Secrets of a Charmed Life by Susan Meissner - Review

Secrets of a Charmed Life
by Susan Meissner
Expected publication: February 3, 2015 by Penguin/NAL

The author of A Fall of Marigolds journeys from the present day to World War II England, as two sisters are separated by the chaos of wartime ...
  
She stood at a crossroads, half-aware that her choice would send her down a path from which there could be no turning back. But instead of two choices, she saw only one—because it was all she really wanted to see…

Current day, Oxford, England. Young American scholar Kendra Van Zant, eager to pursue her vision of a perfect life, interviews Isabel McFarland just when the elderly woman is ready to give up secrets about the war that she has kept for decades...beginning with who she really is. What Kendra receives from Isabel is both a gift and a burden--one that will test her convictions and her heart.

1940s, England. As Hitler wages an unprecedented war against London’s civilian population, one million children are evacuated to foster homes in the rural countryside. But even as fifteen-year-old Emmy Downtree and her much younger sister Julia find refuge in a charming Cotswold cottage, Emmy’s burning ambition to return to the city and apprentice with a fashion designer pits her against Julia’s profound need for her sister’s presence. Acting at cross purposes just as the Luftwaffe rains down its terrible destruction, the sisters are cruelly separated, and their lives are transformed… 

Goodreads * Amazon

My review:  

Isabel McFarland has never agreed to an interview about her experience living through the evacuation of children from London and the bombing that followed, but now she has agreed to an interview with Kendra. Isabel is ready to reveal she is not who everyone thinks she is and wants to tell the story of two sisters, Emmy and Julia, who became separated when the bombing began. Emmy blames herself and does everything she can to find her sister, but she lives for a long time not knowing what really happened to her.

I can't tell you much about Secrets of a Charmed Life for fear of giving too many spoilers, but I absolutely loved this book. Susan Meissner has a thoroughly engaging writing style, surprising details were revealed at just the right moments to keep you interested, and I was completely hooked from beginning to end. This is a story that really makes you think about life, family, and the concepts of guilt and blame. It is also a story about how people cope with life-changing situations beyond their control, and it makes you consider how small decisions on your part or by someone else can make such a difference in ways you don't realize.

I wish I could say more, but the impact of this book is much better if you don't have spoilers before you read. I don't think you will regret reading this. It is a powerful, emotional story of family, life and history. Susan Meissner is now one of my favorite authors, and I recommend Secrets of a Charmed Life wholeheartedly. 

I won a copy of this book. I was not required to write a review.

About the author:

Susan Meissner was born in San Diego, California, the second of three. She spent her childhood in just two houses.

Her first writings are a laughable collection of oddly worded poems and predictable stories she wrote when she was eight.

She attended Point Loma College in San Diego, and married her husband, Bob, who is now an associate pastor and a chaplain in the Air Force Reserves, in 1980. When she is not working on a new novel, she is directing the small groups ministries at The Church at Rancho Bernardo. She also enjoy teaching workshops on writing and dream-following, spending time with my family, music, reading great books, and traveling.   

Find out more at SusanMeissner.com.  

Christmas at Tiffany's by Karen Swan - Review

Christmas at Tiffany's
by Karen Swan
Published: October 28, 2014 by William Morrow (first published 2011)

What do you do when the man you pledged your life to breaks your heart and shatters your dreams? You pack your bags and travel the big, wide world to find your destiny--and your true love . . .

Ten years ago, a young and naive Cassie married her first serious boyfriend, believing he would be with her forever. Now her marriage is in tatters and Cassie has no career or home of her own. Though she feels betrayed and confused, Cassie isn't giving up. She's going to take control of her life. But first she has to find out where she belongs . . . and who she wants to be.

Over the course of one year, Cassie leaves her sheltered life in rural Scotland to stay with her best friends living in the most glamorous cities in the world: New York, Paris, and London. Exchanging comfort food and mousy hair for a low-carb diet and a gorgeous new look, Cassie tries each city on for size as she searches for the life she's meant to have . . . and the man she's meant to love.

Goodreads * Amazon

My review:

Don't be fooled by the title; this is not a "Christmas" book. Cassie discovers that her husband of ten years has been cheating on her and immediately leaves him and her old life. The plan is to spend the next year with her three best friends, 4 months with each, in three very different cities, discovering herself and deciding where she wants to start over. 

I had mixed feelings about this book. I love the plot, and I think it had a lot of potential. However, it ended up very unrealistic. Cassie really has no money of her own, which is the main reason the plan is to stay with her three best friends. Lucky for her that these three friends have very prestigious jobs with lots of powerful connections. She is rubbing elbows with the cream of the crop, is given a job at Dior in Paris just because of her friend's connections, and definitely lives a lifestyle that is way more extravagant than she should be able to afford simply because she is so lucky to have these friends in high places. I really would have liked this book so much better if she had lived an ordinary life and the author would have avoided the over-the-top lifestyle.

