I Had a Baby!

 A book baby, of course. And it completes another series. 

Christmas at Kellworth is officially live. I'm a finisher, so it's a rush to say the Twickenham Full-Moon Ball series is complete. As I promised in For the Magic, Reese and Jem finally get their Victorian Christmas.

"It's Christmas. That means grace applies extra." ~Jem

Christmas 1853.

Reese and Jem Taylor are exactly where they want to be, celebrating the season with the friends who feel like family. But the Twickenham magic has followed them to Kellworth — and Christmas has a way of bringing things to the surface. Hopes that have waited decades. Hearts that are finally ready. Gifts no one thought to ask for.

The magic isn't finished yet. And neither is love.

And, now it's time to go back to writing another book.

I Had a Baby!

It's been a tough year for me, writing-wise, so this is kind of a big deal for me. lol 

At Christmas, a man with a name like Ebenezer Grinchly isn’t likely to find any holiday cheer… much less love. Right? 

Eb’s ex-wife just left her excess baggage on his doorstep, and he’s found out he has a daughter—and he couldn’t be more thrilled. Not about his ex-wife lying to him four years ago about the child being his, but about the gift of a second chance at fatherhood. Unfortunately, he knows absolutely nothing about little girls. But the woman he’s wanted to date for months sweeps in to help. 

A lot of people think Eb is a grump like his name implies, but his friend Sandra Faragher knows better. He’s a good guy, only a little rigid and stuck in a rut. It’s her goal to help him out of it. She doesn’t expect to fall for the hot, nerdy dad he suddenly turns into, and his sweet interactions with his surprise daughter only make him more attractive. Sandra can almost believe her dream could come true. 

But Sandra has a secret even her famous boss doesn’t know about. For Eb to get his dream, she will have to sacrifice hers.

 A Huckleberry Falls Christmas Romance

Final Day - TORN CANVAS Blog Tour

Even a hero needs rescuing sometimes ...

Modern-day pirates took more than Jori Virtanen’s friends; they stole his face. Not only does the twenty-four-year-old former model have to confront months of reconstructive surgery, he discovers his previous life was as superficial as his looks. Jori struggles to make a new life for himself as an artist while evading the press. They expect a hero, but he knows the truth. His beauty masks a beast.

Olivia Howard’s given up a normal life for her job, and the sacrifices are finally paying off. The twenty-six-year-old talk-show host’s ratings are heading to the top of the charts. Her dream is to make a difference in people’s lives, but the studio wants mind fluff—like interviewing hot model Jori Virtanen. When Olivia learns the guy helped rescue passengers on a cruise excursion from kidnappers, she knows this is the story she needs to make her case. The only problem is the hero was injured, and now he’s disappeared.

The more Olivia learns about the man behind the scar, the more intrigued she becomes. But Jori is no girl’s happily ever after. Once she finds him, Olivia has to free his heart and help heal the beast.

I so appreciate all the wonderful people who have helped me send my baby out into the world. I hope you'll take a minute and check out today's offerings.

– Feather Pens, Tartan Dreams  – Review/Guest Post

– Meredith Mansfield - Review

– Lindzee Armstrong/Lydia Winters – Review

– Author Brooke Williams – GP/Spotlight

– Wordpaintings Unlimited – Spotlight

– Mins Reads and Reviews – Review

Don't forget, I'm giving away TWO prizes. 

Each winner will receive:

1. a $5 Amazon gift card,
2. an audiobook of the first book in the series--A Change of Plans, Safe Harbors #1
3. and the ebook of the novelette Hope's Watch, Safe Harbors #1.5. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Fifth Ripple and a Mother's Day Sale

Today is the book birthday for the fifth Ripple Effect Romance Novella, 
Second Chances 101.

Um, squeee!

Readers met Francie in the 4th Ripple--Lost and Found--during Lydia and Blake's adventure hunt. Francie's story takes place a year or so later, after her husband died.

Thirty-seven-year-old Francie Davis is sure her luck has changed when she lands a job on campus that will pay her tuition. But after her handsome new boss yells at her on the first day of work, Francie learns that the last person you expect to fall in love with might be the one that’s the most perfect for you.

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | KOBO | iTUNES | GOODREADS

Book 6 - Immersed by Jennifer Griffith - May 19  (shhhh ... it's out already--click here)

Remember, while each story could be a stand alone, we do recommend reading them in order so you aren't spoiled, since they are linked.

