Friday, December 18, 2015

12 Days of Christmas Book Blitz: Day Eight: Getting Kole for Christmas by Kimberly Krey


On the Eight Day of Christmas, an author gave to me....

Getting Kole For Christmas!





Kylie’s been crushing on Kole for two years now, but can she get him to see her as more than a friend?

For years Kylie has watched her older sisters get asked to every school dance there is. Yet once she’s old enough to go, the invites are in short supply. While getting overlooked has never felt good, it hasn’t really hurt the way it does this year. Because now there’s someone she really wants to go with: Kole Kingston. Kole is charming and funny. Gorgeous and kind. And everything she wants in a guy. Trouble is, he’s also her very best friend. Can Kylie tear herself free from the friend-zone in time to get asked to the Christmas dance? Or will she – like so many others – find that a romance between them will never be?



                                



Kimberly Krey specializes in writing "romance that's clean without losing the steam!"   She's a reader of good, clean romance, a lover of family time and Diet Coke, and the ultimate hater of laundry. She discovered her love for writing in college when given a creative writing assignment. She still remembers sitting in the lamplight's glow, crafting words to depict the vision in her head. That assignment sparked a passion within her. It took years to return to that passion, but now that she has, she counts it among her greatest blessings.

Krey is author of the top-selling Sweet Montana Bride series, as well as its companion series, Second Chances. 


Q and A With the Author:

1-  Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?

Yes. It’s about learning to love yourself despite your imperfections. (And others despite theirs, as well.)

2-   Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?

 Each book I write gives me a new insight into the different perspectives of each of my characters. This one reminded me of how important it is to be sensitive to others; we never know what they’re struggling with. 

Connect with the Author here:

       

Snippet

“Ooh, ho, ho! Looks like someone’s standing beneath the mistletoe,” Mike yells from clear down the hall. I glance up and see a small cluster of red and green hovering right over our heads. That must mean we’re next to the – I look to my left for confirmation; yes – the trophy case. My heart bursts into an uncontrollable spasm. My legs feel weak and jelly-like.
            Several of the students have already filtered out to their busses or cars in the wet, miserable slush. But am here, warm and dry, standing beneath a dangling sprig of mistletoe with none other than Kole Kingston before me.
            I have mentally cursed the neighbor kid who keeps hanging the mistletoe next to the trophy case. I have shot daggers out of my eyes at him for having to witness all the couples who’ve stopped to make-out between classes. But in this moment I take it all back. Tony Anchorman, I love you, your awkward cousin, and your ugly cat too.


To view our blog schedule and follow along with this tour visit our Official Event page 



Thursday, December 17, 2015

12 Days of Christmas Book Blitz: Day Seven: Unwrap The Romance anthology


On the Seventh Day of Christmas, Five Authors Gave to me....

 the Unwrap The Romance anthology!




5 amazing authors from 5 Prince Publishing have come together to make this wonderful Anthology. Let's get to know them.
Romance author by night, pharmacist by day, Amy Gale loves rock music and the feel of sand between her toes.  She attended Wilkes University where she graduated with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree. In addition to writing, she enjoys baking, scary movies, rock concerts, and reading books at the beach.  She lives in the lush forest of Northeastern Pennsylvania with her husband, six cats, and golden retriever.


Bernadette Marie has been an avid writer since the early age of 13, when she’d fill notebook after notebook with stories that she’d share with her friends.  Her journey into novel writing started the summer before eighth grade when her father gave her an old typewriter.  At all times of the day and night you would find her on the back porch penning her first work, which she would continue to write for the next 22 years.

In 2007 – after marriage, filling her chronic entrepreneurial needs, and having five children – Bernadette began to write seriously with the goal of being published.  That year she wrote 12 books.  In 2009  she was contracted for her first trilogy and the published author was born.  In 2011 she (being the entrepreneur that she is) opened her own publishing house, 5 Prince Publishing, and has released contemporary titles and has begun the process of taking on other authors in other genres. 

Bernadette spends most of her free time driving her kids to their many events.  She is also an accomplished martial artist, working her way to her second degree black belt in Tang Soo Do.  An avid reader she loves to meet readers who enjoy reading contemporary romances and she always promises Happily Ever After.


