Laura McNeill's Blog, page 16
October 24, 2014
The Self-Printed 3.0 Splash! (With Prizes)
Today, I’m welcoming the fabulous Catherine Ryan Howard to Lauren Clark Books! Catherine is the author of Self-Printed and creator of the very popular and fantastic blog site, Catherine, Caffeinated.
Since I began my career as an author, I’ve devoured SO many books on writing, publishing, and marketing. In my opinion, Self-Printed is one of the must-have books on self (indie) publishing. My original copy is worn-out, creased, and full of pages I’ve marked, so I can’t wait to pick up this new (and improved) version!
If you’re thinking of writing a novel, or already published, I urge you to check out Self-Printed version 3.0. Catherine is knowledgeable, no-nonsense, and addresses the most challenging issues with wit and a sense of humor. Best of all, as TODAY is Self-Printed version 3.0 release day, you can have best and latest information on writing, publishing, and marketing in your hands in a matter of seconds (the e-book, of course)!
Back in August, Catherine asked her blog followers to send her our most pressing self-publishing questions to be included in the Self-Printed 3.0 Splash. Here’s Catherine, answering the question I sent her about self publishing.
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Q: Contests for fiction authors … Worthwhile or a waste of time? Specifically, there are a gajillion contests out there. Which ones are legit?
A: I presume you mean writing competitions and contests? I wouldn’t bother. The first reason I wouldn’t bother is because there’s invariably a fee to enter and all that $ adds up. The second is because we’re not interesting in prizes. We’re interested in selling books. And the time you spent applying and the money you spend doing it would’ve both been better spent on that. There’s also the factor that you hit on with the word “legit” – some of these contests are total cons, and it can be hard to tell the difference between them and the ones that aren’t. But I think they’re all a waste of time. Spend it on book promotion instead!
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Catherine Ryan Howard is a writer, self-publisher and caffeine enthusiast from Cork, Ireland. SELF-PRINTED: THE SANE PERSON’S GUIDE TO SELF-PUBLISHING (3rd edition) is out now in paperback and e-book and available from Amazon. Follow the #selfprintedsplash on Twitter today (Friday 24th) and/or visit www.catherineryanhoward.com for chance to win an amazing prize that will get your self-publishing adventure started!
“SELF-PRINTED is my self-publishing bible. It taught me how to format, create and upload my e-books and print-on-demand paperbacks. It showed me practical things such as how to build a website/blog and how to promote my books. More importantly, it taught me how to compete with the professionals. Just look at the results – The Estate Series has sold nearly 100,000 copies and following that I got a traditional book deal with Thomas & Mercer too, so I’m now a hybrid author. Jam-packed full of hints and tips all in one place, I’m always referring back to it. In a word, it’s priceless.”
– Mel Sherratt, author of The Estate Series and DS Allie Shenton Series
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Do you have a favorite book on self-publishing or being a successful indie author? I’d love to hear about it!
xx, Lauren
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October 12, 2014
Pie Girls Tote Bag Winners
Pie Girls Tote Bag Winners
I’m so thrilled to announce my winners of the PIE GIRLS tote bag giveaway!
First, thank you to everyone who entered…I appreciate all of the enthusiasm and excitement over the contest. It’s doubly fun for me, as we have TWO winners this time!
Here we go. Our winners:
Congratulations to Angie Young, who’s a blogger at The Little Reading Cabin!
And further congratulations to Margaret Rushton, who lives in Brookline, New Hampshire!
As soon as I have your addresses, ladies, I’ll be shipping out your tote bags!
If you didn’t win this time, I’m planning MUCH more for the holidays, including more Giveaways for PIE GIRLS and MERRY & BRIGHT (a short story collection of holiday stories, including mine, which plays off the characters in Dancing Naked in Dixie!)
Cheers and Happy Sunday,
xx, Lauren
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October 10, 2014
Author Spotlight on Cindy Aurora
Cindy Arora & Heartbreak Cake
Today, I welcome author and my sweet friend Cindy Arora to Lauren Clark Books!