The relationships she had with this group of women were not all that great for me either. These four women had really grown up together; friends since birth, and the mothers were friends even before their birth. They went to boarding school together and were always there for each other. Unfortunately, this rock-solid friendship showed big cracks almost as soon as Cassie begins staying with them. Yes, real-life friendships have these problems too, but I just didn't feel as if these friendships came across as being as strong as they were supposed to be. 

On the other hand, I did enjoy seeing the changes in Cassie throughout the book as she found herself. And for me, the best part was Henry and the lists of things to experience that he gave her for each city. I would recommend this to readers who enjoy slower-paced women's fiction. You may not like this if you prefer story lines that are more down-to-earth.

I won a copy on Goodreads. I was not required to write a review.

About the author:

Karen Swan worked as a fashion editor before moving into writing fiction. She is married with three children and lives in the Ashdown Forest in East Sussex, writing her books in a treehouse overlooking the South Downs. She is the author of the novels The Summer Without You, Christmas at Claridges, and The Perfect Present.

Find out more at KarenSwan.wix.com.      

Waking Up Joy by Tina Ann Forkner - Review

Waking Up Joy
by Tina Ann Forkner
Expected publication: October 8, 2014
by Tule Publishing

Behind every lost dream lies a second chance…

When adored town spinster Joy Talley ends up in a coma after a peculiar accident, she is surprised and incensed to hear what is being said in her hospital room, including plans for her funeral. When she finally wakes, her well-­‐meaning, but bossy, brothers and sisters dismiss her claims, thinking her accident has knocked her off her rocker, but Joy has never felt better, and is determined to set the past right.

Now Joy must face her darkest secret and risk reopening wounds caused by an old flame who rejected her more than twenty years ago. But taking risks brings change, as well as a new, younger man into Joy’s life, making her feel like a teenager again. Suddenly Joy’s once humdrum life is anything but boring and routine and the future beckons, exhilarating and bright.

Goodreads * Amazon

My review:    

Waking Up Joy is an interesting story. Joy has never gotten over her teenage love, so she has refused all offers of dates and is now in her forties with no children. She has a quirky, loving family and still lives in her childhood house with her mom who believes strongly in the power of charms. Right after her mother passes away, Joy climbs onto the roof to retrieve a charm she hid in the chimney (one among many). She has an unfortunate accident which puts her into a coma and causes her family to believe she tried to commit suicide. Joy can hear everything that is being said around her while in this coma, including her long-lost love whose wife passed several years before. After she comes out of the coma, Joy feels as if she has been reborn and is ready to make changes in her life.

I really liked Joy's quirky family, especially the glimpses we got to see of her deceased mother, and how much the family loved each other. I thought the twist was interesting because that was not the story I expected to be behind the charm Joy hid in the chimney. I also liked how this story was set in Northeast Oklahoma and there was a mention of Siloam Springs, Arkansas, because I don't read many books that choose this as the setting. (On a side note, I will say that if there is a JC Penney in Siloam Springs, I've never seen it. But of course, this doesn't detract from the story.) On the other hand, there was something about this book that made it a little hard to read, although I can't really figure out why, and it did seem to drag through the middle. However, I still enjoyed this story and especially the ending, and I would recommend this to anyone who likes women's fiction.

Copy was provided for an honest review.

About the author:

Tina Ann Forkner is a Women’s Fiction writer and the author of Rose House and Ruby Among Us. While she was born and raised in Oklahoma, lived in England, and attended college in California, Tina makes her home in Cheyenne, Wyoming with her husband, three teenagers, and two spoiled dogs. 

Find out more at TinaAnnForkner.com.    

Holly's Wishes by Karen Pokras

Holly's Wishes by Karen Pokras
Published: July 1, 2014
by Grand Daisy Press

Holly Haines first met Ben Oakes when she was just sixteen years old. For Holly, it was love at first kiss—at least in her sixteen year old mind. Sadly though, Ben didn’t seem quite as interested. When a chance meeting reunites them ten years later, Holly discovers he had feelings for her all along. But not everything is as simple as it seems when she realizes they can’t be together. Was fate playing a cruel joke on them, or will Holly find a way to make all her wishes come true?

Goodreads * Amazon

My review:

Holly thinks her life is going along fine. Sure, her long time live-in boyfriend still hasn't proposed to her, but she is positive it is just a matter of time until he does. After her first love reappears, Holly begins to question her relationship with Jared and wonders if he is ever going to grow up and become more responsible. But Ben is unavailable anyway, so she thinks she has to settle for being friends and considering what could have been.

Holly's Wishes is an excellent example of a good series book. The focus is on Holly's story and the main story line is wrapped up nicely in the end; however, we still see details of both Ava and Tess sprinkled throughout which ties all the books together nicely in the Whispered Wishes series. Ms. Pokras showed with this book as well as Ava's Wishes that she is a natural at writing this genre. Her characters are well-developed and the plot lines are engaging.

If you like sweet romantic chick-lit/women's fiction, you will enjoy Holly's Wishes and the Whispered Wishes series.

