Friday, September 21, 2018

A Wordy Woman's Guide for Writing a Book by Dawn Husted ~ My Thoughts

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Girl Gone Ghost

A Wordy Woman's Guide for Writing a Book by Dawn Husted
Print and Kindle Edition, 144 pages
Published August 8th 2018 by Yaupon Berry Press

Do you have an outstanding idea for a story, but have no clue where to start? Discover this STEP-BY-STEP guide for writing your first book.

A Wordy Woman's Guide for Writing a Book is an informative workbook that helps you plan your first draft. Through a series of introspective prompts, develop your idea into a carefully structured plot with colorful characters. Dawn's blueprint will revive your dream of writing a book.

Topics Covered
-THE BASICS OF WRITING
-GENERATING BOOK IDEAS
-DIFFERENCES BETWEEN GENRES
-STORY ELEMENTS
-TENSES AND PERSPECTIVES
-HOW CONFLICT BUILDS CHARACTER
-THREE ACT PLOT STRUCTURE
-INCITING INCIDENT
-CHAPTER OUTLINE
-DAILY WRITING GOALS

This game-changing workbook takes you from WHERE YOU ARE to WHERE YOU WANT TO BE. If you like woman-to-woman advice, easy to implement activities, and a COMPLETE GUIDE for writing your first book, then you'll love Dawn's valuable blueprint.

Buy A Wordy Woman's Guide and begin your first book today!

✽The Kindle version and the Paperback version contain the same information, but the Paperback version includes spaces for answering quintessential questions that help build your book. These spaces enable you to keep all of your answers and personal outline in one place.  If you choose the Kindle version, Dawn suggests grabbing a clean notebook so that you can write the answers as well.

     

My thoughts about A Wordy Woman's Guide for Writing a Book ~~

So far, I have loved every book that I have read written by Dawn. When I had the opportunity to read her newest book, A Wordy Woman's Guide for Writing a Book, I was hesitant. One, I typically don't read non-fiction books and two, I never thought about writing a book. Or have I? 

But that's exactly who this book is for—that person who just might be thinking about writing their first book but really doesn't know where or how to start. 

As Dawn states at the beginning of her book "My goal is for this book to inspire other women who want to write their first fiction book."

Dawn works through the process, step-by-step, explaining each step in understandable detail. I loved how she used her books and books written by others to give examples of the different points she was trying to make. 

After reading A Wordy Woman's Guide, I have a greater understanding of all the hard work and thought that goes into an author penning a book. It's not just words flowing out of their heads onto the paper or computer. There is a method and steps to writing and Dawn does a wonderful job of laying it all out there. I know I'll be thinking about all that goes into creating a story the next time I'm reading someone's book.

And who knows, maybe I'll try my hand at writing a book someday. This would be the perfect tool to get me started. 

I received a copy of A Wordy Woman's Guide from the author in exchange for my honest review.

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About the author


Dawn Husted holds a BS from Texas A&M University. When not writing, she’s either camping or dreaming about camping. She lives in southern Texas with her husband and two kids. She is a member of SCBWI and Texas Association of Authors. Dawn also works as a paid freelance writer.

Author of Touch of Darkness, Scythe of Darkness & Safe. Upcoming releases published under Yaupon Berry Press.

Who am I

I’m married and have two energetic kids. My TBR list is getting a little long, a few books are: The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind, Beautiful Creatures, Night Circus, and The Longest Ride. I'm in the middle of reading Asylum by Madeleine Roux.

Years back, I helped build an orphanage in Malawi and became fascinated with other countries. I'd love to travel remote parts of the world one day.

I graduated from Texas A&M University with a bachelor's degree in something other than writing. But I love to write! In my spare time, I study German, aber ich bin nicht sehr gut. And in the rest of my spare time, I cook. If you follow my Instagram, you may find pictures of food. LOL.

I'm a strong believer in living life to the fullest. Otherwise, what's the point? And I don't let fear hold me back. I'd rather try and fail, than to have never tried. ~ from author's website

Connect with Dawn

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Wednesday, September 19, 2018

Heartache Motel by Terri L. Austin, Larissa Reinhart, LynDee Walker ~ My Thoughts

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Heartache Motel

Heartache Motel: Three Interconnected Mystery Novellas by Terri L. Austin, Larissa Reinhart, LynDee Walker
Print and e-book, 214 pages
Published December 8th 2013 by Henery Press

Elvis has left the building, but he’s forever memorialized at the Heartache Motel. Filled with drag queens, Rock-a-Hula cocktails, and a vibrating velveteen bed, these three novellas tell the tales of three amateur sleuths who spend their holidays at the King’s beloved home.

Diners, Keepers, Losers, Weepers by Terri L. Austin
A Rose Strickland Mystery Novella (follows Diner Impossible)

When Rose and the gang head to Graceland right before Christmas, they get all shook up: the motel is a seedy dump and an Elvis impersonator turns up dead. Rose discovers missing jewels tie into the death and her suspicious mind flips into overdrive, questioning her fellow guests, the staff, and even a cute impersonator who keeps popping up. Will Rose be able to find the murderer and get home by Christmas day? It’s now or never.

