Tag Archives: Contemporary romance

Cover Reveal + GIVEAWAY: Where Trains Collide

8 Feb

I’m so excited to share Amber Stokes’ cover reveal for Where Trains Collide!  Isn’t it fabulous?  I love it!

WhereTrainsColllide

 

New Adult Contemporary Romance Novella
 
Two hearts racing in different directions will meet where trains collide.
 
Burned out and disillusioned with her chosen career path, Trisha Knolane gives in to impulse and hops on a train bound for Oregon, eager to escape the stress of college for a few days. But what begins as a fun little adventure suddenly collapses into a nightmare when she discovers that her ex-boyfriend is also on board.
 
All her hopes and dreams had once centered on Paul Benson. Now, when Trisha doesn’t know where her current track will lead, Paul’s questions only complicate matters and spark a few of her own.
 
Questions that could change the course of her life.

A heartfelt and thought-provoking contemporary romance novella, Where Trains Collide faces the uncertain season of new adulthood head-on and shows that sometimes a path of broken dreams can lead to life’s best destination.

Coming April 2015

Add to Goodreads

WTC Graphic

 

About the Author

Amber Stokes Author PicAmber Stokes works in marketing for a Christian publisher. On the side, she writes inspirational fiction depicting the seasons of life and love. Her passion for books compelled her to earn a bachelor’s degree in English and to run her own freelance editing and publicity business for over a year. The next step in her career has her happily settled in the Pacific Northwest—a part of the world she’s always considered home. Learn more about her indie-author adventure at http://www.seasonsofastory.blogspot.com.

 

About the Cover Designer

Lena Goldfinch Author PicLena Goldfinch writes romance and fantasy for adults and teens. She’s a sucker for a good old-fashioned romance, whether it’s a novel, novella, or short story, young adult or adult, fantasy or realistic, contemporary or historical. Elements of romance, fantasy, and mystery have a way of creeping into her writing, even when she’s writing historicals or something light and contemporary. Lena has been a finalist in several national writing contests, including the RWA Golden Heart and ACFW Genesis contests. She lives in a scenic small town in Massachusetts with her husband, two kids, and a very spoiled Black Lab. Visit Lena at http://www.LenaGoldfinch.blogspot.com.

 

GIVEAWAY!

Autumn Earrings - Belle on a Budget

Fall in love with gorgeous autumn earrings by Belle on a Budget (perfect to set aside as a gift for yourself or a friend later on!) and treat yourself now to a little something on Amazon.com with a $5 gift card. This giveaway is open to residents of the US and Canada only, and you can enter using the Rafflecopter form below.

Enter the Rafflecopter GIVEAWAY here!

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Review: Dandelion Moon

13 Jan

Dandelion Moon

Dandelion Moon by Hannah Alexander

On Christmas Eve, a woman stumbles through a cemetery, not knowing who or where she is…

On Christmas Eve, Weston Cline frantically searches for the woman he loves, psychiatrist Myra Maxwell. She fled her clinic in the middle of the day, and he’s heard nothing from her since. When he can’t find her in the city, he decides to search in her hometown, where he’s made enemies in the past and must tread lightly.

Will Weston be able to find Myra and help her recover her memories, or will his past sins prevent him from reaching her?

Thoughts:

Dandelion Moon is an engaging tale of suspense and romance!  I enjoyed Book 1, Hallowed Halls, and was eager to read its sequel.  Although this story can stand on its own, I recommend reading the books in order.     

Dandelion Moon grabbed my attention on the very first page and my intrigue grew with each page I turned.  I loved the medical aspects of the story, as Hannah Alexander’s medical expertise is evident and brings the story to life.  I also enjoyed the great characterization, compelling storyline, and palpable emotions.  Dandelion Moon is a great story and a recommended read for fans of romantic suspense and medical drama! 

Purchase Links:
Amazon | Barnes & Noble

About the Author:

Hannah Alexander is the pen name for a husband/wife writing team in which the wife is the novelist and the husband provides medical expertise from his experience of many years as a physician. Their romance has been written up in Charisma Magazine in years past, and can be found at http://www.hannahalexander.com

 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author.  All thoughts expressed in this review are my own and no monetary compensation was received.  