Copy was provided by the author, but I was not required to write a review.

About the author:

Karen Pokras writes adult contemporary and middle grade fiction under the names Karen Pokras and Karen Pokras Toz. Her books have won several awards including two Readers’ Favorite Book Awards, the Grand Prize in the Purple Dragonfly Book Awards, as well as placing first for two Global E-Book Awards for Pre-Teen Literature. Karen is a member of the Society of the Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI). For children, her books include the Nate Rocks series, Millicent Marie is Not My Name, and Pie and Other Brilliant Ideas. For adult readers, Karen’s books include Chasing Invisible, and her soon to be released, Whispered Wishes series. A native of Connecticut, Karen now lives outside of Philadelphia with her family.  

Find out more at KarenPokras.com.

      

Just Destiny by Theresa Rizzo

Just Destiny by Theresa Rizzo
Published: March 2014

What would you do if your whole world fell apart?

Jenny Harrison made some poor choices in the past, but marrying Gabe was the best thing she’d ever done. They had the perfect marriage, until a tragic accident leaves Gabe brain dead and her world in ruins.

Devastated by grief, she decides to preserve the best of their love by conceiving his child, but Gabe’s family is adamantly opposed, even willing to chance exposing long-held family secrets to stop her. Caught in a web of twisted motives and contentious legal issues, Jenny turns to best friend and attorney, Steve Grant. Steve wants to help Jenny, but he has reservations and secrets of his own.

When something so private and simple turns public and complicated, will Jenny relent? What is Steve willing to sacrifice to help Jenny?

Goodreads * Amazon

My Review:

Just Destiny is emotional and heartbreaking. Whether you agree with Jenny's choices are not, this story forces you to think about what you would do if your world was suddenly turned upside down and you lost just about everything. Jenny chooses the path that she feels she needs to piece her life back together, and thankfully, she has some great friends and family to help her. Theresa Rizzo has managed to effectively portray a devastating tragedy and the emotional aftermath, and my heart went out to Jenny more than once during some particularly heart-tugging scenes. If you like contemporary women's fiction that makes you reach for the tissues, I would definitely recommend this one.

Copy was provided for a review.

About the author:

Theresa Rizzo is an award-winning author who writes emotional stories that explore the complexity of relationships and families through real-life trials. Born and raised in Grosse Pointe, Michigan, she now lives outside of Boulder, Colorado with her husband of thirty years. 

Learn more at theresarizzo.com.    

Ava's Wishes by Karen Pokras

Ava's Wishes by Karen Pokras
Published May 26, 2014
by Grand Daisy Press

Ava Haines had big plans for her life. Her short-term goals included passing Statistics (on the third try), graduating college on time, and securing a job in the art gallery on Main Street. Her long-term goal was to one day own an art gallery of her very own. Oh sure, she would some day like to fall in love and get married, but all of that was secondary to making sure her other goals were in line. Fellow student Max Wallis and esteemed photographer Thomas Malloy were just minor distractions she was more than capable of handling. She was entitled to a little fun once in a while, right? However, as reality takes a tumble, Ava begins to wonder if she really can manage it all. Will all her wishes come true?

Goodreads * Amazon

My Review:

All Ava was worried about was passing her statistics class so that she could graduate and get a job. She wasn't looking for a relationship. But life had other plans for Ava because suddenly there are two men in her life. While I had a feeling early on that something was just not quite right with one of them, I was completely shocked at the plot twist. Sometimes things are not what they appear to be.   

Ava's Wishes is an excellent first book in a new series, Whispered Wishes. Karen Pokras, who has also published middle-grade books as Karen Pokras Toz, seems to be a natural at chick-lit. I was very impressed with how Ms. Pokras provided enough of a glimpse at Ava's two sisters to make readers already interested in reading their stories while still keeping the focus of this book on Ava. 

If you enjoy sweet chick-lit stories with clean romance then this book is a good choice, and I would definitely recommend it.

Copy was provided for review.

About the author:

Karen Pokras writes adult contemporary and middle grade fiction under the names Karen Pokras and Karen Pokras Toz. Her books have won several awards including two Readers’ Favorite Book Awards, the Grand Prize in the Purple Dragonfly Book Awards, as well as placing first for two Global E-Book Awards for Pre-Teen Literature. Karen is a member of the Society of the Children's Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI). For children, her books include the Nate Rocks series, Millicent Marie is Not My Name, and Pie and Other Brilliant Ideas. For adult readers, Karen’s books include Chasing Invisible, and her soon to be released, Whispered Wishes series. A native of Connecticut, Karen now lives outside of Philadelphia with her family.  

Find out more at KarenPokras.com.  

FREE Book Alert - REINVENTING CLAIRE by Darian Wilk - Win 20 dollars to Amazon

Reinventing Claire by Darian Wilk is FREE this week (2/25 to 3/1) on Amazon. Get your copy and find out how to enter to win a $20 Amazon Gift Card below.

