Shail Rajan's Blog, page 6

3 Minutes with Shayla Cherry

The latest episode of 3 Minutes with the Author is now live! I really enjoyed my conversation with women's fiction author Shayla Cherry about her new release Big Island Sunrise, book one in her Big Island series. This empowering story of two women in vastly different circumstances helping each other start over on the beautiful island of Hawai'i is giving me all the aloha and ohana vibes. One reader likened the story to Virgin River and Sweet Magnolias in a tropical setting. Sounds like a great read to me! Watch as Shayla talks about her own experience with starting over in a small beach town in Mexico and the importance of "refilling the well."

If Shayla's name sounds familiar to you, it's because she co-wrote the Redwood Grove Series with bestselling author Christine Gael!

To watch 3 Minutes with the Author, click HERE. If you'd like to get the episodes delivered straight to your inbox, subscribe to my newsletter.

In next week's episode, I'll be talking to Rachel Stone about her new release Blue Iris, that Kirkus Reviews calls "A captivating read that's full of humour and heart."

3 Minutes with Janet Koops

The first episode of 3 Minutes with the Author is live! In this episode, I had a chance to talk with Janet Koops, former librarian turned author, about her newest release Magic in Mistletoe (which sounds like the perfect holiday read!) and her women's fiction series Lost and Found Families. Watch as Janet talks about how the experience of "walking a mile in someone's shoes" helps guide her writing. You'll also get a chance to find out what Janet's guilty pleasure is this time of year, who crashed our interview, and which author Janet would love to have coffee with! To watch 3 Minutes with Janet Koops, click HERE.

In next week's episode, I'll be talking to Shayla Cherry about her upcoming release, the first book in a contemporary women's fiction series that features motherhood, friendship, and sweet romance. This one is giving off all sorts of aloha and ohana vibes!

Announcing: 3 Minutes with the Author

I'm excited to announce that I'll be hosting a new short-form video series featuring

author interviews and the latest in book news! In 3 Minutes with the Author, I'll be sharing bite-sized, snackable content - 3 minute videos where I interview a variety of women's fiction authors including everyone from multi-award winning and bestselling authors to debut authors, both traditionally and independently published, to give you an inside look at their writing journeys and their books. Learn more about your favorite authors, discover new-to-you authors, and find your next read! Follow me on socials or ,subscribe to my newsletter and ,YouTube channel for the latest episode!

A Zither & A Bookish Connection

I was incredibly lucky enough to have had some amazing English & foreign language teachers (I took French, Russian, and Latin!) when I was growing up. They instilled in me an early love for words - their spelling, meaning, sound, and origin - that has stayed with me ever since.

A few months ago, I came across a word I had never heard before:

Zither (n) zith·​er ˈzi-t͟hər -thər - a stringed instrument having usually 30 to 40 strings over a shallow horizontal soundboard and played with pick and fingers (Merriam-Webster Dictionary).

Have you heard of a zither? I asked this same question to my newsletter readers, and I challenged myself to find a way to work a zither into one of my books. Imagine my thrill when a reader in Germany wrote back almost immediately to share that she was indeed familiar with the word! We exchanged a few friendly emails, and I’m so excited to share that this reader helped inspire a character and story line for book 3 in The Summer Breeze series! A huge thank you to Marie-Luise! Be on the lookout for a new zither-playing character named after her!

Goodreads Giveaway!

I'm running a Goodreads Giveaway for The Summer Breeze Bed & Breakfast (book 1 in The Summer Breeze series)! Three (3) lucky winners will be chosen to receive a signed copy of the first book in this heartwarming series readers love!

Enter by August 10. Open to residents in the US and Canada.

What Goodreads reviewers are saying:

"Shail Rajan joins the ranks of such writers as Rosamunde Pilcher and Jan Karon in her ability to create a small town atmosphere that will have the reader ready to relocate."

- 5 ⭐ Goodreads Review

"Beautifully written with incredible visual imagery. Reading it was like watching a movie in my head. This is one of those books where the characters stay with you even when you put the book down - you will be left thinking of them as old friends, wondering what they are up to and how they are doing. This is the perfect book to escape from the daily grind."