Missed what this unique series is all about?

"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."

You can find out more about these books by clicking here.

And, as if that wasn't enough, I'm part of a

To help decide which books might best suit those you gift on Mother's Day, all week during the Book Bash,we're going to be posting tidbits about these books--excerpts, deleted scenes, etc.--on our Facebook event page here.

A Change of Plans by Donna K. Weaver
Sale Price: $.99, regularly $3.99 (If you get the Kindle book, you can add the audiobook for another $1.99) Amazon  
Genre: Clean New Adult Adventure Romance

When Lyn sets off on her supposedly uncomplicated and unromantic cruise, she never dreams it will include pirates. All the 25-year-old Colorado high school teacher wants is to forget that her dead fiancé was a cheating scumbag. What she plans is a vacation diversion; what fate provides is Braedon, an intriguing surgeon. She finds herself drawn to him: his gentle humor, his love of music, and even his willingness to let her take him down during morning karate practices. Against the backdrop of the ship’s make-believe world and its temporary friendships, her emotions come alive.

However, fear is an emotion, too. Unaware of the sensitive waters he navigates, Braedon moves to take their relationship beyond friendship—on the very anniversary Lyn came on the cruise to forget. But Lyn’s painful memories are too powerful, and she runs off in a panic.

Things are bad enough when the pair finds themselves on one of the cruise’s snorkeling excursions in American Samoa. However, paradise turns to piracy when their party is kidnapped. Lyn’s fear of a fairytale turns grim. Now she must fight alongside the man she rejected, first for their freedom and then against storms, sharks, and shipwreck.


Adrenaline Rush by Cindy Hogan
Sale Price: 1.99, regularly 3.99   Amazon
Genre: YA romantic suspense

A madman with a mission is kidnapping groups of thrill-seeking high school seniors across the country, and it’s up to Christy to stop him. To do so, she must take on a fearless alter ego and infiltrate a group of adrenaline junkies bent on pushing life to the limit. Death-defying stunts are only the beginning: two groups fit the profile, and Christy must discover the real target before it’s too late. 

If she chooses the wrong group, more people will disappear. But choosing right puts her as the prime target—with no guarantee that she’ll get out alive.

All the Finer Things by Stephanie Connelley Worlton
Sale Price: $.99, regularly $2.99   Amazon
Genre: Romance

Married to one of the most lucrative and sought after plastic surgeons in SoCal, Megan Hamilton has it all. Her posh life, designer clothes, and stunning penthouse leave her wanting for nothing… or do they? Controlled by his obsessive pursuit of perfection, Doctor Matthew Hamilton will stop nothing short of breaking his young, spirited bride into a subservient trophy wife. But when parenthood enters their picture, the entire game changes. How far will Megan have to go to escape Matt's obsessive control and abuse? And how much will she have to lose before she gets there?

Arms Wide Open, a novella by Juli Caldwell
Price: $.99   Amazon
Genre: Romance

Lauren Brooks is in a rut, and her roomie is determined to yank her out of it by convincing her to participate in a local coffee shop's 5-in-5 speed dating event. Once she agrees, it takes her about 30 seconds to realize if there's an oddball out there looking for love, he'll find her. And creep her out. She confronts one weirdo after another until someone she used to know winds up in the same place, and she has to decide what she wants more: to make a break for it, or embrace the possibilities of another chance.





Chimeria Omnibus Edition – Blood Will Tell and Blood is Thicker by Meredith Mansfield
Sale Price: $.99, regularly $4.75   Amazon
Genre: Portal Fantasy

Blood Will Tell
A half-werewolf and a dragon in disguise join forces to rescue an innocent woman from an unknown attacker. Without knowing who or why, each tries to solve the mystery in their own way. But a decades-old crime and the dragon's true identity may destroy their collaboration--and their growing attraction to one another--just when their enemy has found their hide out.

Blood Is Thicker
Rolf and Valeriah are back. Even while Valeriah struggles to adapt to her new life, a new crisis arises. If they can't figure out why the dragons' hatching grounds are suddenly going cold, a generation of dragons may never hatch--including their own eggs.


Eye on Orion by Laura Bastian
Sale Price: $.99, regularly $3.99  Amazon
Genre: YA Fantasy

Falling in love with your gorgeous new neighbor isn't a bad thing, but when he turns out to be the bodyguard of a princess from a planet nine billion light-years away, life gets complicated.

