Ellie Thornton's Blog
May 19, 2023
And we're back! (Diamond Cove Romantic Comedies Series)
Missing your favorite geriatric matchmakers? Well, the wait's almost up!
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Welcome back to Diamond Cove!
Your favorite grandparents are back with new adventures in matchmaking. The Secret Seven are all geared up to marry off their grandchildren--if only the grandchildren would cooperate. 😜
If you haven't read these books, you should join the thousands of readers who have fallen in love with Diamond Cove and the Secret Seven.
LEARN MORE
[image error]
Welcome back to Diamond Cove!
Your favorite grandparents are back with new adventures in matchmaking. The Secret Seven are all geared up to marry off their grandchildren--if only the grandchildren would cooperate. 😜
If you haven't read these books, you should join the thousands of readers who have fallen in love with Diamond Cove and the Secret Seven.
LEARN MORE
May 17, 2023
Diamond Cove Romantic Comedies are back!
The Diamond Cove Romantic Comedy Series is starting up again for a Round #2 in a month! And I'm so excited!
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Looking for a new kind of romance book?
If you want all the feels, all the romance, AND a cast of hilarious characters, then I have the series for you.
Beach reads are one of my favorite kinds of romance novels, and the Diamond Cove RomCom series is a sweet romance with something new. It's not just a book, it's a vacation, a love story, and a family all in one.
Come on in--the water is warm and the sun is shining.
CHECK IT OUT
[image error]
Looking for a new kind of romance book?
If you want all the feels, all the romance, AND a cast of hilarious characters, then I have the series for you.
Beach reads are one of my favorite kinds of romance novels, and the Diamond Cove RomCom series is a sweet romance with something new. It's not just a book, it's a vacation, a love story, and a family all in one.
Come on in--the water is warm and the sun is shining.
CHECK IT OUT
March 13, 2023
Crazy Little Thing New Release!
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Crazy Little Thing is out and here's what it's all about!
He's a rock star. She's a librarian. They couldn't be more perfect for one another if they tried.
Kate has sworn off men--for good this time! No more being stood up, no more coming second, and definitely no more falling in love. No. Nope. She's done.
Besides, she has bigger things to worry about, like taking care of her depressed dog, Bear, who's missing his best friend, Sweetie, the blind alligator, and getting the Diamond Cove library ready for a big contest, that if it wins, will land it smack dab on the front of a national magazine. Kate's beyond stoked, but first, she has to clean . . . everything. Removing 50,000 books from all the bookshelves in a three-story library? Shouldn't be too hard. Right?
Wrong, according to her best friend, Samantha, the activities director at The Palms Retirement Community where the library is located. Samantha's done hauling books all over and determined to find Kate help. But why, oh, why, does the help have to be the gorgeous and extremely kind security guard Kate met in college over a decade ago at some concert? Doesn't matter. She won't be tempted, Kate can control herself. She can!
When world-famous rock star, Axel Clayton, runs away from California to hide from his manager who's pushing him to write songs he has no interest in, he heads straight to Diamond Cove Retirement Community and into his grandparent's open arms.
His, grandpa, Don, never liked his career, but during this visit, gramps seems more interested in other things, like this new group of friends he's always sneaking around with. Fine by Axel as long as he doesn't have to defend a career he's not sure he can do anymore.
Now, all Axel needs is to stay hidden from fans until he gets lyrics on paper or finally makes the decision to retire. He just needs something to occupy his time. Like the cute librarian he met years ago, and her crazy "clean everything" assignment. He wants the job all right. Even more when he realizes that Kate still doesn't know he's famous.
And that's not all she doesn't know. Like the fact that she practically inspired an entire album out of him in the fifteen minutes they were together back then. What could she do with him in weeks? He doesn't know, but he's willing to lug around thousands of books to find out.
Don: Finally, I'm getting my oldest grandson married. Watch out, Axel, The Secret Seven are coming for you!
USA Today Bestselling Author Ellie Thornton welcomes you to the sunshine state! Looking for fun in the sun? Come to Diamond Cove, a beach community full of hilarious situations, meddling grandparents, and romance. Lose your heart to this sweet romantic comedy about a rockstar hiding his identity and the cute librarian who'll help him find his voice again.
PREORDER LINK:
Crazy Little Thing is out and here's what it's all about!
He's a rock star. She's a librarian. They couldn't be more perfect for one another if they tried.
Kate has sworn off men--for good this time! No more being stood up, no more coming second, and definitely no more falling in love. No. Nope. She's done.