 Jessica Dall finished her first novel at age 15 and been writing ever since. She is the author of such novels as Grey Areas and The Bleeding Crowd, the Broken Line Series, and a number of short stories which have appeared in both literary magazines and anthologies. When not writing, she works as a freelance editor and creative writing teacher in Washington, DC.


Railyn Stone hails from the TarHeel State and is a romantic at heart. She believes you can find romance in the simplest aspects of life and enjoys letting her imagination run wild. Trying new restaurants, listening to music, playing golf and writing over the top stories about ordinary people are the hobbies she cherishes most.


 Lisa is happily married to her soul-mate and they have a daughter and two crazy dogs. She especially enjoys being creative and now writes almost full time.

In 2012 Lisa and her family relocated from England to their beloved Scotland; a place of happy holidays and memories for them. Her new location now features in all of her books.

Writing has always been something Lisa has enjoyed, although in the past it has centered on poetry and song lyrics. Some of which appear in her stories.

Since she started writing in 2012 she has loved every minute of becoming a published author.



Susan Lohrer grew up all over western Canada and lives in BC with her husband, their two children who are still at home, three dogs, and far too many aquariums. She believes life is always better with a healthy dose of humor.


Let's look at these 6 great stories!


BERNADETTE MARIE~Bestselling Author
A Romance for Christmas~ A Keller Family Christmas Novella
Tiffany longed to have the kinds of relationships she’d watched her best friend’s family create over the years. The Keller and Benson families forged long lasting—true love relationships that come once in a lifetime. Unfortunately, her romances were a little more on the freestyle side. That was until she met country music bass player Blake and it turned out to be the best Christmas ever.


LISA J. HOBMAN~Bestselling Author
Last Christmas – A The Girl Before Eve Christmas Novella
After two blissful years of marriage, Lily and Adam are going strong. Their relationship was always based on friendship and so they can pretty much get through anything.
That is until an opportunity of a lifetime is presented to Lily which will take her overseas to the USA.
Adam's role teaching high school English has been a part of his life for so long and the thought of upping sticks and moving across the Atlantic really doesn't appeal. Can he convince Lily that their life is in Scotland or will the promise of a new career in Hollywood be too good for feisty, independent Lily to pass up?
Is this one obstacle too far for the best friends turned husband and wife?

RAILYN STONE~Bestselling Author
Restored Hearts
EnVee McAlister just bought a house. It’s an old Victorian home that needs a lot of work, especially if she wants to get into it by Christmas.
Logan Edwards is the contractor she’s hired to help her. Unfortunately, he’s not like any man she’s ever encountered and his arrogance and crass demeanor is making it hard to deal with him. Both she and Logan hold no punches and their terribly blunt personalities clash like oil and water.
But when she finds out about Logan’s tragic past, it forces her to deal with her own insecurities and emotions she’s desperately tried to forget. And instead of a house for Christmas, EnVee receives something she never expected.

SUSAN LOHRER~Bestselling Author
A Christmas for Chloe
When free spirit Jessica Caldwell’s daughter is diagnosed with Down syndrome weeks before Christmas, her carefree existence sheds its holiday glitter in a collision with the regimented world of pediatric medical care.
For Brendan Kean, their first family Christmas is going to be the highlight of his life—until he learns their baby has Downs. Now his tangled feelings for his tiny daughter just make him want to spend more time at work. This Christmas is turning into such a disaster that some days it feels like even Santa is out to get him.
Jessica and Brendan are trying to salvage Christmas and their relationship the best they can—but could baby Chloe’s diagnosis be the one thing that shows them the true meaning of Christmas?

AMY L. GALE~Bestselling Author
Christmas Blitz
Small town real estate agent Holly Clifford is counting the seconds until she pays off the debt incurred from caring for her sick mother and can move out of Hilldale Vermont forever. After forfeiting her college scholarship to Eastern University Law School to be at her mother’s side, she obtained her real estate license and took a position at Trust Reality. NICK SHAW is on the path to victory. As a high school football hero turned rookie star wide receiver of the newest NFL team, the Iowa Talons, success is all he knows. But sometimes there’s things fame and money can’t buy. When Nick returns to Hilldale, he puts on offer on a lakeside mansion up for sale by Trust Reality and turns Holly’s life upside down. Can she stay on track and resist Nick’s charm or will she blitzed by Hilldale’s football hero this Christmas?