Quick Sketch by Larissa Reinhart
A Cherry Tucker Mystery Novella (prequel to Portrait of a Dead Guy)

Sassy Southern artist Cherry Tucker and her poker-loving boyfriend, Todd, pop into Memphis to help Todd’s cousin who’s been hustled out of his savings, right before Christmas. Staying at the shady Heartache Motel, Cherry can’t tell a shill from a mark and fears everyone is playing them for chumps. Cherry and Todd quickly find themselves in a dangerous sting that could send them to the slammer or mark them as pigeons from cons looking for an even bigger score.

Dateline Memphis by LynDee Walker
A Headlines in High Heels Mystery Novella (follows Buried Leads)

Crime reporter Nichelle Clarke thinks she’s going home for Christmas. But a quick stop at Graceland proves news breaks in the strangest places. When the King's home gets locked down with Nichelle inside, she chases this headline into the national spotlight—and the thief's crosshairs. Christmas dreams of blue suede Manolos fade, and all Nichelle wants from Santa is to land the story before the thief cuts off her news feed for good.

Books in the Henery Press Mystery Novella Series: Other People's Baggage and Heartache Motel. Part of the Henery Press Mystery Series Collection, if you like one, you'll probably like them all….


My thoughts about Heartache Motel ~~

What a fun, fun read! How can you not like a book revolving around Elvis and Graceland in Memphis? And how can you not just love the quirky characters that these three authors have brought together in this collection of stories? Gotta love Elvis impersonators and drag queens! 

Before reading Heartbreak Motel, I have to admit that I had read only one of these authors. I have read several books in Larissa Reinhart's Cherry Tucker series and this has only deepened my desire to read more. The other two authors are new-to-me but I love their stories—both their style and their characters—that I'm definitely going to be checking out the rest of their series. 

I received a copy of Heartache Motel from Henery Press via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

The authors

Terri L. Austin

Larissa Reinhart
Larissa Reinhart
Website

LynDee Walker
LynDee Walker
Website

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Tuesday, September 18, 2018

Release Day! Nell and Lady by Ashley Farley ~ My Thoughts #NellAndLady #NetGalley

Happy Release Day!

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Congratulations Ashley
on the release today of
Nell and Lady!

Nell and Lady: A Novel by Ashley Farley
Print and ebook, 272 pages
Published September 18th 2018 by Lake Union Publishing

A heart-stirring novel of family and forgiveness from bestselling author Ashley Farley.

In her grand home in Charleston, Willa Bellemore raised two girls during the tumultuous 1970s. One was her daughter, Lady. The other was Lady’s best friend, Nell—adopted after the sudden, heartbreaking death of her mother, the Bellemores’ beloved maid. Willa showered Nell with love and support, all the while ignoring the disdainful whispers of her neighbors. After all, they were family. Nell and Lady were sisters at heart—sisters who vowed to never let anything come between them.

Then, on the night of Lady’s sixteenth birthday, something went terribly wrong, sparking painful secrets and bitter resentments that went unspoken for three decades.

Now Willa is dying, and Lady and Nell—each with a teenager of her own—are brought together after all these years. It’s Willa’s last wish. The time has come to confront what happened on that fateful night. But it may take a tragic twist of fate to reconcile the past and come to terms with the true meaning of family.


My thoughts about Nell and Lady ~~ 

(I love to note the first lines of the books I'm reading. First lines can really grab a reader's attention and I love seeing where the author takes the reader after their first lines.)

First line—"Adelaide Bellemore was known to family and friends as Lady, although no one considered her a lady, least of all her mother."

Once again, Ashley Farley has written a beautiful story that has touched my heart. Her books are always filled with amazing characters, people I would love to know in real life. And she has such a gentle way of writing that I just get swept up in her words. 

Nell and Lady is a thought-provoking tale of family love and acceptance, even when the world around them isn't so accepting. And then there's the secret that tore this family apart. Can the two 'sisters' make amends and be a family again—their dying mother's wish?

I loved this generational story with all of the family history, as people move on with their lives, forever intertwined and connected. This is definitely a story you're going to want to read. I know I want to go back and read it again. I loved it and I highly recommend it! 

I received a copy of Nell and Lady from the author via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. 

About the author

Ashley Farley

Ashley Farley writes books about women for women. Her characters are mothers, daughters, sisters, and wives facing real-life issues. Her goal is to keep you turning the pages until the wee hours of the morning. If her story stays with you long after you've read the last word, then she's done her job.

After her brother died in 1999 of an accidental overdose, she turned to writing as a way of releasing her pent-up emotions. She wrote Saving Ben in honor of Neal, the boy she worshipped, the man she could not save.

Ashley is a wife and mother of two young adult children. While she’s lived in Richmond, Virginia for the past 21 years, part of her heart remains in the salty marshes of the South Carolina Lowcountry where she grew up. Through the eyes of her characters, she’s able to experience the moss-draped trees, delectable cuisine, and kind-hearted folks with lazy drawls that make the area so unique. ~ Goodreads

Connect with Ashley


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Links by Lisa Becker ~ Re-release and New Cover!