Besides, she has bigger things to worry about, like taking care of her depressed dog, Bear, who's missing his best friend, Sweetie, the blind alligator, and getting the Diamond Cove library ready for a big contest, that if it wins, will land it smack dab on the front of a national magazine. Kate's beyond stoked, but first, she has to clean . . . everything. Removing 50,000 books from all the bookshelves in a three-story library? Shouldn't be too hard. Right?
Wrong, according to her best friend, Samantha, the activities director at The Palms Retirement Community where the library is located. Samantha's done hauling books all over and determined to find Kate help. But why, oh, why, does the help have to be the gorgeous and extremely kind security guard Kate met in college over a decade ago at some concert? Doesn't matter. She won't be tempted, Kate can control herself. She can!
When world-famous rock star, Axel Clayton, runs away from California to hide from his manager who's pushing him to write songs he has no interest in, he heads straight to Diamond Cove Retirement Community and into his grandparent's open arms.
His, grandpa, Don, never liked his career, but during this visit, gramps seems more interested in other things, like this new group of friends he's always sneaking around with. Fine by Axel as long as he doesn't have to defend a career he's not sure he can do anymore.
Now, all Axel needs is to stay hidden from fans until he gets lyrics on paper or finally makes the decision to retire. He just needs something to occupy his time. Like the cute librarian he met years ago, and her crazy "clean everything" assignment. He wants the job all right. Even more when he realizes that Kate still doesn't know he's famous.
And that's not all she doesn't know. Like the fact that she practically inspired an entire album out of him in the fifteen minutes they were together back then. What could she do with him in weeks? He doesn't know, but he's willing to lug around thousands of books to find out.
Don: Finally, I'm getting my oldest grandson married. Watch out, Axel, The Secret Seven are coming for you!
USA Today Bestselling Author Ellie Thornton welcomes you to the sunshine state! Looking for fun in the sun? Come to Diamond Cove, a beach community full of hilarious situations, meddling grandparents, and romance. Lose your heart to this sweet romantic comedy about a rockstar hiding his identity and the cute librarian who'll help him find his voice again.
PREORDER LINK:
August 9, 2022
SNEAK PEEK - Andy - Black Ops Tag Mission: Harvest Ranch Wedding
SNEAK PEEK
“Why do I feel like you know your way around here?” she asked.
“You mean in Harvest Ranch?”
“No, I mean in the woods.” She laughed at her question because it seemed so silly. “Are you some kind of mountain man or something?”
He chuckled. “I’ve been through survivalist training–multiple times.”
“Is that where they drop you in the middle of nowhere with nothing but the clothes on your back and a half a canteen of water?”
“Try no canteen.” He winked.
She let out a low whistle. “I think I would cry.”
“I don’t see that in you.”
“You don’t?” She suddenly wondered what he did see when he looked at her. This man who had survived in the woods with no food
and no water, who could hotwire a car and then leave no trace, and take out her home security system like a thief.
“I see you charming a family of squirrels to let you move in with them.”
She stopped, tugging on his arm in the process. “Are you calling me a princess?”
“No. I was calling you irresistible.” His honest answer was like a balm to her soul. She was constantly told how great she was by people who wanted things from her. So much so that she could spot a fake compliment through a thick fog on a winter’s day. Andy was real.
A warmth spread through her body? Her? Irresistible? “No man has ever thought that about me before,” she confessed.
He stepped so they were toe to toe and she had to look up to meet his gaze. “They thought it, but weren’t brave enough to say it out
loud.”
Her breath hitched. “What else are you brave enough to do?” Her eyes dropped to his lips, daring him to kiss her.
A slow, knowing smile spread across his face. He stepped back, pulling her with him as he continued on the trail, walking backward.
America couldn’t look away from his gaze.
“I’m brave enough to knock on your window,” he started. “Brave enough to climb down a very slick column with precious cargo on my
back.”
Aww, he did it again. He made her feel like she was more than she’d ever imagined with just one phrase. “In the middle of the night,” she added.
He stopped, and she stumbled into his chest, her hand flat against his hard muscles where his heart beat.
It raced hers.
“Brave enough to steal a kiss,” he said in a gravely, wonderful voice that lit a fire in her belly.
***
I want to read more! Andy - Black Ops Tag Mission: Harvest Ranch Wedding
April 5, 2021
Beehives and Broken Heroes is Live!
I'm so excited because "Beehives and Broken Heroes" is out today!
I just love writing for the Harvest Ranch Romance Series. The town is so adorable, (I wish it were real), and the people in it so relatable and fun to read! Plus, the other authors in the series are amazing!
Here's what "Beehives and Broken Heroes" is about.
His upright nature will teach her to love again.
Her fiery spirit will bring him back to life.
Allie Ward is swearing off men for good. She’s had it with their lying, thieving, and cheating ways. What she needs to focus on is bettering herself and her business.
But the studly, new investor to her “Sticky and Sweet” honey company, Brandon Carroll, keeps getting in her head. He’s not like the guys she’s dated before. He’s reserved, tough, hard to rile, and surprisingly flirty when she least expects it. She’s torn between wanting to hide from him, and wanting to kiss the life out of him. But, she’ll do neither because she’s a professional . . . and done with men.
Ex-military police officer, Brandon Carroll falls fast for Allie Ward. With her open, crazy, and vivacious zest for life, she’s exactly what he needs to mend his broken heart. But when a ghost from his past rears its sinister head, Brandon will have more than a gorgeous, fighting redhead to deal with. By law, he must keep the mounting dangers stamped “top secret” from her.
But Allie isn’t going to tolerate secrets. In fighting to keep his past from her, he just might lose her for good.
You can grab a copy, here: https://www.amazon.com/Beehives-Broke...
I just love writing for the Harvest Ranch Romance Series. The town is so adorable, (I wish it were real), and the people in it so relatable and fun to read! Plus, the other authors in the series are amazing!
Here's what "Beehives and Broken Heroes" is about.
His upright nature will teach her to love again.
Her fiery spirit will bring him back to life.
Allie Ward is swearing off men for good. She’s had it with their lying, thieving, and cheating ways. What she needs to focus on is bettering herself and her business.
But the studly, new investor to her “Sticky and Sweet” honey company, Brandon Carroll, keeps getting in her head. He’s not like the guys she’s dated before. He’s reserved, tough, hard to rile, and surprisingly flirty when she least expects it. She’s torn between wanting to hide from him, and wanting to kiss the life out of him. But, she’ll do neither because she’s a professional . . . and done with men.
Ex-military police officer, Brandon Carroll falls fast for Allie Ward. With her open, crazy, and vivacious zest for life, she’s exactly what he needs to mend his broken heart. But when a ghost from his past rears its sinister head, Brandon will have more than a gorgeous, fighting redhead to deal with. By law, he must keep the mounting dangers stamped “top secret” from her.
But Allie isn’t going to tolerate secrets. In fighting to keep his past from her, he just might lose her for good.
You can grab a copy, here: https://www.amazon.com/Beehives-Broke...
March 17, 2021
8 BOOKS & a $100 AMAZON GIFT CARD!
The authors of "The Harvest Ranch Romance Series" have put together an amazing giveaway to celebrate the release of the next 8 books in the series!
And the giveaway is a good one!
To ENTER TO WIN these 8 books and a $100 Amazon gift card, follow the link, here: https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/dis...
These books are AMAZING! I've read everyone that's been released so far and I've absolutely been loving them.
And the giveaway is a good one!
To ENTER TO WIN these 8 books and a $100 Amazon gift card, follow the link, here: https://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/dis...
These books are AMAZING! I've read everyone that's been released so far and I've absolutely been loving them.
February 10, 2021
Beehives and Broken Heroes: Meet the MCs
If you read "Honeycombs and Homecomings," you may remember Jo's twin sister, the ever crazy and vivacious Allie.
At the end of H & H, Allie put her lying, thieving ex-fiancé in his place. It was satisfying, but now time has passed and as her sister's wedding to Cash Evans gets closer, she finds she's still bitter about what happened, and dead set against men in general.
Too bad she's secretly falling for Brandon Carroll, the man who swooped in last minute with a miracle investment that saved Allie and Jo's honey company, "Sticky and Sweet" from closing after her ex nearly ruined them.
But she won't let Brandon's broad shoulders, his sexy gaze, or his honest nature change her mind. She's swearing men off for good.
Brandon Carroll moved to Harvest Ranch to get a fresh start. Newly retired from the military and looking to get away from his family, their multi-million dollar business, and all the painful reminders of a love he lost there, he found the perfect home just outside the quaint little town known for its Swedish architecture, fall and balloon festivals, and its neighborly charm.
Love was the farthest thing from his mind, until the day he picked up the keys to his new house, the former home of Allie and Jocelyn Ward.
The ginger beauty nearly took a swing at an obnoxious older lady goading her and her twin sister as they lost their home, furniture, and everything they'd ever known. From that moment he couldn't take his mind off her, her fiery spirit, and open ways.
