Sarah Ballance's Blog, page 46
January 14, 2013
Heather B. Moore: Researching Historical Fiction ($50 Tourwide G’veaway)
Today’s guest blog from Heather B. Moore is especially timely for me as I plot a historical romance. I don’t think you need to be an author to appreciate what she has to say–in fact, as a reader this moves her book right to the top of my TBR pile!
Heather B. Moore: When Writing Historical Fiction, How Much Do I Research?
Writing historical novels can be exciting because they continue to sell well, primarily because we want to learn from the past, we want to know where we came from, and we want to know why and how things happened. The key ingredient in writing historical fiction is research. Yeah, it’s a hefty word, but I’m going to break it down so that it can be educational and exciting at the same time. Readers expect MORE out of a historical novel. They expect to be transported to another place and time. They want to learn. So, yes, this becomes your job when writing historical novels.
1. Choose your time period.
My advice: “Write what you enjoy reading about.” Then the research will be interesting to you. Please know that most successful historical novels are connected to a major historical event. Think A Tale of Two Cities, Les Miserables, War and Peace, Gone with the Wind, etc. Why? Because readers have an easier time visualizing a time period if they are already familiar with it. And a known historical event provides a non-fiction platform for your book.
2. Build a historical world & integrate your research.
Writing a historical novel can be compared to writing a fantasy or science fiction book in which you are creating a “new world”—but of course, your “new world” has be true. This can be an even greater challenge since you are writing within more confining parameters than most authors. In fact, you might even have a semblance of a built-in outline/plot which you must follow. Your job then becomes filling in all the empty spaces and answering all the questions to make it a plausible story that flows as well as maintains a tight pace. Make sure you avoid information dumps. You should sprinkle in your research and make sure every scene moves the plot forward.
3. Things to include in your historical setting/descriptions:
*weather, climate, topography
*clothing
*religious culture
*social structure
*government
*traditions, holidays, festivals
*occupations & industry
*food & agriculture
*travel methods
4. Dialog & dialect choices
We know that dialog is a character-building tool. Not only does word choice create and form a character, it can also emphasize a time period. Have you ever read a book where the dialect slows the reading down? Dialect should be moderate and sprinkled in. Today, editors advise that dialect be lighter. I had this happen to me when I started shopping Heart of the Ocean that includes characters who are Puritan. The response I received back from editors was that the Puritan dialect was very heavy-handed. At first I was stunned. “Well, they’re Puritans . . . they have to talk like that!” I made an effort to lighten up the Puritan dialect so that it would be more readable.
5. Characterizing historical figures
Emotions and reactions to situations are the same today as they would have been any period in history. A mother losing a child 2,000 years ago would go through the same grief if that happened today to your character. The emotions of anger and revenge in the 15th century are no different than those same emotions today—although the motivation behind those emotions may change depending on the time period, the character, and the plot—you can still write emotion.
6. Expanding historical facts into plot arcs
The history SUPPORTS the story. Remember that the STORY comes first. NEVER drop in a historical detail or event just to show off your research, unless it ties to the plot and the conflict in some significant way. This will pull the reader right out of the story and reminds them they are reading a history textbook. You will lose the readers' attention, and they'll skim the page to find the next dialogue or action. The main thing to always ask yourself WHY did something happen? What motivated a war, a historical figure, or other event?
7. Focusing on the right conflicts
When I’m trying to decide how much of historical event/time period I want to cover—weeks, years—I look for the most compelling conflict in the event. Also, what hasn’t been done over and over? Can you find a new angle in a re-told story?
8. Why you don’t have to be an expert.
You don't have to be the expert. And you certainly don't have time to be. Let someone else spend ten years researching a topic and then use their hard work (who you will then acknowledge). Indexes are wonderful things. You can look up a word or a topic and go to the referenced pages to find the information. Google is a wonderful thing. Email is great as well. You can email experts and get their opinion. I’ve emailed historians to find out how an ancient ship was constructed. For one of my books, I interviewed a metallurgist to understand how ancient tools were forged. I read a book about ancient sea-faring and took note of the weather patterns as well. Don’t forget documentaries.