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Rachel Hauck Fires Up the Romance with “A Brush with Love” Kindle Giveaway!

30 Dec

“Fire” up the romance in the new year with Rachel Hauck‘s newest book, A Brush with Love, by entering her Kindle Fire giveaway! And be sure to catch a sneak peek of the soon-to-be-released How to Catch a Prince!

brushwithlove-400

One grand prize winner will receive:

  • A Kindle Fire
  • A Brush with Love by Rachel Hauck

Enter today by clicking the icon below. But hurry, the giveaway only runs for a week, 12/30 – 1/5. Winner will be announced January 6th on Rachel’s blog.

brushwithlove-enterbutton
{NOT ON FACEBOOK? ENTER HERE.}

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Review: Christmas, Actually

10 Dec

Christmas, Actually

Christmas, Actually

Anna Adams, Anna J. Stewart, and Melinda Curtis

Jack Banning promised to support the mother of his unborn child… But she doesn’t need money, she only needs him.

Callie Banning’s student has declared war on Christmas, so it’s up to her to help the little girl—and her widowed father—believe again.

Gina Vernay is about to meet her online mystery date…and she’s in for the surprise of a lifetime!

Thoughts:

I loved this novella anthology! Christmas stories are among my very favorites and I was delighted to open the pages of Christmas, Actually and “discover the magic of Christmas Town, Maine!”

I enjoyed each of the three Banning siblings and their respective stories of life and love. The authors did a fantastic job of weaving these stories together! I loved the enchantment of Christmas Town and its residents. Full of heartwarming romance, Christmas, Actually is a perfect read for the holiday season!

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the authors. All thoughts expressed are my own and no monetary compensation was received. 

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Review: A Question of Destiny

30 Nov

Destiny

A Question of Destiny by Anita Higman

Lucy O’Brien is about to be given ten millions dollars and a chance to live a life she never imagined. Will this new found wealth be Lucy’s undoing, or can she rise above the temptations within high society and choose to become a nobler version of herself? And will the solitary Andrew Whitfield—a man who watches over Lucy as she adapts to her new lifestyle—cause her to close the door on her dreams or be the key that opens the rest of Lucy’s destiny?

Thoughts:

Anita Higman has shared another great story in A Question of Destiny! Lucy O’Brien is a woman who always thinks of others and gives of herself. Andrew Whitfield is a man who enjoys his solitude. When Andrew’s boss, Ian Chalmers, gives Lucy an extraordinary gift, their lives change in ways they never imagined.

I really enjoyed the way this story unfolded, as Lucy navigated her new wealth and Andrew navigated his new relationships. I found the characters very endearing and really liked seeing them grow emotionally and spiritually. There are so many wonderful themes that are woven through this delightful story. I loved and highly recommend A Question of Destiny!

Purchase a copy of A Question of Destiny from Amazon for $0.99. 

 

Anita Higman

Best-selling and award-winning author, Anita Higman, has forty books published (several coauthored) for adults and children. She’s been a Barnes & Noble “Author of the Month” for Houston and has a BA degree, combining speech communication, psychology, and art. Anita loves good movies, exotic teas, and brunch with her friends.

To learn more about Anita, please visit her website, http://www.anitahigman.com.

 

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. All thoughts expressed are my own and no monetary compensation was received.

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Interview: Anita Higman + GIVEAWAY

24 Nov

Anita Higman

 

Welcome to Buzzing About Books, Anita!  Congratulations on your recent release, A Question of Destiny!  I am excited to share your interview and giveaway and appreciate your kindness and generosity.

 

 

Can you tell me a little bit about your novel, A Question of Destiny?

I’d be happy to. It’s basically a rags-to-riches story with a few surprises along the way. Here’s a short blurb to give you a few more details.

 Lucy O’Brien is about to be given ten millions dollars and a chance to live a life she never imagined. Will this new found wealth be Lucy’s undoing, or can she rise above the temptations within high society and choose to become a nobler version of herself? And will the solitary Andrew Whitfield—a man who watches over Lucy as she adapts to her new lifestyle—cause her to close the door on her dreams or be the key that opens the rest of Lucy’s destiny?