Seventeen-year-old stargazer Holly Adams never imagined she’d find herself trying to prevent the overthrow of an alien government. When Jai and his sister Amira move into the house down the street, Holly is immediately drawn to them. Jai acts suspicious of her from the start, making Holly more curious about their oddities. When Holly learns they are from a different planet, she does what she can to help protect Amira from Shander, a man who wants to marry her by force in order to take over the kingdom her father rules.

Mistaken identity, a botched kidnapping, and a first kiss that bonds Holly and Jai for life are hard enough, but when Shander believes Holly to be the princess, things get even more dangerous.


How to Have Peace When You’re Fall to Pieces by Rebecca Rode
Sale Price: $.99, regularly $4.61   Amazon
Genre: Nonfiction

You haven't seen your kids' bedroom floor in weeks, your schedule is overflowing, and the drive-thru lady knows you by name. But even when life feels chaotic, peace is possible. Packed with poems, quotes, and inspirational stories, this book gives a fresh perspective on a mother's work and helps restore calm to a hectic world--starting at home.

"Charming . . . full of wit, humor, and great ideas." ~Sandra Covey



Not So Easy by Sherry Gammon
Sale Price: $2.99, regularly $4.25   Amazon
Genre: YA Fantasy

Senior Max Sanchez has it all. 

He’s the star pitcher for Port Fare High’s baseball team. He’s dating the head cheerleader, Emma McKay, and he has a great group of friends. 

Junior JD Miller’s life is Not So Easy. 

Unlike Max, JD struggles with making friends. He’s a social misfit, and he’s being bullied at every turn. He’s also barely surviving. 

A tragedy forces these two together. Now Max must face the hardest challenge of his life as he works to help JD. A tragic accident changes everything, merging their lives together, and Max soon learns that life is not so easy for everyone. Max works to the point of exhaustion trying to help JD survive the chaos that is his life, and his eyes are opened to a world he had no idea even existed. 
Not so Easy is a story about hope, surviving, and never giving up. Download a free sample and start reading now!


Rising Book 1: Resistance by Laura Josephsen
Sale Price: $.99, regularly $3.99   Amazon
Genre: Science Fiction

All Alphonse wants is a quiet summer at home before his final months at university. What he gets is a half-dead stranger on his doorstep and the task of delivering a package to the leader of his home country. Not long after he boards a train toward the capital, he's attacked by knights, elite soldiers of the neighboring king. 

Alphonse is temporarily rescued by Mairwyn, a mechanic with a haunted past and a deep hatred of knights. Together, they attempt to carry out Alphonse's urgent errand, only to learn that if they fail, countless people will die. 

And even if they succeed, they may not be able to prevent the war that lurks on the horizon. (Book 1 of 2)

A Big "Ripple" Day Today!

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. 

MY TAKE:
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.

GOODREADS | AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | KOBO

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.

The Bard's Gift by Meredith Mansfield - Book Review & 8-Book Giveaway

Sixteen-year-old Astrid keeps mostly to herself, finding companionship in the stories her grandmother used to tell. She's too shy even to talk in front of Torolf, the young man she secretly dreams of. Then the Norse god of eloquence appears in Astrid's dreams and forces her to drink the Mead of Poetry. Suddenly, she's compelled to tell her stories. In public. Even in front of Torolf. 

Astrid is meant to use these stories to guide her people from starvation in Greenland to a better future in Markland. A place legends claim is the abode of dragons. But not all of her fierce and independent people are willing to follow a mere girl, even the chieftain's daughter--especially when she counsels peace. Some have other plans for the new land and want to use Astrid and her gift as a tool.

Torolf never dreamed that quiet Astrid could choose him. Now he's stranded in Iceland as she sails in the opposite direction. To attain the promise of a future with Astrid, he'll have to attempt the impossible--sailing alone across the North Atlantic. 

Together, they might defy the plans the gods have made for them and change the fate of more than just their own people.

AMAZON | GOODREADS | SMASHWORDS

My take:
I'm always a fan of a book that has a fantasy element. Wrap that into the wonderful Norse history that's weaved throughout this book, and I was about sold. Then, give me a charming romance that doesn't take forever to bloom--but still has me on the edge of my seat--and the book's a winner.