Reinventing Claire by Darian Wilk

August 20, 2012 

People get divorced, but that's what happens to other people. That's what Claire thought anyway, until her husband, Charlie, tells her he wants a divorce.

Claire has no choice but to take on the title of Divorced Woman, and face the question she has no idea how to answer. Who is Claire without Charlie? Her family believes her newly divorced woes can be cured by landing herself a boyfriend. With her dating dunce cap in hand, Claire stumbles her way through the foreign territory of online dating.

A teacher from hell, a softball coach, and a sap later, Claire proclaims herself the dating idiot she thought she was, and fears she's doomed to be a lonely, crazy cat lady. But an accidental run-in with an old acquaintance might change everything. What starts with comparing dating battle wounds over a cup of coffee, quickly turns into something Claire had given up on.

As Claire discovers maybe there is love after Charlie after all, Charlie realizes his mistake. He wants her back, and he'll do anything to prove it to her. Now Claire must choose who deserves her heart, and if she's really willing to give it away again.

About the author:

Darian Wilk was born in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, the younger of two children.  While still a toddler her family moved back to their home state of Michigan, where she still lives today. 

After high school Darian tried her hand at college, majoring in Nursing, while she worked as a Physical Therapy Technician.  "I loved my job, but I still couldn't picture doing it forever," she says now.  But before she finished her degree she became pregnant, and focused her attention on the challenges of being a single mother to her daughter.

In 2005, Darian married her best friend, Steve, whom she met and became close friends with several years earlier.  In their second year of marriage, Darian became pregnant with her son.  She worked on and off throughout her twenties as a Home Health Aid to the elderly, but preferred to stay home and raise her babies.

In 2007, her mom was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, and Darian quit working to tend to her mom.  It was in those three years of taking care of her that Darian realized how precious, and short, life really is.  In her moms last year of life, she finally had the courage to pursue what her heart always secretly longed for; becoming a writer.  It was then that she started her debut novel, Love Unfinished, and continues her writing journey today. 

Find out more at DarianWilk.weebly.com. 

Giveaway Details

One winner will receive a $20 Amazon Gift Card.

Giveaway ends at midnight on March 1, 2013 EST.

Open internationally as long as you can use a Amazon.com gift card. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Bloggers: Sign Up to Participate in a "Free Book Blast" for REINVENTING CLAIRE by Darian Wilk

Sign ups are now open for bloggers who are willing to put up a post for a "Free Book Alert" on February 25. Reinventing Claire by Darian Wilk will be FREE on Amazon from 2/25 to 3/1. 

In exchange for getting the word out, you will receive a spot on the Rafflecopter. There will be a $20 Amazon gift card up for grabs. You must put up the post including the Rafflecopter by noon CST on 2/25. If you cannot commit to this, please do not sign up.

About the book:

Reinventing Claire by Darian Wilk
August 20, 2012

People get divorced, but that's what happens to other people. That's what Claire thought anyway, until her husband, Charlie, tells her he wants a divorce.

Claire has no choice but to take on the title of Divorced Woman, and face the question she has no idea how to answer. Who is Claire without Charlie? Her family believes her newly divorced woes can be cured by landing herself a boyfriend. With her dating dunce cap in hand, Claire stumbles her way through the foreign territory of online dating.

A teacher from hell, a softball coach, and a sap later, Claire proclaims herself the dating idiot she thought she was, and fears she's doomed to be a lonely, crazy cat lady. But an accidental run-in with an old acquaintance might change everything. What starts with comparing dating battle wounds over a cup of coffee, quickly turns into something Claire had given up on.

As Claire discovers maybe there is love after Charlie after all, Charlie realizes his mistake. He wants her back, and he'll do anything to prove it to her. Now Claire must choose who deserves her heart, and if she's really willing to give it away again.

About the author:
I'm a women's fiction author, and my current titles include Love Unfinished and Reinventing Claire. I love the challenge and thrill of putting words onto paper, and forming it into a story. For me, the only thing better than that are my kids.

On the occasions I'm not engulfed in writing you'll find me reading a book, either for fun or for review on my blog, Crazy Lady with a Pen. When I'm not reading, I'm spending time with my friends and family. Life is too short to pass those beautiful little moments life has to offer by, I want to soak up every moment I can.

For more information about me, my books, reviews, or my blog, please visit my website, DarianWilk.weebly.com.  

Teaser Tuesday: Reinventing Claire by Darian Wilk

I haven't done a teaser in a while, but here you go.

"I started crying.  And not the weepy, sniffle kind either, where you delicately blot a hanky to your eye.  No, the snorty, heaving sobbing you only want to do locked in your bathroom with the shower running so no one can hear you." 

Reinventing Claire
by Darian Wilk
August 20, 2012 
On page 8 of my ARC copy. 
Add on Goodreads.

Anyone can participate in Teaser Tuesdays. Just do the following:

• Grab your current read
• Open to a random page
• Share two (2) "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page
• Be careful to NOT include spoilers! (Make sure that what you share doesn't give too much away! You don't want to ruin the book for others!)
• Share the title and author.

