Author in the Spotlight - Rachel Amphlett

Friday, 5 September 2014

Tour: Romancing My Love by Melissa Foster

Posted on 16:55 by Unknown

ROMANCING MY LOVE is the newest addition to THE BRADENS (Love in Bloom series) by New York Times & USA Today bestselling and award-winning author Melissa Foster. This contemporary romance series features alpha male heroes and sexy, empowered women. They're flawed, funny, passionate, and very relatable to readers who enjoy new adult romance, contemporary romance, and women's fiction.

IN ROMANCING MY LOVE...

After months of caring for her terminally ill mother, Rebecca Rivera is left all alone in a world she doesn't trust--but she's determined not to let her mother's death define her. Losing her job, having to pummel some jerk for being too handsy, and living in her car are just temporary setbacks to an otherwise solid plan in finding her footing. Full of pride and used to being in control of her life, she's certain she can make it on her own. The last thing Rebecca needs is a man to fix her troubles--even if that man is strikingly handsome, wealthy, and charismatic Pierce Braden.

Pierce is a powerful real estate investor on the verge of a major acquisition. As the eldest of six siblings raised by a single mother, he's spent his life protecting those he loves. He's used to being in charge and making things right, and although he'd give his life for his family, he treats the women he dates as expendable--until he meets sexy and stubborn Rebecca Rivera, a woman who is as strong as she is vulnerable.

Passion ignites between them, and the two share their most intimate thoughts and desires. It doesn't take long for Pierce to realize that Rebecca is as determined not to be saved as he is to find a way into her heart. As their love grows, Rebecca must face fears she didn't even realize she had--and Pierce must learn the hard truth that sometimes less really is more. Is the power of true love enough for Rebecca and Pierce to learn to give up control and allow their hearts to take over?

Date	Tour Host
6th October	Tome Tender
7th October	Reviews of a Book Maniac
8th October	Book Mama Blog
9th October	Curling Up with a Good Book A Novel Review
10th October	Chick Lit Vs Fantasy
13th October	Rosie Amber
14th October	Trips Down Imagination Road
15th October	Jo Lambert Ajoobacats Blog
16th October	Books Are My Life
17th October	Shaz's Book Boudoir Sterna K

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Thursday, 4 September 2014

Renaissance of the Heart by Lori M Jones - Author Interview and giveaway.

Posted on 22:00 by Unknown

As we end the first week of the tour I am honoured to have the lovely Lori M Jones on the blog. Read on to find out lots of interesting things about Lori and don't forget to enter the giveaway!

JB: You write both women’s and children’s fiction. Which is easier to write?

LORI: Well, they certainly both have their pros and cons. I wrote children’s first, and I was shocked to find out all that goes into writing a children’s story. I think because they’re short and for kids, there’s a misconception that the stories are easy to write. When I then started writing women’s fiction, the voices and feelings were so much easier to express. So, in that sense, women’s fiction was more fun to write, therefore it felt easier. But, it obviously takes much longer to finish and edit a longer piece.

One thing I love best about writing women’s fiction over children’s is writing loves scenes! I love writing love scenes! You can’t write those in children’s books.

And, one thing I love best about being a children’s author is visiting the schools. I do assemblies and visits and I find them extremely rewarding. I love reading them my books and getting their feedback. I also love passing on writing tips to them as well.

JB: Tell us about your involvement with the Children’s Heart Foundation.

LORI: Before my children’s book, Riley’s Heart Machine, was released (which is based on my daughter’s heart defect/pacemaker) I researched children’s heart charities to donate some proceeds to. The Children’s Heart Foundation impressed me with their mission of funding much needed research to end the number one birth defect, Congenital Heart Defects. More children die from CHD than all childhood cancers combined but is severely underfunded. So this was a cause I could get behind. I got involved by co-chairing Pittsburgh’s Congenital Heart Walks (this year will be my 4^th!) and in 2012 became the president of the PA chapter of the Children’s Heart Foundation. I’m honored to serve such a fine foundation.

JB: You like to run. Do you get ideas for books when you out for a run or do you just empty yoru head and escape for a while?

LORI: Absolutely! I find it to be my number one way of working out a block or plot issue. Releasing the stress and worry and just focusing inward, really ignites the creativity. I’ve actually partnered with another writer, Kathleen Shoop, and we are co-authoring a book to help writers mediate through movement (mostly walking) in order to spark that creativity. We are leading a retreat at the end of September, so I’ll let you know how it goes!

JB: How do you juggle a busy home life and writing?