I loved that Astrid and Torolf had to grow as individuals (away from each other) as well as love interests. Their dedication to each is the kind of thing I look for in my favorite romance stories. Maybe that's why I'm not much of a fan of love triangles. If the girl can really be tempted by another guy, what she feels for the first one isn't anything to brag about. No love triangles in this book, but there is a great battle at the end.

To celebrate the release of The Bard's Gift,

we're having an 8-book giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Other Participants

Bonnie Gwyn

Cindy Hogan

Holly Kelly

Jaclyn Weist

Jaleta Clegg

Lindzee Armstrong

M.R. Buttars

Melanie Crouse

PK Hrezo

Rebecca Lamoreaux

Hope's Watch Release

I'm super happy today.

It's the official launch of Hope's Watch, a Safe Harbors short story, #1.5

Elle Reinhardt loves people and has a gift for turning groups of strangers into friends. When she talks her best friend Lyn into taking a month-long Pacific cruise, Elle is in her element, gathering fellow passengers to her. But things go horribly wrong when a ship excursion ends in death and disaster at the hands of modern-day pirates. 

Filled with her own emotional wounds from the experience, Elle tries desperately to buoy up the grieving loved ones as they wait for news on those lost at sea. Malcolm Armstrong, friend of one of the missing men, arrives to act as family spokesman. Elle knows it’s unreasonable, but she resents his presence. When Mal offers the strength she so desperately needs, will she be able to let go of her animosity and accept his support? 

This ebook-exclusive short story includes special excerpts from both A Change of Plans and Torn Canvas (coming April 2014).

This little offering tells the story of Elle's first days after being kidnapped and during a cruise excursion and then rescued, while the Coast Guard searches for her friend Lyn, who is now lost at sea. It fits nicely between A Change of Plans and Torn Canvas (Jori's tale) which releases in April.

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | GOODREADS

To celebrate, A Change of Plans is on sale.

When Lyn sets off on her supposedly uncomplicated and unromantic cruise, she never dreams it will include pirates. All the 25-year-old Colorado high school teacher wants is to forget that her dead fiancé was a cheating scumbag. What she plans is a vacation diversion; what fate provides is Braedon, an intriguing surgeon. She finds herself drawn to him: his gentle humor, his love of music, and even his willingness to let her take him down during morning karate practices. Against the backdrop of the ship’s make-believe world and its temporary friendships, her emotions come alive.

However, fear is an emotion, too. Unaware of the sensitive waters he navigates, Braedon moves to take their relationship beyond friendship—on the very anniversary Lyn came on the cruise to forget. But Lyn’s painful memories are too powerful, and she runs off in a panic.

Things are bad enough when the pair finds themselves on one of the cruise’s snorkeling excursions in American Samoa. However, paradise turns to piracy when their party is kidnapped. Lyn’s fear of a fairytale turns grim. Now she must fight alongside the man she rejected, first for their freedom and then against storms, sharks, and shipwreck.

AMAZON | AUDIBLE | BARNES & NOBLE | GOODREADS

And, how cool is this? There's a $50 giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I'd like to express special thanks to the awesome Elana Johnson who put this Blog Blitz together. You can check out more about what she offers here.

And the Winners Are ...

The winner of A Change of Plans is 

Peggy Urry

The winner of The DreamKeeper is

Kristina Hill

Stolen Luck and Giving Books for Christmas

Sixteen year old Megan Crenshaw has everything going for her until the day a leprechaun shows up on her doorstep and steals all her luck. Not only that, he follows her around and wreaks havoc in her life. With the help of her friends, Megan must get her luck back before he manages to destroy her life and the lives of all those around her.

I had an opportunity to read this book before Jaclyn's publisher picked it up. My thought at the time was this just had to picked up. And it was. The story is charming and imaginative. The idea of a leprechaun stealing a girl's luck sucked me right in.

My father used to joke with me when I was a little girl that I was an accident waiting to happen, so I sympathized with Megan. I loved how determined she was in the face of her adversity. No way was Megan going to be kept down (literally since she kept tripping and falling). Who knew luck could play such a part in one's life?

To celebrate the launch of Stolen Luck, three ebook copies will be given away.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Jaclyn is an Idaho farm girl who grew up loving to read. She developed a love for writing as a senior in high school, when her dad jokingly said she was the next Dr. Seuss (not even close but very sweet). She met her husband, Steve at BYU and they have six happy, crazy children that encourage her writing. After owning a bookstore and running away to have adventures in Australia, they settled back down in their home in Utah. Jaclyn now spends her days herding her kids to various activities and trying to remember what she was supposed to do next.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Don't forget the "Give Books for Christmas" bloghop. I'm giving away TWO ebooks!