Teaser Tuesdays was created by MizB of Should Be Reading.

 

What do you think about this teaser? Please also share your own.

Darian's first novel, Love Unfinished, is currently FREE on Amazon. 

People Watching is Cool - Darian Wilk, author of Reinventing Claire

Reinventing Claire
by Darian Wilk
August 20, 2012

People get divorced, but that's what happens to other people. That's what Claire thought anyway, until her husband, Charlie, tells her he wants a divorce.

Claire has no choice but to take on the title of Divorced Woman and face the question she has no idea how to answer. Who is Claire without Charlie? Her family believes her newly divorced woes can be cured by landing herself a boyfriend. With her dating dunce cap in hand, Claire stumbles her way through the foreign territory of online dating.

A teacher from hell, a softball coach, and a sap later, Claire proclaims herself the dating idiot she thought she was and fears she's doomed to be a lonely, crazy cat lady. But an accidental run-in with an old acquaintance might change everything. What starts with comparing dating battle wounds over a cup of coffee quickly turns into something Claire had given up on.

As Claire discovers maybe there is love after Charlie after all, Charlie realizes his mistake. He wants her back, and he'll do anything to prove it to her. Now Claire must choose who deserves her heart, and if she's really willing to give it away again.

Add on Goodreads.

People Watching is Cool
Guest Post by Darian Wilk

One of the most frequent questions readers ask me is not how I come up with ideas, but how do I create such realistic characters?  This is the part where I give the awe inspiring answer only a brainiac like me could come up with, which will send an explosion heard throughout the literary community… I must give credit to my stealthy, honed, people watching skills.  Wait for the writing world to erupt into applause…wait for it, wait for it…nothing yet?  Crap.  Guess I’m still stuck in the trenches…

The success I’ve had thus far comes from years of being a wallflower and watching, well, you.  People watching is cool.  Admit it, you like it too.  When you see that woman at the grocery store, in a Superman t-shirt, yellow shorts, and her worn out Kermit slippers – you’re staring too.  People watching is not only highly enjoyable, for me it’s also apart of work.  It’s part of my research.  Thus giving me a justifiable excuse to continue staring – I’m working by staring.

Often times I can’t hear the conversation between the cashier and the woman in the Superman shirt, and I don’t really care what they’re talking about.  Dialogue fitting to a character comes naturally when they behave as they should.  I want to see their movements, their reactions, and expressions.  People watching is how I’ve learned the subtleties of people, which I pour into my characters and is what hopefully gives them that realistic flare.  For example, what’s an easy way to spot a couple on their first date at a restaurant?  It’s not the flirtatious smile, or how attentive he seems.  The giveaway?  A woman always has perfect posture on first dates.  The established couple?  She’s slouching and checking Facebook on her phone.

While it may look like I’m just staring at someone for a random reason, I’m actually learning.  I’m studying the traits of real people, to create real people.  I’m learning how a woman reacts to back-handed compliments from her mother-in-law, how a frustrated mom quiets her kids at the mall, and how people react when they run into someone they hoped to avoid. 

A writer could drown in the advice of proper ways to create realistic characters.  Everyone is an expert, or has proclaimed themselves one.  But for me, if my characters feel as if they come to life on the page, it’s not from the hundreds of articles or books I’ve read, it’s credited to watching real people.  So you never know, maybe the next time you wear your Kermit slippers to the store, I’ll be studying you, and you’ll end up in my book. 

About Darian Wilk:

I'm a women's fiction writer, author of Love Unfinished and Reinventing Claire. I love the challenge and thrill of putting words onto paper, and forming it into a story. For me, the only thing better than that are my kids.

On the occasions I'm not engulfed in writing, you'll find me reading a book, either for fun or for review on my blog, Crazy Lady with a Pen. When I'm not reading, I'm spending time with my friends and family. Life is too short to pass those beautiful little moments life has to offer by, I want to soak up every moment I can.

For more information about me, my books, reviews, or my blog, please visit my website, www.DarianWilk.weebly.com. You can also find Darian on Twitter and Facebook. (And occasionally as a reviewer on Krazy Book Lady!)

Darian's first novel, Love Unfinished, is FREE on Amazon August 20-24th. Get your copy now! And check out the new cover. That's my quote!

Reinventing Claire by Darian Wilk - Waiting on Wednesday

Well, I'm not waiting on this book because I'm currently reading it, but I wanted to highlight it for the rest of you. My pick this week for Waiting on Wednesday is Reinventing Claire by Darian Wilk. Pick up this book when it comes out August 20th or Darian's previous release, Love Unfinished. Stop by Darian's site and connect with her (or check out her guest reviews here on Krazy Book Lady); she's as sweet as can be! (Can you tell by that last sentence that I live in the South?)

Reinventing Claire
by Darian Wilk
Expected publication: August 20, 2012

People get divorced, but that's what happens to other people. That's what Claire thought anyway, until her husband, Charlie, tells her he wants a divorce.