Cindy is the author of debut novel Heartbreak Cake, which fans call “the perfect blend of food, romance, and friendship.”
Short Summary: Business is sweet for pastry chef Indira Aguilar. Her indie bakery, Cake Pan, is fast becoming the talk of the wedding circuit for its unique take on cakes and homespun creations for the modern bride, garnering national recognition and drawing in celebrity clients. But while her professional life is blossoming, her personal life is crumbling.
With the support of friends and family, a fondness for butter, and a determined spirit, Indira may just bake her way back to happiness and possibly into the heart of Crystal Cove’s dishy new chef, Noah. But one thing is certain. Where there’s heartbreak, there must be cake.
The lovely and talented Cindy Arora
I’ve asked Cindy to answer 15 questions … all along the theme of “Would you rather?” So, here we go!!!
CINDY ARORA’S SWEET 15
1. Sweet or salty snacks? sweet & salty!! popcorn with M & M’s, chocolate covered raisins, chocolate covered peanuts — those are my absolute favorite.
2. Coffee or Tea? Coffee. All the way.
3. Roughing it or a spa vacation? In my 20s: Roughing it. Now: Spa Vacation
4. Zombies or vampires? Vampires.
5. Dogs or cats? I’m a cat person, what can i say? I appreciate their discerning mentality!
6. Netflix or night at the movies? As a mom to a three-year-old, Netflix is my big night out these days.
7. High heels, flip flops, or bare feet? bare feet!
8. Hardcover or ebook? I still love hardcover.
9. Dancing with the Stars, Downton Abbey or Breaking Bad? Breaking Bad, have you seen Aaron Paul? Swooon!
10. Drama or comedy? Comedy.
11. Twilight or Hunger Games? Hunger Games. I have a crush on the character who plays Peeta.
12. Lipstick, lip Gloss or Chapstick? Red Lipstick.
13. Facebook or Pinterest? Facebook, i still like the social aspects of it!
14. Beach or Mountains? Beach
15. Sun or snow? Honestly, I don’t like a lot of sun. But I do like the beach, but it’s not always hot by the beach, it’s overcast and often moody. But, if I had to choose, I am a California girl and well it has to be sun.
Cindy’s BIO
Cindy Arora is the mama of an adorable little boy who makes my heart melt every day.
She’s worked as a bartendar, cocktail waitress, shot girl, banquet server, ham carver, fromager, pastry assistant and coffee mistress.
Cindy was a staff writer at The San Gabriel Valley Tribune, The Orange County Register and Sacramento Magazine. She’s been published in Saveur, Tasting Table, Orange Coast Magazine and Fodor’s.
Heartbreak Cake is her debut novel.
By the way, Cindy and I were part of the team of chick lit authors who came together last year to write Merry & Bright, a collection of fun and festive holiday stories!
If you’re getting into the holiday spirit already, check out Merry & Bright here on Amazon: http://amzn.to/1ka6Ctf. My contribution, A Very Dixie Christmas, features characters from my novel Dancing Naked in Dixie!
I’d love for you to check out Cindy’s novel, Heartbreak Cake! It’s the perfect gift for that Chick Lit fiction lover on your holiday list! (I know, I know…. it’s only October!!!)
Have a fabulous Friday!
xx, Lauren
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October 6, 2014
Chick Lit Plus Blog Tour & Giveaway
I’m very excited to announce the kickoff of my Pie Girls tour with Chick Lit Plus October 6-20, 2014!
Author and CLP founder Samantha March has organized the tour and arranged 11 fun stops along the way!
I hope you’ll check them out and enter in the giveaway for 3 signed paperback copies of Dancing Naked in Dixie (with swag, of course!)
Here are the tour dates:
October 6 – Chick Lit Plus (LIVE NOW!)
