Samantha March's Blog, page 18

The Green Ticket - Now Available!

The day is finally here! I’m so excited that one year and two months after releasing my debut DESTINED TO FAIL, my second novel is now on sale! I had so much fun writing THE GREEN TICKET and meeting all the characters, and yes – I am working on book number 3 ;) But today is all about THE GREEN TICKET being released into the world. Print copies and eBooks are available on multiple retailers, and I have a flurry of promotions coming up, including going on a virtual tour with CLP Blog Tours. Thank you so much to everyone who has had a part in making this book a reality. I feel so lucky and blessed to be doing something I love, and I still I have to pinch myself when I write the words published author. Before I start getting too sappy, I will just cut it off here – I know you are just itching to grab your copy :)
College junior Alex Abrams scores her dream job at the ripe age of twenty – manager to a successful salon and spa. Thrilled to finally have a real adult job, Alex enthusiastically jumps into the world of schedules, conference calls, and getting a massage when interviewing prospective employees. What she doesn’t expect are the very grown-up issues that comes with a demanding boss. Kevin Dohlman quickly becomes Alex’s worse nightmare – covering up his affairs, dealing with his enormous ego, and trying to protect her female staff from him becomes a full-time job in its own right. Alex has also befriended Kevin’s wife and co-owner, Dani, and is trying to keep Kevin’s secrets hidden from her. The situation only worsens when Kevin starts paying Alex off to make sure she keeps her insider knowledge to herself.
While struggling to keep her wits and stay happy with her new grown-up job, Alex is juggling college courses, a new love interest, and keeping up with her close group of girlfriends. When her roommate and best friend Lila gets offered an opportunity to move to Los Angeles and sign with an agent, Alex realizes her life truly is changing, and everyone around her – including herself ­­–– is growing up.  Knowing she is faced with some hard decisions ahead, Alex struggles with keeping her job at Blissful. But does she really want to throw away what she dreamed of as a career – or will the secret-keeping for Kevin become too much to handle? The Green Ticket is a story about morals versus money, and how one young woman navigates the shaky line between the two.
Buy: Amazon: Print or eBook
Barnes and Noble: eBook
Kobo: eBook
Marching Ink: Print

Destined to Fail Now Only 99 Cents!

In order to celebrate the release of my second novel, my debut Destined to Fail is now on sale for your Kindle and Nook for only 99 cents! Get your copy now, and watch for The Green Ticket to hit virtual shelves on Wednesday, December 5!
Jasmine Jones is ready to begin her new life as a college student, and is ecstatic to have best friend Abby by her side. But weeks into their new college life, Abby drops the bomb- she is pregnant, and dropping out of college. Jasmine can’t handle the fact that Abby is wasting her opportunity to get an education, and going back to her cheating, abusive boyfriend. She struggles to move on from her friendship with Abby, and befriends two new girls at college- Kiley and Cari. Everything seems back on track for Jasmine- great new friendships and roommates, a strong relationship with boyfriend Nate, and excelling at her college courses. But Jasmine’s newfound happiness is shattered when her pregnancy test comes out positive. Does she have to drop out of college now and become a young mother? Will Nate stay with her? How can she afford a child? Jasmine’s life has been filled with obstacles and challenges along the way- from a missing father, sexual and physical abuse, and addictions that tore her family apart. With this latest setback, Jasmine fears her life will always be a struggle. Destined to Fail is one woman’s story about overcoming adversity in life, about taking the negatives and finding a positive, and about never giving up hope.
Kindle - http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005XNI560?ie=UTF8&camp=213733&creative=393177&creativeASIN=B005XNI560&linkCode=shr&tag=chlipl-20&qid=1354649865&sr=8-2&keywords=destined+to+fail
Nook-http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/destined-to-fail-samantha-march/1106649176?ean=2940013557284

Interview and Excerpt: Falling For You by Heather Thurmeier

Thanks to Heather Thurmeier for stopping by with a Q&A and excerpt from Falling For You. Please visit her tour page at CLP Blog Tours for more information and a giveaway!

**Interview**



When did you know writing was for you?-- There’s really always been a part of me that’s wanted to be a writer, it just took a while for me to finally listen and give in. When I got the idea for Falling for You, I just couldn’t ignore the urge to write any longer, so I got to work. As soon as I started writing, I knew this was it. This was what I wanted to do as a career. I was hooked. 
How would you describe your books?-- Funny, lighthearted, heartwarming, sensual, and always romantic.
Why was Falling For You a book you wanted to write?-- I don’t know. I’ve always love watching reality TV and one day I just started thinking about the different people who go on these shows and what drives them to do something so public. I wondered if the possibility of love was enough to really make a woman go on national TV and compete with other single women to date just one man. And then I wondered what would happen if she fell in love on the show… but not with the bachelor. And that was it. I couldn’t stop thinking about this character and the predicament that she found herself in. I knew I had to write the story to find out how it would all turn out for this character I’d created in my head.
What is the hardest part of the writing process for you?-- Probably the self-doubt. I’m always worried that what I write won’t be good enough, funny enough, interesting enough. I worry that my editor won’t like it or that my agent won’t want to represent my new book. But mostly I worry that I’ll disappoint my readers. And that is terribly hard to ignore. But it also makes me work harder to produce the best books I can.
What are your favorite genres to read?-- I love romance (contemporary and paranormal), urban fantasy, YA, dystopian and post-apocalyptic.
What do you want readers to take away from your story?-- I want readers to just feel something. Anything. Whether it’s sadness for a struggle one of the characters has, or frustration when the hero and heroine don’t get together as fast as you want them to, or annoyance when you feel the urge to smack the villain in the face for being… well, for being a villain. I just want readers to walk away from my books with a strong emotion because if I can make you feel something with my written words, then I feel like I’ve succeeded.
How important do you think social media is for authors these days?-- So, so, important!! I think authors who utilize social media can really do themselves a favor. Not only can you expose your books to new readers, but you can also learn so much from meeting new writers. It’s a great way to get your book title and your author name out there for the world to see, even if your part of the world is only a few hundred followers.
However, I think authors can easily fall into the trap of spending too much time on social media. There’s a real balance between marketing and making relationships through social media, and just wasting time online. Not every thought or action needs to be tweeted to your followers or put on your status update. Yes, you want to let people in a little to your life outside of just plugging your books all the time. But you don’t want it to take time away from the things you should be doing. The most important thing a writer can do for their career isn’t tweeting their book link, it’s writing their next book.
What would be your advice to aspiring writers?-- Keep trying. Don’t give up. Writing is a hard craft to learn and it can take a long time to get your book just right and ready to submit to publishers or agents. So don’t stop halfway. Keep going. Keep reading, writing, learning and making your stories as great as they can possibly be.
**Excerpt**

 “Stay still, Corona,” she pleaded, patting the horse on the shoulder. She swung her leg over the horse, determined to successfully complete one dismount before the challenge ended.Her arms shook as she lowered herself carefully from the saddle, finally giving up their fight part way down. Gravity took her the last few feet and she hit the ground with both feet, stumbling backward a step before bumping into something solid.“How, Cassidy? How do you always end up in my arms?” Evan’s voice rumbled in her ear, his warm breath on her earlobe making her girly bits tingle.She found her footing and turned in his arms. She could see the dust and dirt clinging to his five o’clock shadow, his brow beaded with sweat. He desperately needed a shower and there was nothing she could have fantasized about more than being in one with him. Instead, she pushed herself back from him and swallowed her urge to climb him like a jungle gym.“What can I say? I guess I just keep falling for you,” she said, before her brain caught up to her mouth and she was able to censor herself.  
**Giveaway!**
**Everyone who leaves a comment on Heather's tour page will be entered to win a $10 Amazon gift card! Anyone who purchases their copy of Falling For You before December 17 and sends their receipt to Samantha (at) ChickLitPlus (dot) com, will get five bonus entries.**    
Author Bio :
Heather Thurmeier is a lover of strawberry margaritas, a hater of spiders, and a reality TV junkie. She was born and raised in the Canadian prairies, but now lives in upstate New York with her own personal romance Hero (aka her husband) and their two little princesses. When she's not busy taking care of the kids and an adventurous puppy named Indy, Heather's hard at work on her next romance novel. 

"Heather Thurmeier's hunky heroes and feisty heroines will have you laughing out loud, falling in love ... and coming back for more!" ~ Carly Phillips, NY Times Bestselling Author"Heather Thurmeier writes sweet, funny romances that capture your heart!" --NYT and USA Today bestselling author Jennifer ProbstLove and Lattes, Love on Landing, Love or Luxury, Bunny Hills and Bikinis, Falling for You ~ Available now!Stuck on You, Lost without You ~ Coming Soon! Connect with Heather!
Website: http://heatherthurmeier.comFacebook: HeatherThurmeierAuthorTwitter: https://twitter.com/hthurmeierGoodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...

The Day is Almost Here!