How did you come up with this story?

 I’ve always thought the rags-to-riches concept was fascinating. There’s so much ready-made conflict. Even though we’ve been told by the world that to receive a windfall would be an idyllic situation, in reality, a lot can go wrong. You can truly lose your way. In life, love, faith. Everything. Since a writer needs a lot of conflict to keep those lovely readers turning the pages, I thought this would be a good plot element to add to a love story.

In A Question of Destiny you have the hero loving the city while the heroine loves the country, and it becomes a sticky point between them. Where did you get your inspiration for this conflict?

I suppose both of these viewpoints are inside me. I grew up on a farm, but I now live near Houston. I love the city and the country equally, and so does my husband. So, we are building our retirement home in the country, but because of a soon-to-be-built freeway nearby, we will have access to the city. But I won’t tell you how my heroine and hero work out this intense disagreement!

What is the farthest place from home you’ve ever been?

Melbourne, Australia. I loved it there. It’s such a beautiful and fascinating city. So much so, I set part of a novel there, which was entitled, Winter in Full Bloom. I’d love to go back to Australia someday, but it’s expensive, and it’s a very, very long flight!

Want to share one of your dreams?

I would love to have one of my books made into a movie. Right now two of my novels are optioned for movies, so I’m hoping something exciting will transpire from that.

How long have you known that you wanted to be a writer?

Growing up I dreamed of telling stories. When I was very young I started working on a novel about a man from Mars who wanted to go to college in New York. I never finished that novel, but it left an impression on me. I knew deep down that writing was my dream, even though I didn’t get around to fulfilling it until I was in my thirties.

What do you hope your readers will come away with after reading one of your novels?

I would love for them to be inspired, challenged, and entertained. If I accomplish even one of those things I would feel my writing time wasn’t wasted.

If you could have dinner with two well-known people, who would they be?

Josh Groban, because his music inspires me and Leif Enger, because I love the way he writes.

Is there something about you most people wouldn’t know?

I love licorice ice cream, but it’s a rare find.

Any advice for new writers?

My advice would be, “Don’t rush the process. Take your time. Read and learn about the craft, network, and attend conferences. Start a blog, and find your own unique voice. Be faithful to your stories and write every day. If you really have a passion for writing, you won’t find my suggestions to be a punishment—but a pleasure.”

How can your readers connect with you?

I would love for you to visit my website at www.anitahigman.com and connect with me through the “Contact Me” button, or you can go to my Facebook Reader Page at https://www.facebook.com/AuthorAnitaHigman.

 

Destiny

GIVEAWAY- 3 Winners!!

Anita has graciously offered to give away two Kindle copies of A Question of Destiny and one novel-related gift, so 3 lucky winners will be drawn.  This giveaway is open to US residents only and ends Saturday, November 29 at 11:59 pm CST. 

Please leave a comment, including your email address.  Just for fun, I would love for you to answer the following question. 

What is one of your dreams?

 

To earn additional entries, you may do the following:
◦ Let me know you follow this blog, Buzzing About Books
◦ Sign up to follow this blog if you are not a follower
◦ Share this giveaway through Facebook, Twitter, your blog, or email

Be sure and leave a comment letting me know what you have done to earn additional entries.  Good luck!

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Blog Tour: How a Star Falls- Review + Interview + GIVEAWAY

21 Nov

How a Star Falls bannerHow a Star Falls by Amber Stokes

Sweet NA Contemporary Romance Novella

How does a star fall?
Quickly. Completely. Unexpectedly.

Derrick Knolane escapes to Trinidad Head most evenings, avoiding his apartment and planning for the day he’ll break free of Humboldt County. Working in a music store might be fine for a while, but it’s far from the goal he had in mind when he got his college degree. Not to mention the fact that his roommate is a jerk and his family won’t stop trying to run his life.

Then Brielle falls into his world.

She claims to be a star. Not from Hollywood, but from heaven. He thinks she’s crazy. Certainly delusional. Yet, he can’t just leave her alone on the cliffs. So he takes her home.

And his whole world falls apart.