9. Bibliographies, chapter notes, maps, endorsements
You only need to research one or two credible sources to find out a research detail. Something like Wikipedia is good as a step in getting general information or an overview of a topic, but it’s not considered an entirely reliable or expert source. Children’s books and magazines can be really great to get basic information, such as a timeline.Keep track of the sources you use so that you can refer back to them if necessary. And if you are writing historical fiction, your publisher might require a bibliography, or a selected bibliography, or you can make it more casual and call it “Further Reading”. I love to look up further reading, or just browse the titles that the author based their research on to see what else is out there.
10. Don’t be intimidated.
It does take longer to write a historical novel because of the research involved. But if you are interested in the event, then your writing journey will be fantastic.
Heart of the Ocean
by Heather B. Moore
A dark secret . . . a grieving ghost . . . a handsome stranger . . .
What more could Eliza Robinson want?
Except for maybe her life.
In Heather B. Moore’s enthralling 1840’s historical romance, Heart of the Ocean, Eliza Robinson has turned down the very pretentious Mr. Thomas Beesley’s marriage proposal. As a business partner of Eliza’s father, Thomas quickly discredits the family and brings disgrace to the Robinson name.
While her father scrambles to restore his good name in New York City, Eliza flees to the remote Puritan town of Maybrook to stay with her Aunt Maeve. Although relieved to be away from all- things-male and unforgiving gossip columns, odd things start to happen to Eliza, and she is plagued by a ghostly voice. Her aunt’s explanation? That Eliza is being haunted by a woman who died of a broken heart twenty years ago.
After Aunt Maeve is tragically killed, Eliza’s life is put in danger as she tries to uncover the mystery of her aunt’s death. She encounters Jonathan Porter in Maybrook, whose presence in the town seems suspicious, yet she finds herself drawn to him. When she discovers that Jonathan’s dark secrets may be the link between the dead woman who haunts her and her aunt’s murderer, Eliza realizes that Jonathan is the one man she should never trust.
Purchase
Amazon * Smashwords * Barnes & Noble
Author Heather B. Moore
Heather B. Moore is the award-winning author of ten novels, two inspirational non-fiction books, and two anthologies, including The Newport Ladies Book Club Series, A Timeless Romance Anthology, and Christ’s Gifts to Women (co-authored by Angela Eschler).
Her historical fiction is published under the pen name H.B. Moore. She is the two-time recipient of Best of State in Literary Fiction, two-time Whitney Award Winner, and two-time Golden Quill Winner for Best Novel. Her most recent historical novel under H.B. Moore is Daughters of Jared (2012 LUW Gold Award of Excellence & 2012 LUW Best Book Trailer).
Website * Blog * Facebook * Twitter
Blog Tour Now through January 25th
Blog Tour Schedule
Book Blast Giveaway
$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 1/27/12
CLICK HERE TO ENTER
a Rafflecopter giveaway
January 13, 2013
Ella Jade offers “Something More”
Here’s the scoop on Ella Jade’s sexy, shocking new release!
Something MoreAn affair and a shocking secret threaten to tear apart a rich and powerful family.
Claudia Samson, housekeeper to the privileged Callahan family, finds herself alone and pregnant after a brief fling with Gavin, the youngest Callahan son. When she informed him of the pregnancy he accused her of running a scam and made it clear that she was on her own.
Brody Callahan, Gavin’s older half-brother, has devoted his entire life to running the family business. He doesn’t realize what he’s been missing by throwing himself into his work until he finds Claudia asleep in the family guest bedroom. He has discovered his very own Sleeping Beauty. Intrigued by the young woman, he vows to get to know her better.