The big day is almost here, and I almost can’t believe it! It’s been one year and one month since Destined to Fail was released, and I’m just beyond excited to finally get my second book out there. I’ve been working hard for my upcoming blog tour with CLP Blog Tours, and for a slew of other lovely book bloggers, reviewers, and authors that will be hosting me over the next few months. The emails have slowly started to trickle in that give me goosebumps, saying things like “I LOVED this book!” “Amazing job, Samantha!” “When is book #3 coming out?” Okay – that last one kind of freaks me out, but the early feedback from The Green Ticket reviewers has me ecstatic :) Another cool thing? You can pre-order your print copy now on Chick Lit Plus for a discounted price before the book goes on sale next Wednesday. Big thank you to everyone who already has ordered their copy! I’m off to write some more guest posts and answer your burning interview questions – is it Wednesday yet?!

Interview and Excerpt: Diners, Dives & Dead Ends by Terri L. Austin

Thanks to Terri for stopping by with a Q&A and excerpt from Diners, Dives & Dead Ends. Please visit her page at CLP Blog Tours for more information and a giveaway!

**Interview**



Hello, Samantha! Thanks so much for having me on your blog today. It’s a pleasure to be here.
When did you know writing was for you?I’ve always made up stories to entertain myself. And when I kept thinking up ways to change the plots of books and movies, I thought I should try my hand at writing. Turns out, making up my own imaginary people is kind of addictive.
How would you describe your books?I write character-driven books with a lot of humor. Always humor.
Why was Diners, Dives and Dead Ends  a book you wanted to write?I wanted to write a mystery in first person. I find the reader can jump right into the story in a first person situation. Rose Strickland, my heroine, is an underdog. She hasn’t figured out her life or her future, but she keeps trying. She’d be a great best friend. I wanted to write a likable heroine who’s pulling herself along, day by day. Oh yeah, and she has to solve a mystery. Because that’s just good fun.
What is the hardest part of the writing process for you?Some days, writing is like trying to swim through a river of honey. Sometimes you have to force the muse. And the muse resists this process.
What are your favorite genres to read?I’m a genre whore. I love mystery, rom sus, historical romance, contemporary, category, urban fantasy, paranormal, and even a little horror. See? Fickle.
What do you want readers to take away from your story?If I can make a reader laugh or put aside their daily life for a few hours, I’m pretty happy with that.
How important do you think social media is for authors these days?I honestly have no idea. But I’d be a fool not to utilize it. There’s an immediate connection between the author and reader now. I kind of like that.
What would be your advice to aspiring writers?Write. I know it sounds stupid, but writers write. They don’t talk about it, or sit around thinking about it, or dream about it—well, they do actually, but they also put their butts in the chair and do it. Even if it’s a page a day. So, go my pretties, and write!
 **Excerpt**

Mondays were known for two things at Ma’s Diner: we poured lots of extra coffee and the tips sucked.  After my last customer left, I counted out my money.  Twenty-three dollars and sixteen cents.  Hmm, food or gas?    I walked behind the counter and had just started to refill ketchup bottles when my friend, Ax, walked in.  The bright afternoon sunshine flashed on his wallet chain as it slapped against his thigh.Axton Graystone—his real name, I swear to God—was usually cheerful, goofy, and extremely mellow due to his natural disposition and the boatloads of pot he ingested.  But when he stopped by the empty diner that afternoon, he was twitchy and nervous. He plopped onto a stool in front of me and swung his overstuffed backpack onto another.  His knee bounced up and down like a toddler on a sugar binge and he tapped his fingernails on the counter.  “Rose, I need you to do something for me.”“I’m not giving you my pee.”  Axton had a couple of possession misdemeanors.  Now the administration at the college where he worked made him take a urine test once a month.    The keys in his pocket jangled with every bob of his knee.  “No, not that.  I need a favor.”  Worry lines creased his forehead and his pale blue eyes were more bloodshot than usual.   I glanced up from my ketchup transfusion, leaned over and stared into said bloodshot eyes.  I sniffed the air around him.  “You’re not stoned.  Are you drunk?”Roxy Block, my fellow waitress-slash-bestie frowned.  “I thought he was always stoned.”  Roxy was in a pissy mood.  She’d quit smoking the day before and it was not going well.  For any of us.“Where were you last night?” I asked him.  “I thought we were going to watch War of the Worlds.  I made those pizza rolls you like.”“Jeez Rose, I told you a million times, it’s When Worlds Collide.  It won an Academy Award.  It was like, a visual masterpiece.”  Tap, tap, tap.  He rapidly beat out a rhythm on the counter. “Whatever.”  I reached over and laid my hand on his, forcing him to stop tapping his nails.    Axton hopped down from the stool and went to the picture window at the front of the diner.  With his hands on the glass, he glanced up and down the street—left, right, then left again. His breath made a big foggy circle next to the closed sign.After I twisted a lid on the last bottle of ketchup, I walked to the tables around the small dining room, putting a bottle on each.  “So where were you?”     His shoulders jerked at the sound of my voice.  “I went to a club.  Look, Rose—”“Like a dance club?” I interrupted, a bottle dangling between my fingers.  I’d known Axton forever.  We’d gone to school together from first grade through high school at Huntingford Prep and the only club Axton ever attended involved Starfleet uniforms and speaking Klingon.   “I’m trying to picture you dancing.”  Roxy smacked a piece of nicotine gum as she pushed a broom across the black and white checkerboard floor.  “And in my mind it looks more like a seizure.”  Roxy wore a very short, red pleated skirt, a frilly white blouse, and white platform shoes.  A lacy headband held back her electric blue hair.  Her outfit was not a side effect of cigarette deprivation.  She always dressed like that.  *********************************************************************************
**Everyone who leaves a comment on Terri's tour page will be entered to win a $10 Amazon gift card! Anyone who purchases their copy of Diners, Dives & Dead Ends before December 3 and sends their receipt to Samantha (at) ChickLitPlus (dot) com, will get five bonus entries.**  
Author Bio:

Terri L. Austin lives in Missouri with her funny, handsome husband and a high maintenance peekapoo.  She loves to hear from readers. Find her on Twitter, FB, TerriLAustin.com, Goodreadsand Henery Press. She and her writer friends have a book chat every Wednesday on Little Read Hens. Check it out and join in the conversation! Buy the Book!
Amazon Kobo B&N   [image error]

Interview and Excerpt: Down at the Golden Coin by Kim Strickland

Thanks to Kim for stopping by with a Q&A and excerpt from Down at the Golden Coin. Please visit her tour page at CLP Blog Tours for more information and a giveaway!

**Interview**


When did you know writing was for you? I feel like I’ve always known it. It was the first career I ever wanted as a kid. I even completed my first novel at the age of twelve! And although I took quite a few detours along the way, I never gave up on my dream.
How would you describe your books? My novels are a fictitious and humorous look at spiritual and New Age topics.
Why was Down at the Golden Coin a book you wanted to write?Because at that time in my life, it was the book I needed to read.
What is the hardest part of the writing process for you? Finding the time to sit in the chair, especially for fiction. It just takes a very, very long time. And the first draft. First drafts are always so hard for me. Once it’s finished though, then the following drafts just flow; they are so much easier.
What are your favorite genres to read? I love reading spiritual fiction, writers like Paulo Coelho, Dan Milman, Lynn V. Andrews or Richard Bach. But I also love a good mystery or thriller, or literary fiction. I guess I’m not too particular. I just enjoy good writing.
What do you want readers to take away from your story? I would love for readers to take away a sense they have control over their own realities and destinies. And if not that, then at least a sense they were entertained for a few hundred pages.
How important do you think social media is for authors these days? It’s not important at all; it’s crucial! The trick is getting heard above the din. So much of social media is soft-marketing anymore. It’s very hard to get noticed and market yourself without annoying all your fans, friends and followers. It’s a fine line. I try not to cross it, but it’s a challenge. I’m sure at times I do cross the line. Please buy my book.
What would be your advice to aspiring writers? Just write. Sit in the chair as often as you can and tell your story. You will hear and read rules about how to write everywhere, and while you need to know the rules, **Excerpt**
The front windows are filthy, covered with greasy fingerprints and St. Patrick’s Day leprechauns, dusty and curled with age. A Vote Chicago! campaign poster for some alderman who didn’t get elected hangs crookedly in one corner. There’s a gang-tag spray-painted on the Coke machine that looks like someone at one time tried to scrub off, but then just gave up. A cobweb dangles from an actual payphone that still stands by the door. Two fans wobble on their mounts in the middle of the ceiling’s water-stained acoustic panels, having no affect whatsoever on the stagnant air in the room. I imagine they probably squeak, too, if we could hear them over the rumble of the washing machines and the Coke machine’s aging compressor. A broken clock, its hands perpetually stuck on eleven o’four, has a faded yellow face with an even more faded sign below it that says, “Thank you for doing your laundry with us!”“What I’ve learned in my forty-odd years on this planet,” I continue, “is that I’ve grown very tired of trying to make myself feel better about my situation by thinking about how much worse it could be. I know it could be worse. I just want things to be better for me. Now. Is that too much to ask? To be happy? To have happiness in its own right?”“Then be happy.” She says it with a shrug, before reaching into her laundry bag and pulling out a People magazine.I roll my eyes again. Then be happy. As if it were that simple. Be happy. Like life is just the same as some dumb Bobby McFerrin song.“It really is just that simple.” She’s looking up from her magazine now, staring into me with those dark eyes.And now I’m a little freaked out, because I think she just read my mind. I shift in my chair under her gaze, not knowing if I want to like her that much anymore. “Listen,” I say. “I read The Secret too. Hell, I even tried The Secret. Do you know what happened? I sat there loving my car, loving my eight-year-old Subaru Outback, imagining my brand new Lexus RX350, silver and gorgeous, parked in my garage and you know what happened? Do you know what I got? I got a nine-year-old Subaru Outback with a cracked engine block and a big empty space in my garage where a Lexus should be. All I want, all I ever wanted, is a little happiness. A little security. I worked so hard to get somewhere in this life and now I’m watching everything, all of it, slip right out from under me and there’s not one thing I can do about it.” She’s still watching me, her expression inscrutable. After a very long moment, she looks down at her magazine and releases a single page with her thumb. “If you say so,” she says while the new page floats down.“Happiness is not a choice. Don’t you think if it were a choice, everyone would choose it?”“Not everyone knows how to choose it,” she says, her eyes still focused on her People.*******************************************************************************Everyone who leaves a comment on Kim's tour page will be entered to win a $25 Amazon gift card! Anyone who purchases their copy of Down at the Golden Coin before December 3 and sends their receipt to Samantha (at) ChickLitPlus (dot) com, will get five bonus entries.**     
Author Bio:

Kim Strickland lives in Chicago with her husband, three children, two cats and one dog. She also blogs as A City Mom at ChicagoNow. Down at the Golden Coin is her second novel. When she's not being a mom or a writer, she flies jets for a major airline, which means, every once in a while, she gets to eat an entire meal sitting down.  

Connect with Kim!


My blog:http://www.ChicagoNow.com/acitymom
My website: http://www.kimstrickland.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/DownAtTheGoldenCoin
Buy the Book!
http://www.amazon.com/Down-at-Golden-Coin-ebook/dp/B009YJKNWI/ref=la_B001ITYMH4_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1351781218&sr=1-2 
http://www.eckhartzpress.com/Down-at-the-Golden-Coin.html

Interview and Excerpt: The Bloody Mary Club by Debbie Dyke

Thanks to Debbie Dyke for stopping by with a Q&A and excerpt from The Bloody Mary Club. Please visit her tour page at CLP Blog Tours for more information and a giveaway!

**Interview**




When did you know writing was for you?
When I saw my first byline when I was 16 years old and wrote for the Navy newspaper, The Panorama, in Naples Italy.  Since that early age, I’ve written in various formats: newspaper, magazines, scripts and the novel format.  I started writing scripts for fun, and then it turned into work when they started getting attention.  I wrote five screen plays, treatments, and articles for magazines. Two of my screen plays were option by HBO and A list actress. I collaborated with award winning director Uli Edel ( Baader Meinhof Complex, Tyson, Purgatory, Little Vampires) on a action movie called Closing In.  As an owner of Script Magazine, I was able to attend Scriptwriting and Film Festivals all across the United States. It was a lot of fun to meet and speak with top screenwriters, directors, producers and attend lots of pitch festivals.  I learned that screenwriters aren’t treated very nicely in Hollywood, that you are only as good as the last thing you wrote. Most importantly, screenwriting is a collaborative venture. Once you’ve sold your script, it’s out of your hands. It will go through multiple revisions. It’s rewritten for the producer, then for the director, then rewritten for each actor (depending on A or B list) when they comes onboard it. For example, four women in an all investment club in Alexandria, VA could turn out to be about a divorcing couple fighting over Skippy the dog in Las Vegas.
The best advice I received from an agent was that, if you wanted to be respected in Hollywood and control your work, you have to be novelist. Novelists are held in very high regard. Screenwriters are at the bottom of the barrel of the Hollywood pecking order and many aren’t even invited to their own opening night.

How would you describe your books?