But he's been burned before, and tough as he is, he fears his heart can't take another blow. He's only known Allie a few months, but he already knows her rejection would end him, and he's faced the worst kind of criminals as a military police officer for nearly twenty years!
If only he could keep Allie Ward off his mind. But she keeps sneaking in, filling all the holes of his broken heart.
"Beehives and Broken Heroes" releases April 5th. Preorder a copy today! https://www.amazon.com/Beehives-Broke...
At the end of H & H, Allie put her lying, thieving ex-fiancé in his place. It was satisfying, but now time has passed and as her sister's wedding to Cash Evans gets closer, she finds she's still bitter about what happened, and dead set against men in general.
Too bad she's secretly falling for Brandon Carroll, the man who swooped in last minute with a miracle investment that saved Allie and Jo's honey company, "Sticky and Sweet" from closing after her ex nearly ruined them.
But she won't let Brandon's broad shoulders, his sexy gaze, or his honest nature change her mind. She's swearing men off for good.
Brandon Carroll moved to Harvest Ranch to get a fresh start. Newly retired from the military and looking to get away from his family, their multi-million dollar business, and all the painful reminders of a love he lost there, he found the perfect home just outside the quaint little town known for its Swedish architecture, fall and balloon festivals, and its neighborly charm.
Love was the farthest thing from his mind, until the day he picked up the keys to his new house, the former home of Allie and Jocelyn Ward.
The ginger beauty nearly took a swing at an obnoxious older lady goading her and her twin sister as they lost their home, furniture, and everything they'd ever known. From that moment he couldn't take his mind off her, her fiery spirit, and open ways.
But he's been burned before, and tough as he is, he fears his heart can't take another blow. He's only known Allie a few months, but he already knows her rejection would end him, and he's faced the worst kind of criminals as a military police officer for nearly twenty years!
If only he could keep Allie Ward off his mind. But she keeps sneaking in, filling all the holes of his broken heart.
"Beehives and Broken Heroes" releases April 5th. Preorder a copy today! https://www.amazon.com/Beehives-Broke...
February 3, 2021
Pantser or Plotter?
Are you a pantser or a plotter? Where do you stand?
I'm a plotter--a major plotter. I have a very detailed outlining system. It's so extensive, that when I get to the end of my first draft it's very clean, as in, very few character inconsistencies, very few plot holes, very few problems of any kind.
Now that's not to say that as I'm writing I don't face jam ups or ideas that I thought would work and now don't. There's always something that has to change on the fly, and I'm totally down with that.
BUT I wasn't always a planner. For years and years, I was a pantser. And I really enjoyed it. I liked not always knowing where my story was going to take me.
The problem I found in pantsing and the reason I started plotting was because no matter how fun pantsing was, I'd get to the end of my story and it'd be in complete shambles. I'd have to rewrite and rewrite and rewrite. I hated that.
I even had one book that I couldn't finish because the plot strings that I had all the way through were so convoluted I couldn't tie them together at the end. And, I'm a bit of a perfectionist, so the idea of putting out a book that didn't have a solid plot or character arcs, was totally upsetting to me.
Enter, the 7 point plot system, and then a couple years later, K.M. Weiland's "Creating Character Arcs."
I can't recommend these systems enough if you want your first draft to be as clean and solid as it can possibly be.
In the end, plotting to me means that I have more to write other books.
So, where do you stand? Are you a pantser or a plotter? I'd love to read what you think in the comments!
I'm a plotter--a major plotter. I have a very detailed outlining system. It's so extensive, that when I get to the end of my first draft it's very clean, as in, very few character inconsistencies, very few plot holes, very few problems of any kind.
Now that's not to say that as I'm writing I don't face jam ups or ideas that I thought would work and now don't. There's always something that has to change on the fly, and I'm totally down with that.
BUT I wasn't always a planner. For years and years, I was a pantser. And I really enjoyed it. I liked not always knowing where my story was going to take me.
The problem I found in pantsing and the reason I started plotting was because no matter how fun pantsing was, I'd get to the end of my story and it'd be in complete shambles. I'd have to rewrite and rewrite and rewrite. I hated that.
I even had one book that I couldn't finish because the plot strings that I had all the way through were so convoluted I couldn't tie them together at the end. And, I'm a bit of a perfectionist, so the idea of putting out a book that didn't have a solid plot or character arcs, was totally upsetting to me.
Enter, the 7 point plot system, and then a couple years later, K.M. Weiland's "Creating Character Arcs."