LORI: It’s becoming easier as my children are growing more independent and in school all day. I try to get some writing in every day while they’re at school. I also use that time for marketing, or also working on my CHF tasks. I also write well late at night. I’m fortunate to have a supportive husband too. I don’t think there will ever be enough hours in the day to write as much as I’d like, but I’m also enjoying these years with my children.

JB: Do you have any tips for aspiring writers?

LORI: Join groups and connect with other writers. I have learned so much through my other writer friends and their support is invaluable. Research this industry and know what you’re getting into. Read as much as you can in the genre you want to write. Keep writing, keep revising and revising! Every day you become a better writer than you were the day before, so don’t be afraid to rewrite and rework those masterpieces!

JB: Do you have any writing rituals?

LORI: I do like to go for a walk or a run first to get those creative juices flowing. I love setting up for a few hours in a local coffee shop to write. Lattes help my creative flow too! I also write with a writing group every Wednesday in a meeting room at a local restaurant. The leader of that group leads us in a writing meditation before we begin, and that’s a great ritual to help get into that writing groove!

JB: What’s next for you?

LORI: I’m about to finish the first draft of my third novel, Crossmatch, so the editing and querying process will then begin. I’m still querying agents with my second novel, Late For Fate, but that’s going slowly. I hope to then start work on my fourth novel. I have a few ideas brewing. Perhaps a spin off from Renaissance based on a few of those characters (they’ve been talking to me!). Also, I am currently reading a stack of letters my great uncle wrote to my great grandmother during WWII up until he was killed on D-Day. Reading them has sparked an idea for a romance novel. I have a lot of work ahead of me!

Thank you so much for interviewing me here today and hosting such a great tour! I hope to work with you again in the future.

Thank you. x

ABOUT THE BOOK!

After her husband of fifteen years comes out of the closet, a blindsided, forty-year-old Amanda Lewis is forced to salvage what remains of her shattered heart and navigate a new life for herself and her teenage daughter. But will a sizzling secret romance with a famous young NFL quarterback lead her to winning the life she deserves or set her up for her biggest loss yet?

As she embarks on the journey of rebuilding her home, Amanda discovers that finding forgiveness and repairing her damaged self-worth are her biggest challenges of all. While searching her soul–and even searching inside her city's history–she finds answers. But will answers come too late and can a broken heart ever be truly fixed?

AMAZON UK

AMAZON US

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Lori lives in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania where she writes women's and children's fiction. RENAISSANCE OF THE HEART is her debut novel. She's also the author of children's books, RILEY'S HEART MACHINE and CONFETTI THE CROC, both written with the hope that children will celebrate what make them unique. She's also written award-winning flash fiction pieces and her articles have been featured in various publications.

Lori serves on the Board of Directors for the Children's Heart Foundation and is the president of their Pennsylvania chapter. She visits schools to speak about writing, about the human heart and about embracing what makes you special.

Besides writing and spreading awareness about Congenital Heart Defects, her passions include her two daughters, her husband, Mark, her Pittsburgh sports teams and running in 5Ks. Lori is a member of Pennwriters and she loves her local writing groups! She is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown with a Bachelor of Arts degree in communication and journalism. She also holds a paralegal certificate from Duquesne University and is a former Washington, D.C. paralegal. Visit her website at www.lorimjones.com.

*RILEY'S HEART MACHINE (Guardian Angel Publishing)

*RENAISSANCE OF THE HEART

(Soul Mate Publishing, Spring 2014)

*CONFETTI THE CROC (Winter 2014)

www.facebook.com/LoriMJonesAuthor

THE GIVEAWAY!

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Wednesday, 3 September 2014

Rejected but Still Prevailing by Keith Taylor II - Guest Post

Posted on 22:30 by Unknown

4 Tips to Starting a Non-Fiction Book

My experience with writing a non-fiction started from my passion to help others overcome issues in their lives. I knew writing non-fiction will be a challenge because there are always personal experiences and examples included to guide the reader. In order for me to truly start on my non-fiction journey I decided on four tips to help me.

Tip One:Write about something that is happening in your community especially something people are talking about. Research this topic to see if others are reading and or writing about it.

Tip Two:Find an area that you are passionate about and write about it. No one knows your passion better than you so use it to help others.

Tip Three: Brainstorm ideas and topics with a group of friends. Ask your friends what they expect from non-fiction book. What message or helpful tool do they look for when reading non-fiction? This will help you outline your book.