JESSICA DALL
Holidays Past
It doesn't feel much like Christmas in Green Haven this year. With bad weather and a relatively empty town, Marc is starting to regret not going home for the holidays. When an old flame shows up, however, a second chance at love might be worth the Christmas away.

Get your copy of this book today!
www.amazon.com/Unwrap-Romance-Bernadette-Marie-ebook/dp/B0161NRAYI/

Let's get to know one of the authors and their story!
Author Q&A
1. What is your favorite part of writing?

My favorite part of writing is leaving behind the stress and day to day life of the real world and transporting to somewhere amazing where someone is just about to fall in love.

2. Is there a message in your novels you want readers to grasp?
The message in my writing I want my readers to grasp is to never give up on your dreams and anything is possible with someone you love by your side.
3.Do you recall how your interest in writing originated?
I've always loved to write but didn't have the time to devote to writing during college. After I started working in the real world, I fell in love with the New Adult romance genre and once I read just about every book available at the time I decided to write my own. I shared my story with a few close friends who encouraged me to go for it! Two years and three books later, here I am.
4.Give us an insight to how your writing day/time is structured.
I write in the evening when I am the only person home and not a creature is stirring except for my six cats and Golden Retriever. I like to leave the world behind and dive into my story.
5. Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?
I learned that writing the book is the easiest part. I didn't realize how much time and effort needs to go into promoting and marketing. Now I schedule time for both.
6. What is the thing you struggle with the most while writing and how do you defeat it?
The thing I struggle with the most while writing is time management. I work full-time so it's pertinent to schedule writing time. Sometimes the voices in my head demand to be heard even when it's 3 a.m. and I've got to get up for work. I love it though.
 

Snippet


I blink, trying to focus my blurry vision. Amazing, just when I think he can’t get any sexier, he goes and does this. Nick flings a guitar strap over his shoulder and joins the local band up on stage.  “Give it up for our own football star, Nick Shaw,” the lead singer says into the microphone. A roar of clapping fills the air. I sway from side to side, steadying myself against the back of the chair. I take a sip of my third martini. “For those of you don’t know, Nick used to be the guitar player of Steel Asylum back in the day.” The singer runs a hand through his hair and nods to the other members.
Hoots and hollers fill the bar.  Beautiful, familiar chords flow through. The crowd breaks into a frenzy. I close my eyes, taking in the melodic tones. Even in my altered state, it hits me. Oh my God, they’re going to attempt “Stairway to Heaven”? I gaze at the stage, following Nick’s every move. His fingers glide along the strings effortlessly. Like everything he touches turns into pure magic. The lights shine down, glowing all around him, turning him into an angel.  My eyes lock onto him, refusing to take in anything else. The singer belts out the lyrics, trying to capture Robert Plant’s essence. Of course it’s not even close to perfect, but it’s fun. Maybe that’s the point. Nick’s fingers tap along the strings. His forearm muscles dance along the rolled-up sleeves of his gray dress shirt. What is it about musicians and athletes that drives me wild? And the combination, that’s just like an atomic bomb about to go off. Willpower, where are you? I chair dance to the final chorus, Nick still in my crosshairs. The lights dim, casting a blue glow over the small stage. Nick slides his fingers along the strings. Perfect finish. The crowd cheers, giving a standing ovation. Nick tosses the guitar strap back over his head and sets the Les Paul Starburst down. If he carried that in one hand and a football in the other, no doubt he’d get mauled to death with every step. The foursome of bandmates and Nick walk to the front of the stage and take a quick bow. “Don’t even think of going anywhere. We’ll be back after a quick break. Here’s more Zeppelin to rock your world.” The lead singer steps away from the mic and switches to a CD.  Nick slides into the chair at our table. “What’s the verdict?”
Is he for real? He turned from hot football player to smoldering rock god in a matter of five minutes. I’d say the jury’s unanimous. “I didn’t know you had a secret talent.” He leans forward across the table. “More where that came from.” He sits back in his chair. I sip my drink. “Maybe it’s time I learn some of them.” Wait, did that just slip out of my mouth? I set down my glass. Enough of the liquid confidence. Or is it truth serum?  He raises an eyebrow, flashing a quick smile. “You know, I’ve never met anyone like you.” “I guess you don’t get out much.” He sips his beer. “Seriously, you’re… real.”  I slug down the rest of my martini. “There’s nothing worse than being surrounded by fake smiles and judging eyes. I can relate.” He shakes his head. “It’s not that. You’re focused but can still see the whole picture. A sweetheart but not a pushover. And you never let your guard down, even when you should.” “That’s how you end up getting hurt.” He slides his hand across the table, running his thumb along my fingers. “Or it’s how you find something amazing. It’s all about taking a risk, and I’d risk anything to be with you right now.”