A heartfelt and fanciful contemporary romance novella, How a Star Falls explores the uncertain season of new adulthood and shows that sometimes the worst inconveniences make for the best miracles of all.

Thoughts:

How-a-Star-Falls-ebook-cover2How a Star Falls is a delightful, contemporary romance! I am such a fan of Amber Stokes’ historicals, and was excited about her new story and new genre, New Adult. I don’t normally read New Adult stories, but was so glad for the opportunity to read this one.

I enjoyed the charm and whimsy of Derrick and Brielle’s story. Their struggles, emotions, and vulnerabilities were wonderfully portrayed! I also enjoyed the vividness of the seaside setting of Humboldt County. How a Star Falls is certainly “heartfelt and fanciful”; a story of the power of believing in yourself and believing in others!

My thanks to Amber Stokes for the complimentary copy of How a Star Falls. All thoughts expressed are my own.

Purchase your copy of How a Star Falls on Amazon.

 

Amber has graciously answered a few of my questions.  Enjoy the interview below!

Amber Stokes Author Pic
Amber Stokes works as a content writer (marketing services) for a Christian publisher. On the side, she self-publishes inspirational fiction depicting the seasons of life and love. Her passion for books compelled her to earn a bachelor’s degree in English and to run her own freelance editing and publicity business for over a year. Happily, this new chapter of her career takes place in the Pacific Northwest—a part of the world she’s always considered home. Learn more about Amber’s books at www.SeasonsofaStory.blogspot.com.

 

Your previous publications have all been historicals. What prompted this journey into a new genre?

About a year ago, this vague sort of story idea about dancing stars hit me, and then it became “official” when my designer made me that beautiful cover. This came about before I’d published Forget Me Not and the companion short stories, so I guess it was just one of those times where a story inkling intrigued me and made me want to explore it. The genre that seemed to fit best was contemporary—a mixture of contemporary and fantasy, I suppose.

I’ve been reading more and more contemporary and fantasy stories lately, including plenty in the young-adult range, so I think the genre switch bloomed naturally from my growing reading preferences, as well as my desire to have something different to work on after “The Heart’s Spring.” That was the plan—to publish How a Star Falls after I completed my historical series. But Morning Glory (Book 3) wasn’t ready (or perhaps I should say I wasn’t ready for that story?), so my novella pushed its way to the front of my mind and heart. With all the transitions in my life this year (moving out on my own for the first time, starting a new full-time job, etc.), the final version of How a Star Falls flowed from more recent emotions and experiences.

How do you balance all of your writing responsibilities?

With a full-time job in marketing, this indie-author thing has become somewhat of a different animal! It probably helps that I write shorter pieces of fiction and not super long, epic novels. 🙂 So far, I guess I’m just learning how to prioritize tasks. While working on the first draft of How a Star Falls, I wrote some scenes in my journal, which allowed me to get some writing done during lunch at work. And since finishing the novella, I’ve just been focusing on one step at a time. Edits. Final proofing. Pre-order promotion. Release-time marketing. Etc.

I had hoped to start on a new story already, but I guess that will come soon enough. Baby steps, right? Of course, between work and my writing/book-blogging, I confess I do spend a ton of time in front of the computer…

Do you plan to revisit Derrick and Brielle in future stories?

I had planned for How a Star Falls to be a stand-alone. I’ve had some ideas about other new-adult novellas, and for a while I was thinking they’d be about different characters. But it always seems like reader feedback makes me want to write more about the characters I fall in love with. 🙂 Now I’m contemplating writing stories for Derrick’s sisters…which would, of course, include updates on Derrick and Brielle. But we’ll see how it goes! I find that my writing plans change and grow quite a bit over time. Maybe it’s that “pantser” part of me that likes to go with the creative flow!

Thank you so much, Amber!  I wish you much success with the release of How a Star Falls!

 

Connect with Amber:

Twitter: @SeasonsHumility

Blog: www.seasonsofhumility.blogspot.com

Website: www.seasonsofastory.blogspot.com

Pinterest: pinterest.com/seasonshumility

Goodreads: Amber Stokes

Google +:  +AmberStokes

 

GIVEAWAY!