Tip Four: Write in a journal daily and after a month go back to see if any non-fiction ideas jump out at you. These ideas can come from your daily activities or a need people you have encountered may have brought to your attention.

These four tips helped me in starting my book as well as my experiences and research. These are easy tips that anyone can follow. Don’t waste any time, get started now.

Keith Taylor is a freelance writer, pastor, mentor and graduate of Crossroads Bible College in Indianapolis. He started at a young age ministering about the Word of God to area juvenile detention centers, prisons, churches, and conferences. Keith Taylor II is known as “Mr. Inspiration” and with his heart for mentoring has concentrated on helping at risk youth. He focuses on bringing to light issues that have been hidden or avoided. He currently resides in Indianapolis, Indiana with his lovely wife Jasmine and is working on his next title.

About The Book

In his debut novel, Rejected But Still Prevailing, Keith Taylor II explores rejection and how it affects individuals in their lives.

We have all been affected by a form of rejection at some point in our lives, but it is how we’ve dealt with the rejection that shapes who we become. Keith Taylor II shares his passion and knowledge to change readers’ minds about rejection. In Rejected But Still Prevailing, Keith Taylor II helps readers understand the meaning of rejection, how to handle it and how to overcome it.

We first have to understand what is against us, then look to ourselves for change and learn to forgive those that have hurt us. Rejected But Still Prevailing will help you through it with biblical references and personal examples, readers will have a better understanding of what they are facing.

Links:

Amazon.com

www.inspiringvoices.com

Facebook

Posted in Guest Post | No comments

Tuesday, 2 September 2014

Warp and Woof by Sahar Sabati - Promo Post.

Posted on 21:30 by Unknown

Title: Warp and Woof: Weaving Community Life

Author: Sahar Sabati

Contributors: Borna Safai (editor), Shira Trick (contributing poet), and Barbara Saar (cover)

Genres: Short Stories, Literature, Family life, Community Life
Published on: 3 August 2014

Pages: 140

Available on Amazon, Barnes and Nobles, and iTunes.

Synopsis: Man is a social creature; relationships are an inevitable part of his life. Formal ones, informal ones; constant ones, intermittent ones; those that make a heart race with joy, those that make it race with dread, and those that are just there because of the way society is structured. Relationships are essential to personal and collective spiritual and material development. One of the most mysterious relationships of all is that of marriage. It is a big commitment, often portrayed as the union of two individuals when in fact it is the union of two families, of two groups of friends, and, at times, of two communities, which means that a large number of relationships have to be adjusted. It is a fundamental building block of society, as married couples create homes in which two families are welcome, children are raised, and members of the community can find solace and love. It is therefore a powerful institution that exerts its influence on the two spouses as well as on those surrounding it. In this series of short stories, real life situations, conversations, and continuous study of Bahá’í Scripture come together in an attempt to understand what can go right and what can go wrong in relationships and how they can influence a community.

BUY

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Sign-Up: Seaside Hearts by Melissa Foster

Posted on 21:12 by Unknown

Seaside Hearts by Melissa Foster

Series: Love in Bloom: Seaside Summers #2

Release Date: October 21, 2014

Genres: Contemporary Romance (Adult)

Jenna Ward is vivacious, spontaneous, and confident—except when she’s around the man who stole her heart years earlier, strikingly handsome, quiet, and reliable Pete Lacroux. After years of trying to get his attention and overwhelmed from dealing with her mother’s new cougar lifestyle, Jenna’s giving up on Peter—and is ready to explore other men.

As the eldest of five siblings, with an alcoholic father to care for, boat craftsman Pete Lacroux always does the right thing and has no time for a real relationship. He’s looking forward to seeing his friend Jenna, a welcome distraction who’s so damn sexy and so painfully shy that she equally entertains and confuses him.

When Jenna picks up a hard-bodied construction worker, jealousy ignites Pete’s true feelings, and he’s powerless to ignore the desires for Jenna he never realized he had. But Pete’s not the quiet guy he appears to be, and his life is anything but conducive to a relationship. Can Jenna handle the real Pete Lacroux—the sexiest, most passionate alpha male she’s ever seen—or will she crack under pressure? And can Pete reclaim the life he once had without tearing apart his family?

Tour Details

Brook Cottage Books is thrilled to be organizing a blog tour for Seaside Hearts, an Adult Contemporary Romance and second book in Love in Bloom: Seaside Summers Series by Melissa Foster. This book can be read as a standalone.

The tour will run from 20 October to 31 October will include reviews on all stops. Unlimited booking on all dates is allowed. To participate in the tour, please leave a comment with the following: