I have been looking forward to this day for a long time now. It has to do with the Ripple Effect Romance Novella Series.
So, what is this Ripple thing anyway?
"Like a pebble tossed into calm water,
a simple act can ripple outward and have a far-reaching effect on those we meet,
perhaps setting a life on a different course—
one filled with excitement, adventure, and sometimes even love."
What's fun about this series is that each book is complete in itself--except that a minor character in Book 1 will become the main character in Book 2. A minor character in Book 2 will become the main character in Book 3 and so forth.
While each story could be a stand alone, we do recommend reading them in order so you aren't spoiled, since they are linked.
So what's the big deal today?
The first book launches!
Book 1 - Home Matters by Julie N. Ford
According to her mother, Olivia Pembroke was born to be a star. But how is she supposed to be famous
when she can't even get a decent acting gig? Her lucky break comes when she lands an audition for a wildly popular home improvement show. Even though she has no design training and has never even held a power tool, she refuses to let that stop her. She's confident that her destiny is finally within reach.
When her affections are torn between her heartthrob co-host and the irritating, yet somehow endearing lead contractor, does she continue to reach for the stars? Or does she design a new happily ever after? One that leads not to the fading lights of fame and fortune, but to a love that will burn forever.
I read the book aloud to my hubby, and we LOVED it! There is so much heart to this story. And humor! I love to read to my husband because he's such an audio listener, and he doesn't hold anything back. In fact, I have to shush him in the theater.
We loved experiencing Olivia's journey with her. We sympathized with her, ached for her, laughed with her and at her sometimes. I wanted to smack her upside the head on occasion.
The chemistry between Olivia and Pete is fast--not in a good way either in the beginning. Pete totally cracked us up. In real life I'd probably kill someone like him but, you know, maybe not. His humorous snark and sometimes too-brutal honesty made his serious moments that much more profound.
For a romance to work for me, I have to fall in love too. I did, and my husband cried. This book is a total winner, and I will for sure read it again.
The rest of the books will release as follows:
Book 2 - Silver Linings by Kaylee Baldwin - March 24
Book 3 - Righting a Wrong by Rachael Anderson- April 7
Book 4 - Lost and Found by Karey White - April 21
Book 5 - Second Chances 101 by Donna K. Weaver (moi!)- May 5
Book 6 - Immersed by Jennifer Griffith - May 19
You can find out more about these books by clicking here.
That's very cool you're part of this series!
ReplyDeleteIt is, Alex. I'm very fortunate to have been included.
DeleteAwesome idea. Congrats on your new book, Donna! I'm glad to shout out about it on 5/5 for you in Follower News. E-mail me if you're interested.
ReplyDeleteThat's a very fun concept! Good luck, Donna!
ReplyDeleteThat is an interesting concept indeed, congrats too!
ReplyDeleteIt's been fun the read how they shape up.
Deleteit does sound romantic! And your new background is romantic too :)
ReplyDeleteEver-changing backgrounds, that's me. :D
DeleteCongrats Donna! This series sounds fun.
ReplyDeleteThanks, ilima!
DeleteMust be pretty good, especially since novellas are so hard to sell nowadays. Also good that your hubby liked it:) Reading aloud is something my wife and I used to do (before kids).
ReplyDeleteWhy did you stop? Read to your kids too, Mark. I read to my boys right into their teens. We read Heinlein, Crichton, McCaffrey, and even Mary Higgins Clark.
DeleteThis sounds like so much fun! And can I just add that I love that you could read this with your husband? Mine would never go for something like that!
ReplyDeleteMy husband won't seek out a "girl" book, but he sure seems to enjoy them anyway.
DeleteHubby crying is a good sign. I think I should do more reading together with mine.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on this collaboration! Smart marketing.
It was fun writing with the others, too. :D
DeleteThis is such a cool concept! I love books that have a minor character in one book that become a main character in a later book.
ReplyDeleteMe too, Stina. One of my favorites is the Dragonriders of Pern series. And, of course, my own Safe Harbors series does this too.
DeleteAh man. Wish I'd been in on this one. Maybe next time.
ReplyDeleteThat would be fun, Heidi!
DeleteCongrats that you're a part of this, Donna :-) I like the concept of a series built as each author steps in to pen their particular story. Better together but just fine and enjoyable apart. Pretty cool.
ReplyDeleteOOH! This is absolutely exciting! This books sounds great, and congrats to you for being a part of it Donna! This is so exciting!
ReplyDeleteGood luck to all the Ripple writers.
ReplyDeleteWhat a cool idea! And how fun that you read aloud to your hubby! Good luck with the series, and have a great week!
ReplyDeleteI love the minor to main character idea :)
ReplyDeleteI forgot to tell you I read your book and loved it!
ReplyDeleteDonna, this is such fun idea. I will definitely check these out (uh, as soon as I finish trying to read the Whitney finalists . . . )
ReplyDeleteThat's so cool. I enjoy seeing familiar characters again in different situations and points of view.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea! I've seen it done with the same author, but I think it's neat to have the new POV from a different author. Totally expands on the whole "ripple effect" idea.
ReplyDeleteThat's so cool! I love this take on the concept. :D
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of the ripple effect! So interesting. And congrats on being a part of it!!! I'm so excited for you!
ReplyDelete