 My books are financial thrillers that showcase strong women characters. I am very passionate about the stock market and investments.  I’m fascinated by the recent Ponzi schemes that have been reported in the front page news. I’ve watched the bank meltdowns with great interest. As a former stockbroker, I’ve met a few embezzlers and worked with several bad brokers who’ve run away with client’s money. It always amazes me that even the rich and mighty get taken in by complicated financial schemes and are so trusting of their financial advisors. Once you’ve hooked a big fish, the rest will come. The rich refer their rich friends and it just grows from there.  I think the time is right for smart, funny, readable financial fiction.  Let’s pump up the interest in Financial Thrillers!
I am most comfortable writing fiction and specifically financial thrillers. This field is ripe with stories that need to be told: financial intrigue, bank take over’s,  embezzlers, investment shams, bad stockbrokers, international money launders, identify theft, corporate espionage, stock swindles, just to name a few. Wrap these themes around engaging characters, put them in interesting settings and let the writing begin!
Why was The Bloody Mary Club  a book you wanted to write?
I knew the moment I heard about an all woman investment club that was forming in Old town Alexandria that it was the story I needed to write.  I didn’t want to write an epic Wall Street novel, I wanted to write how the stock market waves ripple down to the local level.  I’ve always been interested in the stock market and the idea of an all-woman investment club was my hook. I added the Bloody Mary Drink after hearing about its historical tie to Alexandria. It was a convergence of ideas and I knew I had to write this story. I wanted a tight circle of friends that could weather the increasing danger that comes into their path and allow each one to use their unique skills to overcome their problems.
What is the hardest part of the writing process for you?
The most challenging part of writing a novel is keeping the story moving along. There needs to be urgency in the story, you need an action line or heart beat that keeps the reader turning pages. The ultimate compliment for me from a reader is that my novel is a page turner! I learned this ‘urgency’ technique writing scripts -- always leave a scene at the earliest and start the next scene at the latest. It creates interest and energy in the story. Cut out the boring, keep it moving along.
The hardest part of writing The Bloody Mary Club was…. rewriting. After 17 rewrites over several years it took a lot of concentration to keep track of the characters, the dialog and plot points and making the changes organic from begging to the end.  Several times I wasn’t even sure which scenes were cut and which were still in. I had to come up with outlines and note cards  to keep track of the story, the characters, plot points, arcs and while at the same time  keep the pacing tight.  One of the most helpful tricks was to create an ‘edit/cut’ file for sections or passages that I deleted.  I was able to go back to that file when I did the final rewrite and add parts back in that were needed.  Once the writing was done, I set it down for several weeks for a cooling off period.  I was able to read it with fresh eyes.

What is some of the best financial advice you would give?
 Everyone asks me for advice and I can point to websites, books and investment pros that can help. I’m not a registered investment advisor anymore ( my series 7 has lapsed) but I can give practical advice that makes sense and can lead to  a more financially secure future.  I may give this advice but very few take it.  Here it goes:  Live within your means, put away money on a regular basis, do not buy a house that you cannot afford, don’t carry a balance on your credit cards, view your credit scores once a year, diversity your investments.  Be an aggressive saver. Take advance of matching employer 401K. Fund accounts automatically, build up an emergency fund, set aside money for kid’s college and save for your next car. Yes, it’s going to be a bumpy ride but if you consistency live below your means, you will get there.

What are your favorite genres to read?
I enjoy reading chick lit, fiction, thrillers and mystery. Some of my favorite books are:  The Devil Wears Prada. The Ya-Ya Sisterhood books. Eat, Pray Love.  The Dirty Girls Social Club. Anything by Donna Leon,  Death In A Strange Country.
Here comes my wonkish side, I also love non-fiction financial books. Some of my favorites are:  Buffet, The Making of an American Capitalist by Roger Lowenstein. The Millionaire Next Door, by Thomas Stanley and William Danko. The Courage to Fail, by  Art Mortell. Liars Poker and The Big Short by Michael Lewis.  A Random Walk Down Wall Street by Burton Malkiel. I get a ton of story ideas reading the Wall Street Journal and Forbes magazine. The financial field is ripe with epic stories waiting to be told.   I’ll start with a snippet of information, then figure out interesting characters, and soon I come up with a plot and timeline. For example, the idea of an IPO gone bad with sympathetic characters caught up in the offering could be a great story because of the human element involved in the high stakes financial transaction.  When my radar is out, ideas are everywhere.

What do you want readers to take away from your story?
After reading The Bloody Mary Club, I hope that the reader will realize that financial thrillers are fun to read and you might even learn something about the stock market. Through my story you will see that even the fat cats top get ripped off and that there are no get rich quick shortcuts.   In this era of self-directed IRA’s, everyone is responsible for their financial future and must make wise investment decisions. We all need to be savvy investors or else face a painful and dismal retirement. I make it clear through my characters that there are short cuts to make money or guarantees to double your return
 I hope the readers think that I have a fresh, funny, engaging voice. I want them to see that I have a wicked sense of humor, like strong female characters, and that I’m not a boring writer. I hope they feel the joy that I have when writing about stocks/bonds/trading. One reaction that I get quite often is that my readers often ask me to take a review their portfolios, ask me to validate their trading strategies, offer IRA tips and to give them business advice. This is how I became a partner in Script Magazine after they featured me in the magazine. A wonderful side effect!