October 9 – Ski-Wee’s Book Corner
October 10 – Little Miss Drama Queen
October 13 – Melina’s Book Blog
October 14 – Storm Goddess Book Reviews
October 15 – Novel Escapes – Q&A
October 16 – Reading in Black and White
October 17 – The Little Reading Cabin
October 17 – The Modern Jane Austen
October 20 – Keep Calm and Blog On
October 20 – The East Village
Samantha will be making each blog stop “live” the day of the event, so you’ll just need to click on the name of the blog to take you directly to the post.
Click here during the Pie Girls tour for the most updated list: http://chicklitplus.com/clp-blog-tours-book-review-pie-girls-by-lauren-clark
Happy Monday!
xx, Lauren
PIE GIRLS is available at the following retailers:
Amazon BN Kobo Smashwords iBooks
Follow Lauren:
Website | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Goodreads
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October 1, 2014
Welcome Fall! Pie Girls Tote Bag Giveaway!
Here in Mobile, Alabama, it’s beginning to seem a lot like fall! And I realize for the rest of the country, that may be old news, but in the Deep South, highs in the low 80s seems like paradise compared to the steamy 95 degree summer afternoons!
To celebrate, I’m giving away (2) Pie Girls Tote Bags, roomy enough to carry a dozen books, an arm load of children’s toys, or your groceries home from the store.
My rafflecopter giveaway will run until Midnight, October 11th. The winners will be announced on Sunday, October 12th. Anyone from the US, UK, Canada, or Australia is welcome to enter in the fun!
If you haven’t checked out my new novel, PIE GIRLS, I’d love for you to do so!
Here’s where you can find it: Amazon |BN | Kobo | Smashwords| iBooks
And …. if you’ve chosen to enter the Rafflecopter by answering the blog post question … Tell me below what YOU think are the best sorts of author giveaways? ($20 Amazon gift card, jewelry, signed paperback, swag, etc.) Just give me your answer below!!
xx, Lauren
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September 16, 2014
Pie Girls Review Tour & $20 Giveaway
Like gift cards? Want to check out some new blogs?
Follow along, comment, and win on the Goddess Fish Pie Girls Tour!
All of the fun starts today!
REVIEW TOUR – What will these bloggers bestow on Pie Girls?
September 16: Harps Romance Book Review
September 19: Bunny’s Review
October 3: Reading Reality
October 10: Zee Monodee – Author’s Corner
October 17: A Cup Of Tea and A Big Book
October 24: Queen of All She Reads
October 31: Hope. Dreams. Life… Love
November 7: Booklover Sue
November 14: Alison J’s Book Blog
November 21: Crazy Four Books
November 28: Passion Obsession
December 5: Kaisy Daisy’s Corner
December 5: Undercover Book Reviews
Excepts, Q & A, and Blog Posts about Pie Girls!
September 16: Books To Light Your Fire
September 16: My Devotional Thoughts
September 23: Author Nancy Adams
September 23: From Me to You … Video, Photography, and Book Review
September 30: Musings and Ramblings
September 30: Deal Sharing Aunt
October 7: Harlie’s Books
October 14: Beer, Books and More
October 21: Rachel Brimble Romance
October 28: Warrior Princess Romance Writer
October 28: Romance Novel Giveaways
November 4: Books N Pearls
November 11: Book ‘Em North Carolina
November 18: Linda Nightingale…Wordsmith
November 18: A Writer’s Life
November 25: Nickie’s Views and Interviews
December 2: Writers and Authors
December 9: Room With Books
December 16: Long and Short Reviews
December 30: Straight from the Library
January 6: You Gotta Read Reviews
Thank you for checking it all out! Have a great Tuesday
xx, Lauren
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August 27, 2014
Books, My Bio, & Paying It Forward
If you’ve read my bio, you’ll know that I’m a big proponent of paying it forward.
Quite simply, it means doing good deeds for others without asking for anything in return.