Author Top 10 
I would do almost anything for chocolate.


My favorite pizza topping is black olives.
I love the beach but only go in the ocean up to my knees for fear a shark might attack me.
I love to travel but hate to fly, thank God for alcohol.
 
I have an issue with buying flip flops and have so many I could probably share them with a small town.
Green is my favorite color.
I love animals and would have a zoo if I could.
I love rock music and I’m a huge Led Zeppelin fan.
I bake and decorate cakes in my very limited spare time.
Even though I write romance novels I’m a huge horror fan.
 

Check out all the great blogs that are a part of this event by following along on the Facebook page.


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Wednesday, December 16, 2015

12 Days of Christmas Book Blitz: Day Six: Christmas Kisses


On the Sixth Day of Christmas, Five authors gave to me...

Christmas Kisses!


We are so excited about this wonderful Anthology!

Let’s take a look at the 5 authors that put this together!

Rachelle J. Christensen is a mother of five who writes romance and mystery/suspense and solves the case of the missing shoe on a daily basis. She graduated cum laude from Utah State University with a degree in psychology and a minor in music. She enjoys singing and songwriting, playing the piano, running, motivational speaking, and, of course, reading.
Rachelle is the award-winning author of six books, including Wrong Number, Diamond Rings Are Deadly Things, and What Every 6th Grader Needs to Know, as well as the Rone Award-winning novella Silver Cascade Secrets. She and her family live on a farm in Idaho.
Visit www.rachellechristensen.com to learn more about upcoming books.
Goodreads Author Page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3327139.Rachelle_J_Christensen
Amazon Author Page for Rachelle: http://www.amazon.com/Rachelle-J.-Christensen/e/B002UO5H48/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_2?qid=1427567936&sr=1-2
Author News signup: http://eepurl.com/eFD3o

Connie Sokol is a mother of seven, and a favorite local and national speaker for over fifteen years. She is a TV core contributor “Studio 5 with Brooke Walker” and a national blogger for www.ksl.com. She is one of seven female hosts of The Living Room, an online value-based radio show where they dish on life, loving, and learning (www.fromthelivingroom.com). Mrs. Sokol is a bestselling author who has written 14 books, including her fiction: Christmas Kisses: An Echo Ridge Anthology, and Caribbean Crossroads; and her nonfiction: What Every 6th Grader Needs to Know, Faithful, Fit & Fabulous, Simplify & Savor the SeasonCreate a Powerful Life Plan, and 40 Days with the Savior. Mrs. Sokol marinates in time spent with her family and eating decadent treats. For her TV segments, blog, podcasts and more, visit www.conniesokol.com.