How important do you think social media is for authors these days?
Social Media is the most important thing for writers. The publishing industry is undergoing a revolution.  Just like changes in the travel industry, (we book our tickets ourselves) and much like Wall Street, (we buy stocks online)  the publishing industry is changing dramatically. No longer do Literary Agents hold the keys to you publishing future.  Mid-level published writers will do better self-publishing.  More and more block buster novels will come from the self-published writers. It’s no wonder Hollywood is trolling the indie and self-published lists for new material. The agents and publishing houses are scared to take changes on first time novelists.  Today, writers have to shoulder the responsibility to market and publicize their works.  Those that do not will simply have to see their writing as a hobby.
 I believe in social media and that’s why I am doing this virtual book tour. I’m actively promoting my work. I’ve created a blog and post frequently to it.  I have an author site that gets quite a bit of traffic because it’s done extremely well.  My webpage designer is very talented and always comes up with new ways to engage visitors. On cool feature on my webpage is the ‘location’ tab that provides maps to the areas where my characters live and it can be zoomed in and out for details. There’s also a ‘fun fan’ page where readers send me crazy photos of themselves reading my novel in silly poses or locations.  I have the Queen of England reading The Bloody Mary Club (you have to check it out!), a dog named Charlie from Florida and at the launch pad at NASA Cape Canaveral.   I have learned how to use social media to engage readers and provide information on my writing as well as upcoming novels. In addition, I am reaching out to Vodka distributors and companies that are make any of the ingredients for the Bloody Mary drink for endorsement and sponsorship.  This is a fun project.  I’m on Linked In and Google, but, have found that the keeping up with all the social media is very time consuming. All the blogging and posting is leaving me little time to write.
You can keep up with me by visiting my website:  www.DebbieDyke.com, or dropping in on my blog: http://debbiedykebooks.blogspot.com/   
Also, you  can find me on Facebook at: DebbieDykeBooks.  

What would be your advice to aspiring writers?
 It’s very hard to make a living writing. There are very few that can make decent living writing novels. The best way to insure success is to perfect your craft by writing, taking classes, accept criticism from readers, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes.  Don’t expect perfection from your first or even tenth draft. You will write badly, everyone does, so don’t get down on yourself for this. You will have plenty of time to rewrite.  As in the financial world, there are no shortcuts, you have to keep writing and improving if you want to be a professional writer.  Writers have to learn their craft. The absolutely best way to improve as a writer is to write… write… write.  And then write some more.
Thank you for the opportunity to discuss my journey with you.  I hope you enjoy reading The Bloody Mary Club and come away with an appreciation of all things financial!  You can keep up with me by visiting my website:  www.DebbieDyke.com, or dropping in on my blog: http://debbiedykebooks.blogspot.com/  and find  me on Facebook at: DebbieDykeBooks.

 Cheers! Debbie Dyke, Author, The Bloody Mary Club!
**Excerpt**
 
Ladies! This is your wake up call to take get your financial house in order. Stop wasting money on red soled high heels, put that money in savings! Drop that high priced latte right now. Don’t wait for a rich prince to come and save you! Here’s a passage from The Bloody Mary Club, Page 28 where my lead character Gina gives her ladies a wakeup call for being lazy about their finances:
“You’ve all grown up thinking you can’t handle this stuff and if you’re a good girl, some big strong man will come along and take care of it for you. Wake up. It’s not going to happen. Without this club, you’ll be greeters at Wal-Mart when you’re seventy,” Gina plucked a shrimp from her drink and jiggled it at Vivi. “Your legal secretary job isn’t secure.”Vivi picked imaginary lint off her slinky top.“What happens when your on-man-shop lawyer is thrown in jail for tax evasion? You’re pushing fifty, who’s going to hire a legal secretary who types on an electric typewriter and uses shorthand?”Vivi pouted.Gina moved onto Sarah busy snacking on peanuts: “And you can’t stretch your paycheck. You’re floating your bills. If mommy and daddy didn’t help out, you’d have no phone service, electricity or water. What are you going to do when they aren’t around? You think you’ll inherit their money? Statistics aren’t on your side. Mom and the General will need that money for their nursing home care. Your ex will get the last laugh as he skis down the slopes in Zermatt after having a wine and raclette meal paid for from his impenetrable trust fund.”Sarah picked at her cuticles with one eye stuck in a half blink. “You forgot Joanie, she’s a mess.”
 **********************************************************************************
**Everyone who leaves a comment on Debbie's tour page will be entered in the giveaway! Anyone who purchases their copy of The Bloody Mary Club before November 26 and sends their receipt to Samantha (at) ChickLitPlus (dot) com, will get five entries in a drawing to win the following prizes!