If you’ve seen the movie ‘Pay It Forward’ or read the novel, it’s a story about a boy who does three good deeds for others in need. In return, all that he wants is for those people to do good deeds for others and keep the cycle going.
One good deed might not seem like it would make a difference, but I believe that if everyone tries to do good for others, then the cycle of generosity and kindness can spark us to become better people.
It’s not a perfect philosophy, and it doesn’t always work, but I wanted to share a message from a reader’s daughter that really, really made my day!
Ms. Clark,
I just wanted to take a moment to say thank you. My mom recently contacted you about your book, as we live close to where the novel is set and shop there on occasion.
She told me that you offered to send her a copy of your book. Your kindness made not only her day, but mine as well. I was thrilled to see her genuinely excited about something and happy.
Thank you for reminding me that there are still nice people out there. I truly can’t thank you enough for this.
~ Madeline (name changed)
Wow! Prove positive that paying it forward can work.
It all started with a simple email from a reader a few weeks back. It took me a few minutes to pack up a paperback and ship it off. What I received in return — the knowledge that I made two people really happy — is priceless!
What do you think? Do you believe in paying it forward?
xx, Lauren
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August 18, 2014
GoodReads Fan? Pie Girls Giveaway!
If you’re on GoodReads, like I am (LOVE IT!), and you’d like a paperback copy of Pie Girls, jump on this giveaway!
I’m pleased to report the novel has seven 5-star reviews on Amazon and last week, was ranked an Amazon #1 Hot New Release in the humor category!
The contest ends tonight, April 18th at midnight :) Good luck! xx Lauren
Goodreads Book Giveaway
Pie Girls
by Lauren Clark
Giveaway ends August 19, 2014.
See the giveaway details
at Goodreads.
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August 10, 2014
Pie Girls Preview ~ Chapter One
This cannot be happening.
This cannot be happening.
I steal a glance at the clock. Where is my husband? And my anniversary gift, for that matter. The robin’s egg blue box, the crinkle of the white tissue paper. The gasp of surprise, well-practiced, when I lift the diamond-encrusted pendant from its nest.
Alton, always the gentleman, will insist on helping. He’ll clear his throat, looking rather pleased with himself, stand up, and sweep my long blond hair off to one side. With flourish, he’ll ever so carefully drape the platinum chain around my neck, plant a soft kiss on my bare shoulder, and ease the clasp into place.
When my eyes blink open, the room’s still empty. Alton, who’s been on a business trip for a full week, promised he’d make it home for our anniversary. If he doesn’t, he’s going to be in huge trouble.
I fold my arms across my chest and walk over to our huge picture window. Elegant skyscrapers glow in the dark night, windows twinkling white and gold. Below them, steady streams of traffic wrap like ribbons around the maze of interstate highway.
Away from the roadways, Atlanta is surprisingly lush and dense, with rolling hills and trees—beautiful magnolia, dogwoods, old Southern pines, and magnificent oaks. The expansive green space, well-manicured parks, and flower-lined sidewalks remind me a bit of home.
Buckhead—where I live—is a mecca for shoppers, visitors and businesses, with its upscale boutiques, restaurants, and hotels. Trendy bars, dance clubs, and bistros all come to life when the sun melts into the horizon. A place to see and be seen. It truly is the Beverly Hills of the South, as my friend Phillipa likes to call it.
As I gaze out at the red taillights twisting and weaving toward downtown, I can almost hear music pumping from speakers, feel the afternoon’s heat evaporating into the evening air, and smell the giddy, stiletto-heeled anticipation of an evening out on the town.
It’s Friday night. Everyone’s off at parties, mingling over dinner, exclaiming over the hottest gossip, and exchanging air kisses over martinis.
Everyone. Except me.
I brush off the thought and smile down at my new shoes, a teensy little anniversary gift to moi. The extravagant purchase did include a little guilt…until Alton decided not show up for tonight’s dinner. I turn, twist my ankle, and admire the curve of the heel, the absolute perfection of the arch.