Although Claudia is instantly attracted to the charismatic businessman, she knows her secret will destroy any chance they have for a future together, but Brody’s awfully hard to resist.
Meanwhile, as Gavin watches Brody and Claudia’s relationship develop, he begins to devise a plan to use the secret to his advantage. He wants full partnership in the business—something he was denied by both his brother and their deceased father—and maybe now he can finally obtain it.
Can Brody and Claudia survive the storm, or will the secrets and blackmail destroy both them and their love?
Content Warning: graphic sex and some explicit language
Find it @ Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Beachwalk Press
Something More | Excerpt
When Claudia made her way outside, the limo was there, but the driver wasn’t. She looked around, but didn’t see him. She decided to get in and wait for him. He’d have to come back for the car sooner or later.
She opened the door and slipped inside, placing her bag on the floor. She was grateful the air conditioning was on in the car, another perk the bus didn’t have.
“Hello, sweetheart.”
“Brody?” She looked up and saw him sitting next to her. “What are you doing here?”
“I wanted to see you.” He moved his arm around her waist and pulled her close to him. “I missed you.” He freed her hair from her ponytail and shook it out with his fingers so that it fell down her back and over her shoulders. “Much better, princess.”
She laughed because she had just thought of him as The Prince. If he only knew.
“What is it?”
“I’m happy to see you.” She giggled. “You make things much better.”
“Hard day?”
She leaned closer to him, took his face between her hands, and kissed him. At first, she moved slowly, but the way he looked at her with those smoldering eyes told her everything she needed to know. He was just as excited to see her as she was to see him.
She ran her tongue along his lips, begging for entrance. He eagerly accepted as he parted them and slipped his tongue inside her mouth. His breath was hot and his lips were hungry as he kissed her with more force than she expected. She moved her hands up and twisted her fingers in his hair, moving him closer to her.
He pulled her onto his lap, pushed her hair to the side, and kissed her neck. She could feel his excitement pressing against her hip. His erection was trapped between his stomach and her side. He shifted his hips and rubbed himself into her. She sighed against his mouth, but then he pulled away.
“Claudia.” The sound of his voice was both desperate and breathless. “I could take you right here, but that’s not what I want.”
“It isn’t?” She didn’t mean to sound disappointed.
“Let me rephrase that.” He moved her to sit beside him. “I would want nothing more than to have my way with you right here, but I don’t think either of us intended it to be that way between us the first time.”
“You think about our first time?”
“Every second of the day.” He shrugged. “I’m a guy.”
She laughed, but realized he was right. She’d gotten carried away. It was the way he looked at her, the scent of his body wash, all spice and cinnamon, that drove her crazy.
“It’s your fault,” she said. “You’re irresistible.”
“I was thinking the same thing about you.”
She shook her head and looked down. She felt his fingers on her chin in an instant, and then she was gazing into his eyes. She loved those blue depths. They were soothing and made her forget everything she had on her mind.
“You really need to take my compliments better. I speak the truth.” He kissed her. “I’ll keep telling you how perfect you are and eventually you’ll believe it.”
She would never believe it. A perfect woman wouldn’t lead a man like Brody on. A perfect woman would tell him the truth. She was far from perfect.
Find it @ Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Beachwalk Press
Ella JadeElla Jade has been writing for as long as she can remember. As a child, she often had a notebook and pen with her, and now as an adult, the laptop is never far. The plots and dialogue have always played out in her head, but she never knew what to do with them. That all changed when she discovered the eBook industry. She started penning novels at a rapid pace and now she can’t be stopped.
Ella resides in New Jersey with her husband and two young boys. When she’s not chasing after her kids, she’s busy writing, attending PTO meetings, kickboxing, and scrapbooking. She hopes you’ll get lost in her words.
Find her @ Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Goodreads
Book Trailer
No Strings G’veaway Hop Jan 15-21st (INT) $10 Amazon / B&N GC
Ready for some No Strings lovin’? The only rule for I Am A Reader Not A Writer‘s No Strings Giveaway Hop is there are NO STRINGS. That means if you want a chance to win, all you have to do is comment. Easy, right?