Social media links:


Lucy McConnell has always been a reader and a writer. Once caught up in a story, she disappears into a cave until the first draft is done. She writes fantasy, clean romance, Christian romance, historical fiction, and cookbooks (under the name Christina Dymock.) Her Christmas romance, Blue Christmas, was a top seller in seven Amazon categories on its own and in thirteen as part of the Christmas in Snow Valley Anthology.
When she’s not writing, you can find her volunteering at the elementary school or church; shuttling kids to baseball, soccer, basketball, or football, depending on the time of year; skiing with her family; wakeboarding; cycling; baking; cooking; or curled up with a good book.
You can sign up for her newsletter and get the latest news here: http://wordpress.us8.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=bdba9ddb2c66cd77463f64638&id=9c679d9a1a


HEATHER TULLIS has been reading romance for as long as she can remember and has been publishing in the genre since 2009. She has published more than twenty books. When she’s not dreaming up new stories to write, or helping out with her community garden, she enjoys playing with her dogs and cat, inventing new ways to eat chocolate, and hanging out with her husband. 
Social Media Links:



Cami Checketts is an idealist who dreams of helping children around the world but can't keep up with the four in her own home. Cami lives in a beautiful valley in Northern Utah where she enjoys running, biking, and swimming during the two months of the year it isn't snowing. A portion of the proceeds from Cami's books will be donated to The Child & Family Support Center. For more information on this worthy cause, please go to www.cachecfsc.org


"Christmas Kisses is a collection from five bestselling and award-winning authors. Set in the snowy town of Echo Ridge in upstate New York, these inspirational romances are sure to delight while you sip cocoa by the fire and listen to Christmas carols."


Pick up your copy today!










Let’s get a sneak peek into one of these great stories!

Heather’s Random facts:
-I like to bake and make up recipes.
-I am an EMT-A and worked on a volunteer ambulance service for five years.
-At one time, I owned over 150 chickens, ducks, geese, guineas, and other assorted fowl.
-All four of my current pets are named after sweet foods. 
-I once laid 1800 square foot of tile flooring in a building we owned.

Snippet from One Winter Night:
Jonah stared at the invoice and wondered where he was going to come up with the money. Was there any prayer that he would make enough in the opening two weeks of the gallery to actually pay the incoming bills? Never mind the artists’ commission on top of the expenses. His friends were putting a lot of trust in him and he didn't want to let them, or himself, down. He didn't know how to do anything but draw and paint—or at least that's what he'd believed. When he lost that, he'd realized he had learned a few things at his college job, and there was this option.
If he hadn't made so many contacts and so many friends, the gallery wouldn't have been an option. Only now he had to make good on his promises, and with a little over a week until the gallery opened, he wasn't sure that was possible. If sheer desire could make it happen, he would have no need to worry, but that wasn't enough, and the prep on the building still wasn't done. He just hoped the advertising and word of mouth he'd been working on would bring people in—no matter what condition the building was in on opening day.
He filed the invoice to deal with after he'd made a deposit or two then walked back out to the showroom. The work to restore the space had finished only a week earlier, and he'd been busy framing pictures and uncrating items since. It was going slower than he had expected. Then again, maybe that had something to do with Sam—his nineteen-year-old employee, who apparently seemed to think the start time for work was flexible.
Jonah sighed and checked his watch again. He only trusted the kid to work for a couple more days, and then he'd have to let him go. Sam wasn't a terrible employee, but he wasn't exactly stellar, either, and he wasn't someone Jonah trusted to handle some of the more valuable pieces—especially after some of the less graceful moves the kid had made: knocking over displays, dropping one canvas, and breaking one side support, making Jonah re-stretch it. Jonah got back to work on a frame for one of his own paintings, one he'd done a couple of years earlier. It had been far too long since he'd put paint to canvas. Or maybe it had just been too long since he'd been able to do anything that wasn't plain mediocre. He ached for the way painting used to make him feel.
He looked at the painting of a mother and child playing in the park and remembered the way he'd planned the longer sweeping strokes, the care he'd used to select the perfect shades of color and the way instinct, coupled with years of practice had guided his hand. This piece had gotten attention at the previous gallery where it had been placed, but it was one of three pieces that hadn't sold during the consignment period, and when Jonah had been unable to produce anything else, the gallery owner had offered to let him take them back. Now he wasn't sure if it was more painful to see it as a reminder of what he'd lost, or more hopeful as a reminder that he might, someday, have it again.
He was almost loathe to sell the three final paintings, though he desperately needed the money.
Like painting, framing was both art and science, and took his concentrated effort. Thankfully, it didn't seem to need as much of the muse as painting had, though he could become just as engrossed. Another thirty minutes passed before Jonah thought about Sam again, then, irritated, he picked up his phone to call the kid.
Sam answered the phone, his words tripping over themselves. “Oh, Jonah, I'm so sorry. I should have called, I just wasn't thinking.”
“You weren't thinking that you were nearly an hour late for work?” Jonah knew he wasn't succeeding very well at keeping the irritation from his voice.
“I was in an accident on the way there.” His voice held a slightly shaky quality. “I didn't think to call you. I'm so sorry. It's been crazy.”
Jonah set down the stack of matting samples, focusing closer on the conversation. “What happened, are you okay?”
“I broke my leg. The x-rays just came back. The doc says it's going to be a couple of weeks before I'm up and around. Even then I'll probably have crutches. I still have to get my cast. I'm sorry I won't be able to help you out any more.”
Jonah felt bad for his earlier irritation. “Oh, man, that's terrible. Do you have someone there for you?” Not that he could afford to lose even a little more work time if Sam was already out of the picture, but no one deserved to sit at the hospital by themselves.
“My sister is coming from Albany to pick me up. I'll visit her for a while. My car is totaled. Not sure how I'll get around. Idiot driver hit me at the intersection.”
“Don't worry about work. I'm sorry this happened to you. Take care of yourself.” Jonah wished him well and ended the call. He did feel bad for Sam, but dang it, he didn't know what he was going to do without the help. Sam was only hired on a temporary basis, but Jonah went from somewhat overwhelmed to super stressed in a heartbeat. “Eighteen-hour days, here I come.”
He remembered his grandma was expecting a visit in a little while and decided to put it off today. She would understand if he had to change his visiting schedule to every-other day until the gallery was up and running. The thought made him feel bad, but he didn't have much choice at this point. He picked up the phone to call her.
And a fun Q&A with the author!
1 What is your favorite part of writing? I love the discovery of the first draft. Even though I generally have an idea of what’s going to happen, there are always surprises as you go along and you never know exactly how it’s going to turn out until you put your fingers on the keyboard and start typing.