For details about the giveaway and other participating blogs and the books they're giving away, click here.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Day 6 - A Change of Plans Audiobook Giveaway Blog Tour

It's time for a random picture. I had a Harry Potter party a few years ago and went all out. I replaced all my family photos with pictures of the characters. Yeah. Totally embraced my inner geek. We even had a cauldron of Polyjuice Potion brewing in the bathtub and Moaning Myrtle peeking from the mirror.

And now for Day 6!

The blog tour continues for my A Change of Plans audiobook. 

Don't forget there are TWO opportunities to win.

 

Date        Blogger    

23-Aug    David Powers King    
23-Aug    Maria Hoagland . . . . . . . . Interview
23-Aug    Merita King    
23-Aug    Robin Ambrose     
23-Aug    Taryn A. Taylor

24-Aug    Amber Argyle     
24-Aug    Shantal Session    

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Here's a short sample of the book:

 

Day 5 of the A Change of Plans Audiobook Blog Tour

The blog tour continues for my A Change of Plans audiobook. 

Don't forget there are TWO opportunities to win.

 

Date        Blogger    

22-Aug    Angela Corbett    
22-Aug    Phil L . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Guest post on showing vs. telling
22-Aug    Lindzee Armstrong     
22-Aug    Stephanie Abney

23-Aug    David Powers King    
23-Aug    Maria Hoagland . . . . . . . . Interview
23-Aug    Merita King    
23-Aug    Robin Ambrose     
23-Aug    Taryn A. Taylor

24-Aug    Amber Argyle     
24-Aug    Shantal Session    

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Here's a short sample of the book:

And if you don't win? Audible is an Amazon company, so the ebook and the audiobook are linked. When you purchase the ebook, you can download the audiobook for $1.99. So ebook and audiobook for $6.98.
 

A Change of Plans Audiobook Giveaway!

If you've followed my blog much in the last month or so, you'll know that my adventure romance, A Change of Plans, has come out in audiobook. You'll also know that I'm a huge audiobook fan, so I'm really jazzed to have my book now available in that medium. I want to spread the word!

And how cool is this? Because Audible is an Amazon company, the ebook and the audiobook are linked. When you purchase the ebook, you can download the audiobook for $1.99.

Yeah. You read that right. You can get the ebook AND the audiobook for $6.98.

Well, my publisher, Rhemalda, and I are hosting a giveaway. 

And there can be two winners!

 Here's a short sample of the audiobook:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

You have several chances to win
and different blogs to visit each day:

Date        Blogger    

18-Aug    Jaclyn Weist     
18-Aug    Cindy Hogan    
19-Aug    Heidi Tighe  
19-Aug    RaShelle Workman     
20-Aug    JoAnn Arnold    
20-Aug    Heidi Murphy  . . . . . . . . . . Interview
20-Aug    Sherry Gammon    
21-Aug    Taffy Lovell . . . . . . . . . . . . Interview
22-Aug    Angela Corbett    
22-Aug    Phil L . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Guest post on showing vs. telling
22-Aug    Lindzee Armstrong    
23-Aug    David Powers King    
23-Aug    Maria Hoagland . . . . . . . . . Interview
23-Aug    Merita King    
23-Aug    Robin Ambrose    
23-Aug    Taryn Taylor
24-Aug    Amber Argyle     
24-Aug    Shantal Session    

19-Aug    Wendy Knight     

23-Aug    Stephanie Abney 
   

When Lyn sets off on her supposedly uncomplicated and unromantic cruise, she never dreams it will include pirates. All the 25-year-old, Colorado high school teacher wants to do is forget that her dead fiancé was a cheating scumbag. Lyn plans a vacation diversion; fate provides Braedon, an intriguing surgeon. She finds herself drawn to him: his gentle humor, his love of music, and even his willingness to let her take him down during morning karate practices. Against the backdrop of the ship's make-believe world and temporary friendships, her emotions come alive. 

However, fear is an emotion, too. Unaware of the sensitive waters he's navigating, Braedon moves to take their relationship beyond friendship--on the very anniversary Lyn is on the cruise to forget. Lyn's painful memories are too powerful, and she runs from Braedon and what he has to offer.