Comment with your email address for a chance to win a $10 gift certificate for either Amazon or Barnes & Noble (winner’s choice).
Void where prohibited. Please see giveaway rules for details.
CLICK HERE FOR 100+ MORE “NO STRINGS” GIVEAWAYS! (Scroll to the end of the post for the full linky list of participating bloggers).
January 12, 2013
Jan.13.13 #SixSunday with Last Call
Coming soon to FTMP!
Nick and Rhys are headed for a showdown, but he’s got a stop to make first: the cemetery He wants to visit the grave of the man who took a bullet in the same bust that ended Rhys’s career. From Rhys’s point-of-view, with the first line of speech belonging to Nick:
“It was my bullet, Rhys, and I need to let this go.”
With that, she agreed. But the timing?
He reached to take her hand. “I need to find peace with at least one person I’ve shot,” he said with a smile that didn’t reach his eyes. “Make room for the guilt I won’t feel when I kill that bastard [spoiler].”
The bastard in question is the man hunting Rhys.
LAST CALL is now on GoodReads! Click here to add it to your TBR list.
Enjoy your Sunday six sentences at a time! To see other participating authors, click here.
January 11, 2013
Win a Kindle Fire, a $199 Amazon GC, or $199 Paypal Cash! (INT)
20 Amazing Authors plus more than 100 of the Best Bloggers have joined together to bring you 1 Amazing Giveaway!
The winner will have the option of receiving a Kindle Fire HD (US Only)
Or $199 Amazon.com Gift Card (International)
Or $199 in Paypal Cash (International)
This giveaway is sponsored by these Awesome Authors:
The Essence by Kimberly Derting
Alaina Claiborne by MK McClintock
Excuse Me, My Brains Have Stepped Out by Pandora Poikilos
Uncontrollable by S.R. Johannes
I Was Here – Before You Came by Camelia Miron Skiba
Reaper’s Novice by Cecilia Robert
Lancaster House by Taylor Dean
Murder on Potrero Hill by M.L. Hamilton
Dragon Stones Saga by Kristian Alva
Rapunzel Untangled by Cindy C. Bennett
Giveaway Details
1 winner will receive their choice of a Kindle Fire HD (US Only), $199 Amazon Gift Card or $199 in Paypal Cash (International).
Ends 1/31/13 – You MUST enter via Rafflecopter – CLICK HERE TO ENTER
Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the authors. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
January 10, 2013
$50 Book Blast: MK McClintock’s Alaina Claiborne ($50 G!veaway)
Alaina Claiborne
How far would you go to avenge your family and save the one you love?
In nineteenth-century England, Alaina Claiborne had a loving family, a cherished friend, and devoted servants. She spent her days riding across the grassy hills of the English countryside, joyful and at peace.
Then tragedy strikes and her world is forever changed. Searching for those responsible is her only focus . . . until she meets Tristan.
Tristan Sheffield, a man of many talents, searches out those who don’t want to be found. His past is filled with secrets and deeds he would rather leave deeply buried. However, when his life unexpectedly entwines with Alaina’s, he soon discovers they share more than a mutual desire to catch a murderer.
On their hunt for a man driven by greed, Tristan and Alaina find that love is the greatest weapon against evil, and they’ll stop at nothing to survive.
Purchase Now on
Kindle
Enjoy Excerpts from Alaina Claiborne
(Excerpts may or may not be in the order in which they appear, and may differ slightly from the final book.)