Christian Louboutin is a genius. I should have married him.
That makes me frown, and I turn away from the glass toward our lovely art deco-inspired apartment. Pursing my lips, I blow out the tapered white candles, which are beginning to drip onto the tablecloth.
The oven’s been off for hours. The lamb chops are completely overcooked, the endive salad looks wilted. The green beans, beneath a sprinkle of shaved almonds, seem pathetic and lonely. I even made a special trip to the wine shop and splurged on a bottle of Alton’s favorite—a yummy Shafer Vineyards Hillside Select cabernet sauvignon.
Best of all, for dessert, and with my own hands, I created a fabulous chess pie from my mother’s secret recipe. Several sticks of butter and two cups of sugar, creamed together with heavy cream, vanilla, and egg yolks in a flaky crust. Pure heaven.
From the corner of my eye, I catch a glimpse of the pastry sitting on the edge of our kitchen counter. Alton allows himself the indulgence once a year, always on our anniversary. The other 364 days he swears off sweets, vowing raw sugar won’t pass his lips. Alton says it’s how he keeps his trim high-school figure.
But we both adore sweets, and I suspect his secret, though I’d never breath a word. Every so often, after a particularly challenging day at the office, he comes home smelling of toasted pecan pie or seven-layer caramel cake. The finest bakery in Buckhead, written up in Southern Living and reviewed in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, is only a few miles away from our three-story brownstone. It’s an occasional treat. Therapy. There are worse vices he could have, right?
My legs buckle the slightest bit. All of this thinking about dessert has me positively famished. And parched. I glance at the wine and walk toward it. Without hesitating, I pull the bottle opener from a nearby drawer, then twist, pull, and pop the cork. The cabernet, dark red and silky, looks lovely pouring into the crystal stemware—a wedding gift from my mother-in-law, C.C.
Swirling the wine gently, I pluck a dessert plate off the granite countertop and set it down in the center of the kitchen table. My eyes find the chess pie. Simple, timeless, and delicious, it’s my favorite Southern confection. Under the soft light from our blown glass chandelier, the smooth cream filling glows up at me, lightly browned and perfect.
Delicately, I chew my bottom lip and consider the pie, its fluted crust, and exactly why my husband would be five hours late. On the wall, silver clock hands tick and move with precision. I study the stainless steel numbers. Is it possible he forgot our anniversary? Or that a last-minute, emergency assignment cropped up? Or that his plane was diverted to Australia?
I shake my head.
With one last-ditch attempt to reach Alton, I punch redial on my iPhone. The line connects. Straight to voicemail. My husband’s voice—deep, a little Southern, and all business—
fills my ear. This time, I don’t leave a message.
Placing my phone down on the counter, I kick off my brand-new heels. Wiping the lipstick from my mouth with the back of my hand, I upend my glass of wine and take three large gulps. When I come up for air, my head buzzes and spins so much that I have to grasp the back of the nearest bistro chair.
A pleasant warmth snakes through my torso and thighs, making my skin tingle. Another swallow. I open a nearby drawer, grab a knife, and slice a teensy triangle of the chess pie. Dessert safely on a small plate, I settle myself on the sofa and click on the television.
I pop in a forkful. It melts deliciously on my tongue.
Re-runs of America’s Next Top Model. Boring. I am so over Tyra Banks.
Another bite. Definitely exquisite.
Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. I’m momentarily intrigued and consider it, but decide to change the channel. Someone is probably wearing my anniversary necklace. If I see that, I’ll be even more upset.
Another sip of wine, more slowly this time.
Homeland. The show is fascinating, but I’m not in the mood for Claire Danes and her crazy bi-polar personality.
I need happy. I need playful.
I need my husband.
My phone rings, startling me so much that I drop my next nibble of pie on the floor. It bounces onto the white wool throw rug and leaves a dark smear. Noooo. Not tonight. Not ever. Alton will have a conniption fit of epic proportions. He’s the neat freak in the relationship, and I’m not messy by anyone’s standards.