It’s hard to avoid someone when stuck on the same ship, and the pair finds themselves on one of the cruise's snorkeling excursions in American Samoa. Paradise turns to piracy when their party is kidnapped and Lyn's fear of a fairytale turns grim. Now she must fight alongside the man she rejected, first for their freedom and then against storms, sharks, and shipwreck.

A Change of Plans Audiobook

I'm so excited about this! A Change of Plans is now available in audiobook. I'm a huge audiobook lover, and I'm picky about narrators. 

As authors, we create this world in our minds. We know how we think each of the characters are saying things, the emphasis they give. I've heard many other authors say they hate hearing their books in an audiobook. So, it was with some trepidation that I started listening to Karen Kruper's interpretation of MY characters.

It was such a relief because I really enjoyed it! Kruper catches Elle's bubbly enthusiasm, Lyn's more low-key tone, and Braedon's seriousness. She gives Jori a fun Finnish accent, Jimmy a great Texas drawl, and Maria a Spanish accent. Jack's voice is rougher and gruffer, just like it should be. Emily was brisker than I had imagined, but it fit her character, so I was able to move easily from the voice in my head to the one in my ear.

As for the story itself. Well, I'm biased. :D

Here's a sample:

Do you have anything in audiobook? If yes, are you happy with it?

If not, have you ever considered it?

Launch Party for "Spirit" by Lauren Ritz

I'm on a blog break through July.

I interrupt this blogging break for a PAR-TAY!

Welcome to the Spirit Online Launch Party!

Answer any or all of the following questions, but remember that those with the most points will win the prizes:

• 1/2 point:  At what point does a habit become a disease (as classified by the DSMIV)

• Spirit (1 point): Why doesn't Val drink coffee?

You can check out sample pages of Spirit here to get your answer about Val's coffee.

• A Change of Plans (1 point): What's the first physical attribute that Lyn notices about Braedon?

Here's a link to some sample pages of A Change of Plans where you can get your answer about Braedon.

Now go back to the party here to post your answers. And to finish up the party, we have Lauren Ritz, at Eclectic. 

IWSG

I interrupt this blogging break to bring you:

Click here to find out more.

Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!

Well, the month of the book release is over. Anyone who's read my blog for a while knows that I have been worried about a lot of stuff related to sending my book baby out in the world. The launch turned out to be a lot of fun. My reflections on that event are here. Jordan McCollum, whom I co-launched with, and I also did an event at the American Fork Library. A couple of people came, for which I was grateful.

I think what worried me the most was what took place last Saturday. A solo signing.

So, I posted in a couple of my writing groups for suggestions on how to make it a fun day (I did drag my husband with me because he doesn't have problems talking to people about my book). I thought I'd share some of the great suggestions:

• Chas Hathaway suggested balloon marketing.
• Adrienne Monson said acting like a Walmart greeter and chatting with people made it easier. This was a very common theme.
• Another author said she preferred solo signings rather than double ones where she felt obligated to do the same thing the other author was doing--even if that was just sitting at the table waiting for people to come to him/her. Otherwise it felt like she was trying to hog the people.

I love how author Tristi Pinkston put it:

Here's something I learned a long time ago. A signing is what you make it. If you go in there with the attitude that you're going to have fun, enjoy the experience, have fun talking to people and employees, and live in the moment of knowing that you're an author and you have reached a life-long goal, you'll have a fantastic time regardless of how many books you sell.

If you go in thinking that this is awful and you are embarrassed/shy/reluctant/whatever, and that it's not worth your time unless you sell x quantity of books, you'll have a rotten time regardless of how many books you sell.

Decide the experience you want to have and then create it.

Armed with some great suggestions and Tristi's philosophy, I had a great afternoon.

AND a wonderful surprise. I used to belong to an online romance critique group that got too small to continue. The three of us that were left are still friends on Facebook. As I stood at my table yesterday, a couple entered the bookstore, carrying a book--opened to a place where the author had signed it.

My awesome friend Melanie Macek (who lives in Texas) from that old critique group made arrangements with some family members of hers to drive all the way to Layton to bring me an autographed copy of Mel's book, that I got to critique. They picked up a paper copy of A Change of Plans for me to sign for Mel (she's in my acknowledgements).

Melanie never said a word! *sniff* It totally made my day.

Yeah. Solo signings can totally rock.

What are your experiences at book signings, either as an author or a reader? Have you seen (or done) any clever approaches to make it fun for everyone?