Claire has no choice but to take on the title of Divorced Woman, and face the question she has no idea how to answer. Who is Claire without Charlie? Her family believes her newly divorced woes can be cured by landing herself a boyfriend. With her dating dunce cap in hand, Claire stumbles her way through the foreign territory of online dating.

A teacher from hell, a softball coach, and a sap later, Claire proclaims herself the dating idiot she thought she was, and fears she's doomed to be a lonely, crazy cat lady. But an accidental run-in with an old acquaintance might everything. What starts with comparing dating battle wounds over a cup of coffee, quickly turns into something Claire had given up on.

As Claire discovers maybe there is love after Charlie after all, Charlie realizes his mistake. He wants her back, and he'll do anything to prove it to her. Now Claire must choose who deserves her heart, and if she's really willing to give it away again. 

Add on Goodreads! 

Waiting on Wednesday is hosted by Breaking the Spine. 

The Bridge Club by Patricia Sands - Guest Post & Kindle Fire Giveaway

The Bridge Club
by Patricia Sands

For more than forty years, the mantra of the eight women in the Bridge Club has been one for all and all for one. Beginning their monthly soiree in the psychedelic Sixties, unpredicted twists of fate weave through the good times and strong friendship they share as the years pass. The constant from one decade to the next is loyal and nonjudgmental support, even when agreeing to disagree is the final solution. From the exhilarating cultural changes of their early times together through the zoomer years, their connection never falters.

As they celebrate turning sixty (give or take a year) at a group birthday weekend, each woman recalls a challenging time in her life when the Bridge Club came to the rescue.After tossing around ideas mixed with a generous helping of common sense and a large dose of laughter they decide to refer to that time as their SOS. Eight chapters document each one's story.

Everything is put into perspective and the strength of their friendship is truly tested when one of these women faces a life-altering decision. Her choice profoundly affects all members of the group, pushing the limits of their beliefs and values. The unique alliance they share is confronted with a crisis none of them might have imagined.

Add on Goodreads, and buy on Amazon. 

Many Authors See Marketing as a Bind. What Are Your Thoughts?
Guest Post by Patricia Sands

To market, to market, to buy a fat pig.

Home again, home again, jiggity-jig!

For some bizarre reason, often when I get into a discussion about book marketing with someone, that childhood rhyme runs through my mind. I really don’t think it has anything to do with the subject and I’m not even sure why I shared that with you now. Never mind!

I think becoming aware of book marketing demands is one of the biggest shocks to a newly published author. We tend to think that once our book is written and out there, our work is over. Not so! In fact, the hard labour has only just begun.

This particularly rings true for independently published (indie) authors although many writers published through traditional avenues also are finding they are responsible for assisting in marketing more than ever. This is one reason why some traditionally published authors are now taking matters into their own hands and “going indie”. If they have to do all the other promotional work, they might as well reap the benefits of higher royalties and be in complete command of all decisions, without a publisher.

My experience with marketing The Bridge Club has involved an enormous learning curve. As a newcomer to the publishing world there was, and still is, much for me to learn. The biggest bonus for me has been meeting a group of amazing writers through an online blogging course. We bonded in a remarkable way and have continued through the past year to share experiences and strategies. Thirty heads working together are far better than one!

The best advice I can offer is to look at the online writing community and find a group that sounds like a good fit for you. I cannot stress enough how supportive, talented and helpful you will find most of the people involved in the world of writing.

The basic starting point is to join Goodreads, Facebook, and Twitter and also establish a blog and website. Most writers today offer their work as an e-book as well as in print and there are many excellent sites on which to promote your work. Listing your e-book on Amazon Kindle Direct is a must.

Shameless self-promotion seems to be a necessary part of a writer’s personality with business cards and promotional postcards or bookmarks showing your published information an absolute must in your purse, pocket or computer bag. Hand them out at every opportunity and don’t be shy!

Blog tours and promotional programs such as this fabulous Orangeberry Summer Splash are wonderful ways to spread the word about your work. They also offer great opportunities to meet and connect with other writers and that brings us full circle to my suggestion that this kind of networking is of immense value. 

I would be happy to share other websites and links that I have found to be helpful in developing marketing opportunities. Please feel free to contact me through any of my links shared through the Summer Splash. Writers helping writers is what it’s all about!

About the author:
Patricia Sands lives in Toronto, Canada and has degrees from the University of Waterloo and York University. With a happily blended family of seven adult children and, at last count, six grandchildren, life is full and time is short. Beginning with her first Kodak Brownie camera at the age of six, she has told stories all of her life through photography. Much to her surprise a few years ago, she began to write and her debut novel The Bridge Club has just been published through iUniverse. Currently at work on her second novel, Patricia admits the writing muse has possessed her and looks forward to a long and satisfying career as an author. She is particularly drawn to the rewarding friendships of women and the challenges many embrace once their families are grown. "It's never too late to begin something new," she enthuses. "As the saying goes, just do it!" 
  
