.com/, http://katiescleanbookcollection.blogspot.com/, http://ldsandlovinit.blogspot.com/

*Oct. 7th: http://justcommonly.blogspot.com/, http://booksaresanity.blogspot.com/