Happy Release Day!!


Links

Links by Lisa Becker
ebook, 237 pages
Published September 18, 2018

In high school, Charlotte Windham was a typical student going through an awkward phase -- glasses and all. She harbored a crush on Garrett Stephens, the teen heartthrob everyone can’t help but fall for during that unfortunate ugly duckling phase of one’s teen years. Flash forward fifteen years later, and Charlotte and Garrett have a second chance encounter at a Los Angeles restaurant.

However, this time around, Charlotte has leveled the playing field. She’s a bestselling novelist and no longer “Glasses,” the humiliating nickname Garrett called her in high school. In short, she’s a catch now and, thanks to corrective eye surgery, it’s not just her eyes that see better…so does her heart!

Garrett hasn’t fared poorly either, transforming from teen heartbreaker to adult lothario. A now successful professional golfer, he’s recently suffered a major setback in the form of a possible career-ending injury. With the upper hand, can Charlotte forgive Garrett for his past ways, and for his more recent Don Juan lifestyle? Will she even want to? And, can Garrett change his ways for a second chance with Charlotte, who may just be the perfect fit for him?


Congrats Lisa, 
on the re-release today
of your wonderful book, Links!

I read and reviewed Links when it first came out in August 2017. I loved it and I'm so excited to announce the re-release of this fun and fabulous book with a stunning new cover. Isn't it just amazing? 

I've re-posted my thoughts below and if you want to check out an interview with Lisa, hop over to my original post here

My thoughts about Links ~~ (originally posted August 1, 2017)

(I love to note the first lines of the books I'm reading. First lines can really grab a reader's attention and I love seeing where the author takes the reader after their first line.)

First line—"Charlotte Windham did a quick check of her teeth in the small compact mirror hanging from her key ring before knocking on the oversized wooden door. She undoubtedly had some remnants from lunch trapped within the metal wires of her braces."

Once again, Lisa has written an engaging story that we can all probably relate to in some way. Charlotte is a young girl, a very plain girl, who has a major crush on a very cute boy in high school. And.... she's his tutor. Now that's challenging, to be that close to the guy you dream about and he doesn't even know you are alive, in that kind of way, anyway. Haven't we all been there at some point in our lives?

Fifteen years pass and their lives cross again. Charlotte is a successful writer now and is still attracted to Garrett. But can they get past the way things were in high school? And can Charlotte trust Garrett to not break her heart and leave her when he is ready to move on? I immediately loved Charlotte and was rooting for her as she puts Garrett in his place for the way he treated her in high school. She grew up to become a strong, beautiful woman who deserves to be treated right.

Links is a fun, delightful story that I devoured on my vacation. It is the perfect get-away book that leaves you with a good feeling. Thank you, Lisa, for another very entertaining story!

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About the author

Lisa Becker

Lisa Becker is am award-winning romance writer who spends her time like she spends her money - on books and margaritas.  In addition to Clutch: a novel, she is the author of the Click trilogy, a contemporary romance series about online dating and Links, a standalone, second chance romance readers call witty, heartfelt and emotionally satisfying. 

As Lisa’s grandmother used to say, “For every chair, there’s a tush.” Lisa is now happily married to a wonderful man she met online and lives in Manhattan Beach, California with him and their two daughters. So, if it happened for her, there’s hope for anyone! You can share your love stories with her at www.lisawbecker.com.

Connect with Lisa


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Release Day! First Flurries by Joanne DeMaio

Happy Release Day!

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First Flurries

First Flurries by Joanne DeMaio
Print and ebook, 191 pages
Published September 18th 2018 by Joanne DeMaio

From New York Times bestselling author Joanne DeMaio comes a novel snow-dusted with love and possibility.

Lindsey Haynes' father once gave her a snow globe with the note: "Unsure where to go? Give a little shake ... and your heart will always know." On a whim, those words lead her to the quaint New England town of Addison. It's a place straight out of a storybook with its twinkling town green, decorated Main Street, and secluded lakeside cabin community.

But an encounter with a dejected doctor named Greg Davis turns Lindsey's days upside down, much like a snow globe in motion. With a little nudge from endearing townsfolk, and a few chance meetings of their own, a magical flurry of emotions suddenly swirls around them.

First Flurries is an enchanting story about finding love and home when you're not even looking. So cozy up and settle in with a tale that will simply capture your holiday heart.


Congratulations Joanne
 on the release today of
First Flurries!

About the author

Joanne DeMaio

Joanne DeMaio is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of contemporary fiction. She enjoys writing about friendship, family, love and choices, while setting her stories in New England towns or by the sea. Currently at work on her next novel, Joanne lives with her family in Connecticut.

For a complete list of books and to learn more about the author, visit Joannedemaio.com. She also enjoys hearing from readers on her Facebook Page.

Connect with Joanne


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