Excerpt One:
Tristan had spent months negotiating with the lord, who decided to hold out for all he could the moment he realized who was interested in the property. Apparently, Lord Melbourne had been so deep in debt that he had no choice but to sell off his ancestral estate. Tristan knew a desperate man when he saw one and Lord Melbourne had been desperate. He eventually yielded to Tristan’s way of thinking and settled on a fair price. Tristan was happy to be rid of the man and even more pleased to find the daughter of Melbourne’s deceased neighbor in his own backyard. Tristan studied the object of his thoughts for a moment longer, trying to catch another glimpse of those revealing eyes. She declined to look at him, but he wanted a reaction from her—any kind of reaction would please him.
“It seems we will be neighbors.” He realized he had blundered when her spine stiffened and she turned toward him. Anger marred her lovely face, and he guessed she likely suffered from temper when the mood struck, as it seemed to be doing now.
“You, sir, may now own this property, but I assure you we will be neighbors in no other way except that we share a border. I see no reason why we should ever meet again.” With her back stiff and head held high, she turned to her impressively large stallion and mounted with surprising ease, her riding habit no hindrance to her. He wondered if she rode with as much confidence as she showed him right now—he thought she probably did.
“There is no reason why we can’t be civil to one another, Alaina. After all, I now own half of your favorite lake.” He couldn’t seem to stop saying all of the wrong things, but he was enjoying himself. She stared down at him from her elevated height and looked him over with a mixture of what he thought to be disgust and perhaps admiration. But there was only anger behind her next words.
“I have plenty of ponds on my own property.”
“Then why are you here?”
“That, sir, is none of your business.” She turned the horse, spurred him forward, and once she broke through the trees, she sent the horse into a suicidal run, one which she surprisingly had complete control over. Tristan followed her with his eyes until she rode over the hill and out of sight.
“Interesting,” he murmured. “A most interesting woman.” He turned to his horse and stroked his muzzle. “What do you think, Admiral?”
The horse whinnied and nodded his head. “I agree, old boy,” he murmured and his gaze returned to the hill where she had been moments before. “I agree.” Tristan mounted his horse with equal ease and turned to continue the inspection of his property.
Excerpt Two:
Across the acres, darkness enveloped Alaina, her surroundings illuminated by the flickering flame of a lamp. She moved around in the attic, searching through trunks of the items that had come from her mother’s cottage in Ireland. It was difficult to see so many memories reminding her of her parents, but she also found it calmed her. She had avoided these things since they had been delivered years ago, but now her fears became secondary. She hoped something from her parents’ past might shed light on what was happening in the present. Alaina rummaged through a trunk of some of her mother’s clothes, pulling them out and smelling them, hoping for a faint whiff of the soft rose scent her mother used to wear. There was something lingering around the old clothes, and it took Alaina back to a time when she was a little girl. Nevertheless, the memory ended there. She paused for a moment, as if the scent reminded her of something else besides her mother. She subsequently released the memory when she saw the bottom of the trunk was not as deep as it should have been. She pulled out the remaining dress and ran her fingers along the bottom and edges. She next looked on the outside of the trunk. Nearly six inches of extra space remained near the bottom on the inside.
Alaina felt along the inside edges and became excited when she found a gap. Slowly reaching her fingers into the hole, she simultaneously pushed down on the other edge for leverage and surprised herself when the bottom tilted to reveal the extra space beneath. Removing the thin board, she set it aside and gasped when she turned back to the trunk.
“Oh, Mother. What did you do?”
Book Trailer
Author MK McClintock
MK McClintock is an entrepreneur, baker, photographer, and multi-genre author.
Over the years MK McClintock has traveled the country and abroad, experiencing the beauty of other lands and cultures. She dreams of a time when life was simpler, the land rougher, and the journey more rewarding. With her heart deeply rooted in the past and her mind always on adventure, McClintock will always call Montana home.
MK McClintock is a member of Romance Writers of America, Montana Romance Writers, and Women Writing the West.