Find out more at PatriciaSandsAuthor.com. 

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Wanting Rita by Elyse Douglas - Guest Post

Wanting Rita by Elyse Douglas
Published: May 1, 2012

When his high school sweetheart experiences a devastating tragedy, Dr. Alan Lincoln reluctantly returns to his Pennsylvania hometown to see her. It’s been 15 years. Rita was a small town beauty queen—his first love whom he has never forgotten. He was a nerd from a wealthy family. Her family was poor. They formed a strong connection during their senior year, but Rita married someone else, and the marriage ended tragically.

Alan’s marriage of three years is disintegrating, and he sees in Rita the chance to begin again with the true love of his life. Rita has been mentally and emotionally shattered, but she reaches out to Alan and fights to build a new life with him. During a passionate summer, however, the past and present converge and threaten their rekindled love, as Alan and Rita must struggle with old ghosts and new secrets.

Buy on Amazon.

Guest Post:
Looking for Work

When your work speaks for itself, don't interrupt. - Henry J. Kaiser

I worked as a graphics computer consultant while also working on a novel. An agency called and asked if I would handle a “difficult and challenging assignment.” It was at a leading investment banking firm on Park Avenue. I said yes. I dressed appropriately—corporate casual: khakis, button down shirt, loafers.

I entered the soaring-to-the-heavens building, going through 5 minutes of grueling security, but was respectively called Mr. Pennington, because I looked akin to investment bankers who are important and prosperous.

I played the part, carrying an impressive shoulder bag that had nothing in it except a protein-packed peanut butter bar and edits for a new women’s fiction novel entitled, Wanting Rita, that my wife, Elyse, and I were writing.

I was whisked to the upper floors that looked out over the impressive, gleaming towers of Manhattan. I stepped across gold carpeted hallways and passed shimmering enclosed offices, where determined men and women worried and jousted over important financial issues.

I was led across the trading floor, around islands of printers and computers, down corridors that opened, vast and wide, to more cubicles and computers, with even more people, dressed like me, hunched over keyboards, working assiduously. I was about to be involved with powerful people doing important work and I was ready for it. I was ready for the difficult and challenging assignments that lay ahead.

I was shown my desk, my computer and my printer. I lowered my shoulder bag with a dramatic sigh, aware that curious eyes were watching, and pretended to strain under its weight. Let them think I have important documents inside, I thought to myself. Let this first impression be one of “this guy has come to do difficult and challenging assignments.”

I sat, adjusted my ergonomically designed chair—one that was so carefully and skillfully designed that I could have been shot to the moon in ease and comfort. I booted up the computer. I logged on, using the highly secret passwords. I waited.

A tall, focused supervisor arrived, quiet and serious. “Welcome. Good to have you with us. We’ve got a lot of work to do.”

He drifted away into the endless corridors and cubicles and glass-enclosed offices. I waited.

The district supervisor soon arrived. She was easy, friendly and attractive. “We have so much work to do. So glad you’re here to help us, Douglas.”

“Good to be here,” I said earnestly.

She soon ambled away, to some distant shore, where security doors released you through a hallway that led to more security doors and corridors and stairs and a bank of elevators.

I waited… At 1pm, I was told to go for lunch and return at 2pm. I did. At 6:30, I was kindly instructed to go home. Being the last worker on the floor, I did, shutting down the computer on which I had stared longingly for stale, protracted hours. I then wandered through the maze of cubicles and silent offices until I arrived at the bank of lonely elevators. They seemed to speak to me.

“Ah…Douglas, the vicissitudes of life: up and down, down and up.”

A week passed—one day looping into the next—each following the same familiar and grueling pattern. I never was given any work to do. Often, in quiet desperation, I worked on Wanting Rita.

One night, as I prepared to leave after a particularly fallow day, a co-worker drew up, flushed, perspiring and weary. “What a kick-ass day, huh? I’m beat.”

I mopped my brow with a tissue. “Oh, yeah. A real pressure cooker.”

On another evening, I left the hushed, empty cubicles, slouching my way to the elevators. I stood in an awkward silence. The CEO of the company was standing beside me. He stood aloof, dressed smartly in a suit and tie. No doubt he’d spent endless challenging hours wrestling with problems, financial quagmires and near life-and-death issues.

I, on the other hand—for nearly three months—had done absolutely nothing.

He eyed me suspiciously. I could hear him thinking: “Humm…last man out. Obviously, a dedicated employee. No doubt he’s been working on difficult and challenging assignments.”

I left the building with all the other essential people. I kept my head held high, but my shoulders a little slouched to show that I, too, had done important work and I was weary from it.

I never saw the supervisor again. I returned several times a week for about a year and was rarely given any work. When work gratefully arrived, it was elementary at best. Anyone could have done it.

Whenever I asked if there was any work for me, I was told “Oh, yeah, we’re going to be busy today.”