Share in the excitement of Amber’s new release with a special starry giveaway!  You can enter to win one of three prize packs using the Rafflecopter form below.  Open to U.S. residents only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

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Review: Hallowed Halls

13 Nov

Hallowed Halls

Hallowed Halls by Hannah Alexander

When Dr. Joy Gilbert is fired from a lucrative position she hates in the city, she returns to her small hometown to find her former fiance single, her once vivacious mother struggling financially and physically, and Tressa, the 15-year-old daughter of the boss who just fired her, popping out of the back door of her car. Tressa refuses to return to the city, where her divorced parents struggle emotionally over the death of their son. When Dr. Zack Tyler sees Joy walk into the ER with the daughter of the man who lured Joy away from him, he’s hesitant, though he’s overjoyed to see her again. Out of compassion, he hires her in the ER so she can support herself and her mother, and their relationship blooms.

Meanwhile, Tressa has blackouts that grow increasingly bad. Joy and Zack rediscover their love for one another as they discover what caused the break-up. Together they work to save Tressa and uncover a rare genetic defect, a mystery that has ravaged decades of Tressa’s family line.

Thoughts:

Hannah Alexander has penned a very enjoyable read in Hallowed Halls! Family dynamics, relationship issues, and medical drama are just a few of the elements that comprise this engaging story. I especially enjoyed the romantic tension and rediscovered romance between Dr. Joy Gilbert and Dr. Zack Tyler. I also enjoyed the medical aspects of the novel and was very intrigued by the medical mystery that Joy and Zack worked tirelessly to solve.

At the conclusion of the story, there are a few questions that linger and I look forward to reading the sequel, Dandelion Moon. Hallowed Halls is a recommended read for fans of contemporary romance and medical drama.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. All thoughts expressed are my own.  

About the Author:

Hannah Alexander is the pen name for a husband/wife writing team in which the wife is the novelist and the husband provides medical expertise from his experience of many years as a physician. Their romance has been written up in Charisma Magazine in years past, and can be found at http://www.hannahalexander.com

 

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Free novella deal!

12 Nov

Wishing Season Preorder Deal

Pre-order from Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Christianbook.com

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Cover Reveal- How a Star Falls

9 Aug

I am excited to reveal this beautiful cover and look forward to enjoying the story when it releases!

How a Star Falls

 How a Star Falls by Amber Stokes

About the Book:

How does a star fall?

Quickly. Completely. Unexpectedly.

Derrick Knolane escapes to Trinidad Head most evenings, avoiding his apartment and planning for the day he’ll break free of Humboldt County. Working in a music store might be fine for a while, but it’s far from the goal he had in mind when he got his college degree. Not to mention the fact that his roommate is a jerk and his family won’t stop trying to run his life.

Then Brielle falls into his world.

She claims to be a star. Not from Hollywood, but from heaven. He thinks she’s crazy. Certainly delusional. Yet, he can’t just leave her alone on the cliffs. So he takes her home.

And his whole world falls apart.

A heartfelt and fanciful contemporary romance novella, How a Star Falls explores the uncertain season of new adulthood and shows that sometimes the worst inconveniences make for the best miracles of all. 

 

About the Author:

Amber Stokes

Amber Stokes works as a content writer for Harvest House Publishers and writes inspirational fiction depicting the seasons of life and love. Her passion for books compelled her to earn a bachelor’s degree in English and to run her own freelance editing and publicity business for over a year. Happily, the next step in her career lies in the Pacific Northwest—a part of the world she’s always considered home. Learn more about her indie-author adventure at www.SeasonsofaStory.blogspot.com.

 

About the Cover Designer:

Lena GoldfinchLena Goldfinch writes fantasy and romance for teens and adults. She’s a sucker for a good old-fashioned romance, whether it’s a novel, novella, or short story, young adult or adult, fantasy or realistic, contemporary or historical. Elements of romance, fantasy, and mystery have a way of creeping into her writing, even when she’s writing something light and contemporary. Learn more about Lena, her books, and her cover designs at www.LenaGoldfinch.blogspot.com.

 

To celebrate this cover reveal, Amber is giving away a $10 Amazon.com gift card!  You can enter using the Rafflecopter form below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway


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