- 5 ⭐ Goodreads Review

RECIPE: A Summer Breeze Antipasto Salad

One of things I love most about writing The Summer Breeze series is that it gets my culinary creative juices flowing! I was researching summer salad recipes for one of the scenes in Book 3 of The Summer Breeze series and stumbled across some spectacular antipasto salads. Here's my meatless version. It comes together in minutes and tastes fabulous. The best part is that it's versatile and you can add just about anything your heart desires! Pair with some crusty bread for lunch or enjoy as a side salad with dinner!

Ingredients (I'm not including quantities, make as much as you want!):

Chopped romaine lettuce Sliced tomatoes Diced cucumbers Thinly sliced red onions Roughly chopped marinated artichoke hearts Diced olives

For the dressing:

Extra virgin olive oil Italian seasoning mix Salt & pepper to taste Red chili flakes to taste Freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Directions:

Add all the salad ingredients to a bowl and set aside. In a small jar or bowl, mix together all the ingredients for the dressing. Pour over the salad and toss well. Wait about 15 minutes before serving.

The Summer Breeze Series Primer

I realize quite some time has passed since many of you read The Summer Breeze Bed & Breakfast, so I've created a quick and fun primer about the characters and the setting to refresh your memory before you dive into book 2 in the series, The Summer Breeze Love & Misfortunes. Click HERE for the primer!

To start the series from the very beginning with The Summer Breeze Bed & Breakfast, click HERE.

To read the latest book in the series The Summer Breeze Love & Misfortunes, click HERE.

Pub Day Giveaway!

This past week has been amazing, and I’m truly grateful for all the support and encouragement on the release of my new book The Summer Breeze Love & Misfortunes! Thank you to everyone who pre-ordered their copy!

The official publication date for the book is May 30 and as a way to say thank you, I’m running a giveaway! I’m excited to announce that one lucky winner will receive signed paperback copies of all 3 of my books, a $15 Amazon Gift Card, a $15 Barnes & Noble Gift Card, and a large canvas tote bag!

Scroll down for details on how to enter! Good luck & happy reading!

To enter my Publication Day Giveaway:

- Follow me on Instagram and/or Facebook for 1 entry each

- Follow me on Goodreads and/or BookBub for 1 entry each

- Subscribe to my Newsletter and tell me what you’re currently reading for 1 entry

The fine print:

- US only

- Must be 18 or have parents’ permission

- Must be comfortable sharing your mailing address for shipping!

- Giveaway is open May 23 - May 30. The winner will be announced on May 31, 2023.

It's Time!

It’s been more than two years since I released The Summer Breeze Bed & Breakfast, and I still can’t believe how many readers have asked for a continuation of the story! I’m so excited to share that the wait is finally over! After months of writing, followed by months of editing, I am thrilled to share the cover & title reveal for Book 2 in The Summer Breeze Series!

I have absolutely loved revisiting the lakeside town of Seneca Springs and spending time with the characters from book 1 - everyone from Callie and Lynette, to Tiny and Grace. And, I've introduced so many new characters that I know you're going to love. I'll be looking forward to hearing which characters are your favorites!

The Summer Breeze Love & Misfortunes

Book 2 in The Summer Breeze Series

Callie Williams seems to have found the happily ever after she was so desperately seeking. Her new business venture, The Summer Breeze Bed & Breakfast, is a raging success, and she’s let her guard down just enough for Nick Larrington to wrangle his way into her heart. But will her happiness disappear in an instant when misfortune strikes? 

Guests and the seasons keep changing, but your favorite characters from The Summer Breeze Bed and Breakfast are all back in Book 2 of this heartwarming series. Join Callie as she continues her unsuccessful attempts to not meddle in her guest's lives, eats even more mouthwatering food, and tries to keep her head on straight when Nick is around.

Get ready for some heartwarming humor, a little romance, a lot of delicious dishes, and some unexpected twists and turns! 

It's Almost Time...

It’s almost time!!!! Book 2 in The Summer Breeze series is COMING SOON!! I can’t wait to share the next chapters in Callie’s journey with you. Guests at The Summer Breeze Bed & Breakfast and the seasons will keep changing, but your favorite characters will all be back! Get ready for some heartwarming humor, a little romance, delicious dishes, and some unexpected twists and turns!

Sign up for my newsletter for an exclusive Cover & Title reveal PLUS a Giveaway coming soon!

Read the first book in the series: The Summer Breeze Bed & Breakfast on Amazon.