Then the day finally came: the assignment came to an end. Not with a bang but a whimper. “Good job,” I was told. “Thanks for all the hard work.”

Two weeks later, I received a call from the agency.

“Douglas, they want you back. They said you’re the only one they trust to handle the workload. Are you available?”

About the author:

Elyse Douglas is the pen name for the married writing team Elyse Parmentier and Douglas Pennington. Elyse grew up near the sea, roaming the beaches, reading and writing stories and poetry, receiving a Master’s Degree in English Literature from Columbia University. She has enjoyed careers as an English teacher, an actress and a speech-language pathologist. She and her husband, Douglas Pennington, have completed three novels: The Astrologer’s Daughter, Wanting Rita and a Christmas novel to be released later this year.

Douglas grew up in a family where music and astrology were second and third languages. He attended the Cincinnati College Conservatory of Music and played the piano professionally for many years. With his wife, Elyse, he has helped to pen The Astrologer’s Daughter and Wanting Rita.

When asked how they write a novel together, Doug often answers, “Well… If Elyse is dismissive and quietly pacing, then I know something’s not working. If I’m defensive, dramatic and defiant, then I know Elyse will soon be scowling and quietly pacing. We remind ourselves of Rita and Alan James in our novel, Wanting Rita. How the books get finished, I don’t know.”

Elyse and Douglas live in New York City. 

Find out more at ElyseDouglas.com and on Twitter.

Elyse Douglas and Pump Up Your Book Tours are hosting a Kindle Fire Giveaway. Click here to find out more details.

Dancing Naked in Dixie by Lauren Clark - Giveaway

Dancing Naked in Dixie 
by Lauren Clark
Published: May 21, 2012 
by Monterey Press

Travel writer Julia Sullivan lives life in fast-forward. She jet sets to Europe and the Caribbean with barely a moment to blink or sleep. But too many mishaps and missed deadlines have Julia on the verge of being fired.

With a stern warning, and unemployment looming, she's offered one last chance to rescue her career. Julia embarks on an unlikely journey to the ‘Heart of Dixie’—Eufaula, Alabama—home to magnificent mansions, sweet tea, and the annual Pilgrimage.

Julia arrives, soon charmed by the lovely city and her handsome host, but her stay is marred by a shocking discovery. Can Julia's story save her career, Eufaula, and the annual Pilgrimage?

Add on Goodreads, or buy from Barnes & Noble.

About the author:

Lauren Clark has been a voracious reader since the age of four and would rather be stranded at the library than on a desert island. In her former life, she worked as an anchor and producer for CBS affiliates in Upstate New York and Alabama. Lauren adores her family, yoga, her new Electra bike, and flavored coffee. She lives near the Florida Gulf Coast. Visit her website at LaurenClarkBooks.com. 

Giveaway:

1 winner will receive a print copy of Lauren Clark's first book, Stay Tuned, and a digital copy of Dancing Naked in Dixie.

How to enter:

Just fill out the form below.

Additional optional entries:

+1 Be a follower of Krazy Book Lady.

+1 Follow Lauren on Twitter or Facebook. 

Giveaway Details:

Giveaway is open to US ONLY. Giveaway will end at midnight on July 31. Must be 13 or older to enter. Winner will be selected using random.org. Winner will be emailed, and this blog post will be updated to include the winner. Winner has 3 days to respond, or a new winner will be selected.

Sorry! This giveaway is over.

Winner will be announced soon.

Reinventing Claire by Darian Wilk - Cover Reveal

Reinventing Claire by Darian Wilk 

People get divorced, but that's what happens to other people. That’s what Claire thought anyway, until her husband, Charlie, tells her he wants a divorce.

Claire has no choice but to take on the title of Divorced Woman, and face the question she has no idea how to answer. Who is Claire without Charlie? Her family believes her newly divorced woes can be cured by jumping back into the dating scene – and landing herself a boyfriend. With her dating dunce cap in hand, Claire stumbles her way through the foreign territory of online dating.

A teacher from hell, a stalker, and a softball coach later, Claire proclaims herself the dating idiot she thought she was, and fears she's doomed to be a lonely, crazy cat lady. But an accidental run-in with an old acquaintance might change everything. What starts by comparing dating battle wounds over a cup of coffee, quickly turns into something Claire thought she had given up on.

As Claire discovers maybe there is love after Charlie after all, Charlie realizes his mistake. He wants her back, and he'll do anything to prove it to her. Now Claire must choose who deserves her heart, and if she's really willing to give it away again.

Add it on Goodreads. 

 

About the author:
Darian is a women's fiction writer, avid book reader, mom to two amazing kids, and wife to one awesome husband. Her passion for writing started at an early age, which led her to being published in three poetry anthologies as a teenager. In 2009, she took on writing full-time and her first novel, Love Unfinished, was released in 2011. Her second novel, Reinventing Claire, is set to be released in August 2012.  

You can find Darian on her website, Twitter and Facebook. 

(Darian also regularly contributes reviews to Krazy Book Lady!)