Website | Blog | Facebook | Amazon | Goodreads | Twitter | YouTube
BookBlast $50 Giveaway
Ends 1/22/13 – CLICK HERE TO ENTER
Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
January 9, 2013
Review of Greg Messel’s “Deadly Plunge”
BlurbFormer baseball player and newly-minted private investigator, Sam Slater is hired to find out why a rich, politically-well connected San Francisco man, Arthur Bolender, suddenly ended his life by plunging off of the Golden Gate Bridge. All those who know Arthur say unequivocally that he did not commit suicide. However, Bolender’s body was found floating in San Francisco Bay and his car was abandoned in the traffic lane of the bridge. Meanwhile, Sam’s romance with glamorous TWA stewardess Amelia Ryan continues to blossom and deepen. She is now his secret fiancee. Amelia also eagerly helps Sam solve his cases when she’s in town. The key to unraveling the mystery seems to be a strange old Victorian-style house. Bolender’s widow, a rich, seductive socialite named Maggie Bolender, was not even aware that her husband owned the house. What is really going on behind the doors of the mysterious house? Finding the answers will plunge Sam and Amelia into a dangerous world of political intrigue in the exciting sequel to “Last of the Seals.”
Review
Wealthy and well-connected businessman Arthur Bolender has taken a DEADLY PLUNGE off the Golden Gate Bridge, and his socialite wife Maggie isn’t buying the suicide. Seems Arthur had plenty to live for, including Maggie herself, his former-secretary-turned-bride. She hires private investigator Sam Slater to get to the bottom of Arthur’s mysterious death, and she’s willing to do what it takes to get to the truth, though her style of “help” isn’t exactly to Sam’s taste—or to that of his secret fiancée, Amelia Ryan.
The investigation into Bolender’s untimely death quickly leads to the victim’s mysterious Victorian house—a second home of which Maggie knew nothing. A love nest? Probably not with Maggie’s photo by the bedside. The answer might be found on the locked upper floor, but their initial foray into the space only leads to more questions, and answers lie in pieces through broken corridors . . . and murder.
Set in late 1950s San Francisco, DEADLY PLUNGE exudes atmosphere. The story impresses with a cinematic feel, sweeping readers back in time to in many ways watch (rather than merely read) the play of events. This is aided, no doubt, by the black and white photos Messel includes throughout. Showcasing the very venues mentioned in the story, these images really bring the reader to terms with the book’s historical ties.
Though the landscape is thoroughly San Francisco’s, Russia and the Cold War play important roles in the plot, which is intriguing but not overly technical for those not already familiar with the history. The characters are infinitely likeable—perhaps with the exception of Maggie Bolender, whose slightly grating flirtation is one of many essential and nicely woven plot threads.
Likewise, Amelia ‘s stunning beauty isn’t just Sam’s weakness—it actually plays into the plot. As Sam comes dangerously close to the core of the international political intrigue around which the story builds, one man’s obsession with the lovely Amelia leads him to take matters in his own hands. With her life on the line, can Sam save her from the grip of a madman, or will the story take another deadly turn?
Packed with intrigue, DEADLY PLUNGE simultaneously manages a bit of an easy pace. The reader truly feels the pull of a less-complicated time, at least in theory. Because underneath the promise of a simpler—albeit much more stilted—world of 1958, Greg Messel brings to readers a new dose of reality: twisting, deadly, and shockingly found in one’s own back yard.
Find it @ Amazon | Barnes & Noble
Please note: A complimentary review copy of DEADLY PLUNGE was provided by Pump Up Your Book tours in exchange for a fair and honest review.
$100 Book Blast: “Gracier” by Milissa Bailey ($100 G!veaway)
Check out GRACIER and enter to win $100! Read on for details.
GracierEveryone around her knows. Everyone she trusts has lied. And the one man who held the key to Jessica McCabe’s past is dead.
Welcome to Gracier, Iowa, a well-kept community with even better kept secrets. Lives are peaceful, streets are quiet, but behind the tranquility is many a tale to be told. Veterinarian Jessica McCabe has returned, but it is not the homecoming she had expected. Her grandfather, Jonas McCabe and Gracier’s longtime vet has died, leaving behind the practice they had hoped to share.