In the Roberts household, there are never clothes on the floor, no dishes on left on the counter. Everything has its place. Underscoring my point, Alton’s dress shirts are organized by color on wooden hangers, each hung one finger’s distance apart in the walk-in closet.
Face down, my cell continues buzzing and ringing. I mute the TV volume, fumble with the phone’s touch-screen, not bothering to check the caller’s name. It has to be Alton. I take a quick breath, soften my voice, and answer, trying desperately not to sound anxious.
“Sweetie?” The word comes out as a squeak.
There’s a squeal of girlish laughter on the other end. Definitely not my husband.
It’s my best friend, Phillipa, and she’s drunk. Or at least, a half-martini away from being totally inebriated. I would be, too, if I was married to her horses’ ass -richer-than-Bill-Gates husband.
Techno music pumps into my ear and I can hear shouting and laughter in the background. “Happy anniversary!” Phillipa yells into the phone. “What are you doing? Come celebrate with us!”
I press a hand to my forehead, grimace, and close my eyes. There is no way that I can admit—even to Phillipa—that Alton is MIA. I think quickly, grasping for a viable excuse.
“Thanks, sweetheart,” I manage to conjure up a believable giggle. “But Alton’s downstairs grabbing a limo. And I ran back up to get my clutch.”
There’s a pause, and someone chatters to Phillipa.
More music blares into my ear.
“Well, I miss you,” she shouts into the phone. “If Alton crashes early, sneak out anyway! You know we’re more fun.”
Even though it’s partly true, Phillipa’s comment still smarts. Alton is rarely the life of the party. He’s cerebral and brilliant; the guest most likely to talk about the latest Huff Post stories, global warming, or environmental issues. His favorite subject is advertising, though, the work that he lives and breathes. Most of his accounts are prominent designers, brands like Tom Ford or Fendi. One recent trip to Europe, he met Donatella Versace. Even Phillipa was impressed, and she isn’t dazzled by much of anything, unless it involves the French Caribbean or flawless diamonds.
The techno beat thumps louder. I smile and imagine Phillipa on the dance floor, pressed together with equally thin and beautiful Atlanta socialites. She’ll have one arm in the air, waving at someone she knows from private school.
I love her so much. We’ve been BFFs since the afternoon our moving truck lumbered up to our new brownstone. Within minutes, Phillipa had knocked on our door with a bottle of chilled Louis Roerder Cristal, thrust out the welcome gift, and plopped herself down on my sofa like we’d been friends forever.
Amused at our animated chatter, Alton packed for his business trip, zipped up his suitcase, and rolled it to the front door. With a smile, he pecked me on the cheek and waved goodbye to my new friend on his way out.
“Je pars pour Paris,” he said in a perfect French accent. “Au revoir, belles filles.”
I blew him a kiss, a bit sadly, as he closed the door behind him. “I miss him already.”
Phillipa nodded with empathy. “My husband’s in Spain.”
“I think mine’s in Europe more than he’s home,” I said with a rueful smile. With a giggle, and more champagne, we dubbed ourselves “work widows” and bonded immediately. We stayed up half the night, talking on the balcony as stars glittered over Atlanta’s skyline.
Raucous laughter pulls me back to the present.
“Searcy?”
I sigh a little into the receiver. “Phillipa, I’m horribly sorry to miss out on tonight. But, I really have to run, darling. I’m keeping the limo waiting.”
“Sear-cy,” Phillipa slurs. “Alton better be taking your somewhere wonderful. Not like that horrible Thai place near the Aquarium last year. If he doesn’t whisk you off to a fabulous dinner, I’m going to—”
“I’ll see you tomorrow, darling,” I say, interrupting. “At Mimi’s shower. You’ll be there?”
“Of course, sweetie! Love you,” Phillipa yells over the din.