I can't recommend these systems enough if you want your first draft to be as clean and solid as it can possibly be.
In the end, plotting to me means that I have more to write other books.
So, where do you stand? Are you a pantser or a plotter? I'd love to read what you think in the comments!
January 18, 2021
Thank you, reviewers!
I've gotten some really awesome reviews on "The Heir of Thornfield Manor," and I'm so grateful people like my book.
What readers are saying:
“All of Ellie's contemporary reboot books are wonderful and this latest did not disappoint! Clean, suspenseful and fun, I recommend it!” – Katie Miner
“I love this series, and this story made me love it even more! The reboot of Jane Eyre required some clever reimagining to fit into the modern era, and the author definitely delivered. The clues to the overarching plot at the beginning were as intriguing as ever, and the murder mystery was captivating. I can’t wait for more!” – Diane M
“I think this is my favorite so far, but it's close . . . the tension and chemistry between Patrick and Elizabeth is perfection. Also a suspenseful mystery with a great cast of suspects. Can't wait for the next one!” – K. Lubbers
“Great thriller. The story has you entertained throughout, and towards the end, it's hard to put it down. A real nail biter!” – Dave Holcomb
Thank you so much, reviewers! Without you, indie authors wouldn't stand a chance in the saturated marketplace. You're amazing and so appreciated.
If you'd like to check out "The Heir of Thornfield Manor" you can find it here: https://www.amazon.com/Heir-Thornfiel...
It is book four in a series, but can be read as a stand-alone if you skip the prologue.
What readers are saying:
“All of Ellie's contemporary reboot books are wonderful and this latest did not disappoint! Clean, suspenseful and fun, I recommend it!” – Katie Miner
“I love this series, and this story made me love it even more! The reboot of Jane Eyre required some clever reimagining to fit into the modern era, and the author definitely delivered. The clues to the overarching plot at the beginning were as intriguing as ever, and the murder mystery was captivating. I can’t wait for more!” – Diane M
“I think this is my favorite so far, but it's close . . . the tension and chemistry between Patrick and Elizabeth is perfection. Also a suspenseful mystery with a great cast of suspects. Can't wait for the next one!” – K. Lubbers
“Great thriller. The story has you entertained throughout, and towards the end, it's hard to put it down. A real nail biter!” – Dave Holcomb
Thank you so much, reviewers! Without you, indie authors wouldn't stand a chance in the saturated marketplace. You're amazing and so appreciated.
If you'd like to check out "The Heir of Thornfield Manor" you can find it here: https://www.amazon.com/Heir-Thornfiel...
It is book four in a series, but can be read as a stand-alone if you skip the prologue.
January 11, 2021
Inspiration for The Heir of Thornfield Manor
Every book in the "Reboot Mystery Series" is a retelling (or reboot) of a classic.
"The Bristol Park Detective" is a lose retelling of "Pride and Prejudice," "The Prisoner of Lazerev" is a retelling of "The Count of Monte Cristo" and so on.
"The Heir of Thornfield Manor" I always assume is a pretty easy one to figure out because it is a play on words and because it has the name of the mansion from the original story in it. Any guesses?
It's based on "Jane Eyre." One of my favorite books and I've seen several movie adaptions I love also. (Did you know there's been over 50 TV and movie adaptions?!)
It was especially fun for me to figure out how to do a reboot of "Jane Eyre," put it in a contemporary setting and add a murder mystery twist. And it was so much easier than say, "The Bristol Park Detective," based on "Pride and Prejudice," because it already had a mystery built in.
I'm doing a giveaway event for the release of the hardcopy this month. I'm giving away three Amazon cards. You can enter here: https://www.goodreads.com/event/show/...
"The Bristol Park Detective" is a lose retelling of "Pride and Prejudice," "The Prisoner of Lazerev" is a retelling of "The Count of Monte Cristo" and so on.
"The Heir of Thornfield Manor" I always assume is a pretty easy one to figure out because it is a play on words and because it has the name of the mansion from the original story in it. Any guesses?
It's based on "Jane Eyre." One of my favorite books and I've seen several movie adaptions I love also. (Did you know there's been over 50 TV and movie adaptions?!)
It was especially fun for me to figure out how to do a reboot of "Jane Eyre," put it in a contemporary setting and add a murder mystery twist. And it was so much easier than say, "The Bristol Park Detective," based on "Pride and Prejudice," because it already had a mystery built in.
I'm doing a giveaway event for the release of the hardcopy this month. I'm giving away three Amazon cards. You can enter here: https://www.goodreads.com/event/show/...