The reading of Jonas’ will sets off a series of events that bring into question Jessica’s birthright, the truth surrounding her mother’s untimely death and her grandfather’s sanity. With her world turned upside down she is thrown into a partnership with Matthew Cassidy, the man who chose his family’s wealth over Jessica’s love.
Her determined spirit leads Jessica to stay, continue the veterinarian practice and return to the life and the community she loves. But a secret loft and a box filled with a hidden past change the course of her life once again.
Longtime family friends, Dr. Andrew Harrison and retired Sheriff Chester Caughlin know the truth. A promise made to a dear old friend to protect the girl they helped raise is one they intend to keep. But the wheels of fate have been put in motion. The people entrusted with protecting Jessica from the past are losing control. The small town of Gracier, Iowa holds many secrets and those who have kept the truth hidden are about to discover that not everything has been laid to rest.
Book Trailer
Praise
“Milissa Bailey has set the perfect stage for the next book in the series with her intriguing characters that are as unpredictable as an Iowa tornado and as genuine as the county fair. The labyrinth of their lives makes you want to learn more about the secrets of Gracier”. - D. Bahrenfuss – Editor
“I was pulled in with the depth of this story and couldn’t stop myself from finishing the second half in one sitting. GRACIER is a beautiful reminder of all that is important in life. Bailey has a wonderful gift and I hope she will continue to “breathe”!”
–Leisa Anslinger, author of Forming Generous Hearts, Here Comes Everybody
“…think Jennifer Chiaverini or Jan Karon” – Burlington by the Book
“It was one of those books that I stayed up late reading and picked back up the minute I woke up! ” -Mari Kait
“Milissa Bailey’s depiction of small town Iowa is both charming and mysterious–the perfect combination to captivate readers.” -C.G.Reader
“Add to that a group of supporting characters you can’t help but love. Gracier is a must read.” -Shari
“I couldn’t put the book down…can’t wait for book #2!!!!” -RJW
Purchase
Amazon * Barnes & Noble * Google Play * Kobo
Add to Goodreads
Author Milissa Bailey
Milissa Bailey grew up among the rolling fields of rural Iowa, where she continues to live with her husband, and three children. In her debut novel she draws upon her rich knowledge of the Midwest as she welcomes us to Gracier, Iowa, a well-kept community with even better kept secrets. Readers are introduced to a cast of characters they will come to know, love and hate. Vivid descriptions, palatable anguish, forbidden romance and touches of humor lend itself to the stories weaved in this idyllic setting. The small town of Gracier holds many secrets and those who have kept the truth hidden are about to discover that not everything has been laid to rest.
Milissa, along with her husband, own a marketing firm located in Iowa. She is currently at work on the second book in the Gracier series.
Links: Website * Facebook * Blog
Author Interview
$100 Book Blast Giveaway
ENTER VIA RAFFLECOPTER – YOU MUST CLICK HERE TO ENTER
Ends 1/20/13
Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
January 8, 2013
$50 Book Blast: “Heart of Ocean” by Heather B. Moore ($50 G!veaway)
Heart of the Ocean
by Heather B. Moore
A dark secret . . . a grieving ghost . . . a handsome stranger . . .
What more could Eliza Robinson want?
Except for maybe her life.
In Heather B. Moore’s enthralling 1840’s historical romance, Heart of the Ocean, Eliza Robinson has turned down the very pretentious Mr. Thomas Beesley’s marriage proposal. As a business partner of Eliza’s father, Thomas quickly discredits the family and brings disgrace to the Robinson name.
While her father scrambles to restore his good name in New York City, Eliza flees to the remote Puritan town of Maybrook to stay with her Aunt Maeve. Although relieved to be away from all- things-male and unforgiving gossip columns, odd things start to happen to Eliza, and she is plagued by a ghostly voice. Her aunt’s explanation? That Eliza is being haunted by a woman who died of a broken heart twenty years ago.