“Love you, too.” I hang up and press the phone to my chest, trying to compress the hollow space inside it.
In my beautiful apartment, in a city of nearly half a million people, loneliness permeates the space around me. In that moment, I almost believe that the emptiness might be the price I have to pay for having almost everything my heart desires.
I stare back at my reflection in the phone’s glass coating. Tilting my chin down and to one side, I survey my complexion, the curve of my cheekbone, and my mascara-coated lashes. Green eyes, the color of sea glass, look back at me. My hair, straight and thick, hangs down my back in a glossy gold waterfall.
Tonight, though, even after a trip to the salon for a blowout, a facial, and mani/pedi, my polished look and perfect nails don’t bring me an iota of joy.
I slide my cell onto the end table and push it away with my fingers.
The television’s still on. Of all things, a jewelry commercial flashes up. I can’t look away as a man kneels down and proposes to his girlfriend. They embrace.
Swallowing hard, I change the channel, jump up, and cut a second piece of pie. This one is twice as generous. As I take my third bite, I decide that I feel a bit sick, actually.
It could be the chess pie. Or the red wine.
Most likely, it’s being abandoned. Again.
It’s not my imagination. Over the past year, my husband’s trips have stretched from three days to five or six. On weeknights, I’m lucky to see him before ten.
Another glance at the clock. Alton is now officially six hours late.
My breath hitches in my throat. Music announces the evening news. I try to focus on the television anchors, looking buttoned-up and concerned at the camera pans closer. When I start to change the channel, I notice the headline.
She’s talking about Andrews & Quentin, Alton’s company.
My nerves prickle. I push the volume button a few times and strain to hear what the woman’s saying.
I bolt upright when my husband’s photo appears on the screen.
Beneath his name is one word. My heart stops beating.
Missing.
Pie Girls Links:
Kindle: amzn.to/X8rCq1
Nook: bit.ly/1pHBVu
Hope you enjoyed the preview!!
xo, Lauren
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August 9, 2014
Pie Girls Release Day
I am very excited for today ~ my Official Pie Girls Release Day! Thank you to everyone who’s shared the word about my new novel, Tweeted, shared a link on Facebook, or told a friend!
The Pie Girls story is set in Fairhope, Alabama and centers on Southern Belle Searcy Roberts, who finds herself alone and in BIG trouble when her husband leaves her for another man! Searcy heads home to Fairhope to lick her wounds and recoup, but finds herself running the family business, Pie Girls, when her mother falls ill. When Searcy discovers the bakery may have to close its doors forever, she hatches a huge plan to save the shop — at all costs!
Pie Girls is a frothy, fun read mixed with humor, family drama, and sweet romance.
Here are the links if you’d like to pick up your copy now!
Kindle: amzn.to/X8rCq1
Nook: bit.ly/1pHBVu
I came up with the idea for Pie Girls after paging through some of my grandmother’s recipes. Some of my favorite childhood memories include visiting her house during the holidays … she’d always have some sort of amazing dessert whipped up for us to try. Everything she made was always delicious, and seemed so effortless at the time. She passed away years ago, and I miss her so much.
Pie Girls, in many ways, is a way to preserve her memory and some of the great recipes she shared with my mother, who passed them down to me. You’ll find three of her awesome pie recipes in the back of Pie Girls!
I had lots of fun with my boys and friends deciding which recipes to include! I baked 9 (yes, nine!) pies in one weekend and let my boys decide on the “Winning” desserts.
Here are the pies John David and Patrick decided on:
Chess Pie
Chocolate Pecan Pie
Lemon Sponge Pie
And, for fun, I took photos of the “Winning” pies!
Do you have a favorite pie? Is it a family recipe? I’d love to hear about it!
Cheers!
Lauren
Before I forget … here are the links to the Pie Girls ebooks! The paperback is in process – hoping to release that soon
Kindle: amzn.to/X8rCq1
Nook: bit.ly/1pHBVu
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