2.      Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp? Having a message is a funny thing, even when I try to embed a subtle one in fiction, half the readers get something totally different, and there could be a dozen different takes on what a story means, depending on what they need or are looking for at any given time. Most of the time I don’t worry about a specific message when I’m writing, but if I’m writing good characters with real troubles, something will work its way into the story tapestry even if I didn’t plan for it to be there.

3.      Do you recall how your interest in writing originated? I have lots of friends who wanted to be writers from the time they were able to pick up a pencil. I loved books from the crib, and almost always had a story going on in my head, even if I wasn’t reading something at the time, but I had zero aspirations of being a writer until I was a senior in high school—and that was short lived. I actually graduated from college with an English lit degree (why would I waste my time with creative writing classes. Poo-poo) and three months later one of the stories in my head refused to go away, so I started jotting it down. I didn’t even own a computer at the time, but once I started putting pen to paper, I was hooked.

4.      Give us an insight into how your writing day/time is structured? Right now I have an early morning class most days and then come home, take care of homework (take a nap because my class is way too early) and in the afternoon I write for a few hours. I try not to get caught up in email and social media during this time, but it’s not always easy. Then in late afternoon, early evening, I try to get any writing-related and housekeeping issues taken care of. I’m lucky to have a great husband who helps with things around the house.

5.      Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it? That having people counting on me can be a great motivator! No, really, I pick up little things along the journey with every book. I think being in someone else’s head teaches us a little more compassion, hopefully gives us a little broader world view. Plus, I got to learn a few things about watercolor painting, which was kind of fun.

6.      What is the thing you struggle with the most while writing? And how do you defeat it? Procrastination when I’m feeling a little stuck, or when I just plain don’t want to work on edits (edits are the bane of my existence.) Having a firm deadline really helps—so much! I can let myself procrastinate for a day or two if I’m about to dive into edits, but if I let it go too long, then it just gets easier and easier to keep procrastination. The best way to handle it is just to confront it head on. If I sit my butt in the  chair and get to work, it’s usually far less traumatic and awful then I think it’s going to be, and when I finish a solid edit, I love the book so much more.
 

Follow along on the Facebook event page to get an inside look at all the stories in this Anthology. 

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