After Aunt Maeve is tragically killed, Eliza’s life is put in danger as she tries to uncover the mystery of her aunt’s death. She encounters Jonathan Porter in Maybrook, whose presence in the town seems suspicious, yet she finds herself drawn to him. When she discovers that Jonathan’s dark secrets may be the link between the dead woman who haunts her and her aunt’s murderer, Eliza realizes that Jonathan is the one man she should never trust.
Purchase
Amazon * Smashwords * Barnes & Noble
Author Heather B. Moore
Heather B. Moore is the award-winning author of ten novels, two inspirational non-fiction books, and two anthologies, including The Newport Ladies Book Club Series, A Timeless Romance Anthology, and Christ’s Gifts to Women (co-authored by Angela Eschler).
Her historical fiction is published under the pen name H.B. Moore. She is the two-time recipient of Best of State in Literary Fiction, two-time Whitney Award Winner, and two-time Golden Quill Winner for Best Novel. Her most recent historical novel under H.B. Moore is Daughters of Jared (2012 LUW Gold Award of Excellence & 2012 LUW Best Book Trailer).
Website * Blog * Facebook * Twitter
Blog Tour Now through January 25th
Blog Tour Schedule
Book Blast Giveaway
$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 1/27/12
CLICK HERE TO ENTER
a Rafflecopter giveaway
January 7, 2013
Top 10 Reasons to Fall in Love with Dead Running & Dying to Run (Tour Wide G!veaway)
Love Top 10 lists? Here are the top ten reasons to fall in love with the heroine from Dead Running, as provided by author Cami Checketts.
Dead Running / Dying to Run: Top 10 Reasons to Fall in Love with story’s Heroine
1. She’s feisty.
2. She doesn’t give up.
3. She protects others.
4. She’s lost her parents and her Nana is a piece of work so she needs someone to love her.
5. She’s unsure of herself even though she doesn’t let anyone know that.
6. She gets to kiss really fine men (not sure if that’s a reason to love her or be jealous of her).
7. She embarrasses herself regularly.
8. She’s hilarious.
9. She’s tough.
10. Even though she’s feisty and funny, she’s really, really nice (at least to children, Moms and animals).
Dead RunningCassidy Christensen is running.
Running from the mercenaries who killed her parents.
Running from a scheming redhead intent on making her life miserable.
Running from painful memories that sabotage her dreams of happiness.
With two very tempting men competing for her attention, she hopes she’ll finally have someone to run to, but can she trust either of them? When secrets from her past threaten her family, Cassidy decides to stop running and fight for her future.
Dying to RunCassidy Christensen wants to run.
Captured by the traffickers who killed her mother, her only hope is Dr. Tattoo, a man she loves but nobody trusts. When she finally gets a chance to run, someone else she cares about is taken. Running might be her only chance at survival, but she won’t allow another family member to be killed in her place.
This must-read sequel to Dead Running will have you laughing, biting your nails, and hoping for more.
Purchase: Dead Running * Dying to Run
Cami CheckettsCami Checketts is married and the proud mother of four future WWF champions. Sometimes between being a human horse, cleaning up magic potions, and reading Bernstein Bears, she gets the chance to write fiction.
Cami graduated from Utah State University with a degree in Exercise Science. Cami teaches strength training classes at her local rec and shares healthy living tips on her fitness blog: http://fitnessformom.blogspot.com.
Cami and her family live in the beautiful Cache Valley of Northern Utah. During the two months of the year it isn’t snowing, she enjoys swimming, biking, running, and water-skiing.
Links: Website * Blog * Twitter * Facebook * Fitness Blog
Blog Tour Giveaway
$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash from Author Cami Checketts
3 Sets of iFrogz Earbuds & Armbands
Ends 1/31/13
Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your 
parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer http://iamareadernotawriter.blogspot.com and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