1. $10 Amazon gift card
2. Bloody Mary Gift Basket (US only) OR
3. Three winners will receive a copy of The Bloody Mary Club**
  Author Bio:


Debbie Dyke is a novelist and businesswoman from Alexandria, Virginia, and has a background in military intelligence, the stock market, executive recruiting and writing.   An Army brat, she’s lived in Turkey, France, Germany, Italy, Albania and Holland. She graduated from the American High School in Naples, Italy then attending University of Maryland, Munich Campus.  She graduated from Georgetown University and holds a Bachelors of Science and Masters degree in National Security.  Debbie has two grown children, Lisa and Jordan and has been married to Michael for over thirty wonderful years. Debbie has written 5 screenplays, one Wall Street calendar and two novels. 
Connect with Debbie!
My author website is:  www.debbiedyke.comMy blog:  http://debbiedykebooks.blogspot.com/Facebook page:  DebbieDykeBooks
Buy the Book!
The Bloody Mary Club - Kindle The Bloody Mary Club - Print - Amazon The Bloody Mary Club - NOOK and Print B&N

Upcoming Blog Tour for The Green Ticket!

I am excited to go on a blog tour in December/January with The Green Ticket! Thanks to all the Fantastic Bloggers who have agreed to host me and/or read the book :) I'm looking forward to the feedback and waiting (impatiently) for December 5 to get here! In the meantime, here is my schedule of events for the tour, hosted by CLP Blog Tours:

December 17 – Lucie Simone – Review & Excerpt December 17 – eBook Addict – Guest PostDecember 18 – Lucie Simone – Guest Post & Q&ADecember 18 – Books Etc – ReviewDecember 19- Books Etc – Guest PostDecember 19- The East Village – ReviewDecember 20 – eBook Addict – ReviewDecember 20 – Chick Lit Club Connect – Guest PostDecember 21- Books Etc – Q&ADecember 21- Every Free Chance Book Reviews – Review & Guest PostDecember 26- Jersey Girl Book Reviews – Review, Guest Post & ExcerptDecember 27 – Chick Lit Goddess – Review & Q&ADecember 27- Lost in Literature – Review, Guest Post & ExcerptDecember 28 – eBook Addict – Q&AJanuary 1- The Book Bag – Review & Guest PostJanuary 2- Change the Word – ReviewJanuary 3- Change the Word – Q&AJanuary 3- Mrs. Mommy Booknerd Book Reviews – Guest Post & ExcerptJanuary 4 – Step Into Fiction – Review & Guest PostJanuary 4 – Amie Louellen – Review, Q&A, Guest Post & ExcerptJanuary 7 – Storm Goddess Book Reviews – Review , Q&A & Excerpt

Excerpt: To Catch a Bad Guy by Marie Astor

Thanks to Marie Astor for sharing an excerpt from her contemporary romance novel To Catch a Bad Guy! Please visit her tour page at CLP Blog Tours for more information and a giveaway!



“Hello there.”Janet turned around at the unexpected sound of a male voice. “Hi.” Janet remembered the IT guy she had found in her office the day before. It was impossible to forget him. She had never seen anyone who was so incongruously good-looking and clumsy at the same time.“It’s Janet, right?” The IT guy focused his blue-gray eyes on her. “I’m Dean.”“Yes, I remember,” Janet lied, making a mental note to commit Dean’s name to memory. “Do you work on this floor?”“Yep.” Dean nodded. “My desk is on the trading floor – this way if any of the traders need help, I can be summoned to their rescue.”“Sounds terribly important.” “It is.” Dean puffed out his chest. “Not really.” He shook his head. “The other day I had to explain to a guy that his monitor was black because he forgot to turn his computer on.”“Oh…” Janet laughed a bit louder than she intended. “I’m sorry.”“Is that your oatmeal?” “Yes. I’m sort of on a diet,” Janet blurted out.“I think it’s about to run over.” Dean reached for the microwave and popped it open just as the oatmeal was about to topple over the rim of the cup. “Here you are.” Dean set the oatmeal on the kitchen counter. “And if I may add, youBack in her office, Janet looked over the chart of Bostoff Securities’ corporate structure that Tom Wyman had given her yesterday. There were about ten different entities. The structure seemed odd to say the least, but Tom had cited a specific business purpose for each entity. His reasoning had made perfect sense when Tom had been explaining the set-up to Janet, but the moment he departed from her office, leaving a trail of masculine cologne, questions began to stir in her mind.
**Everyone who leaves a comment on Marie's tour page will be entered in the giveaway! Anyone who purchases their copy of How To Catch a Bad Guy  before November 19 and sends their receipt to Samantha (at) ChickLitPlus (dot) com, will get five bonus entries! Three individual winners will receive a piece of jewelry shown above, and one bonus winner will receive a $10 Amazon gift card! Please note this is open to US residents only.** 

Press & Promotion - Destined to Fail

Reviews for Destined to Fail



Jenn @ Booksessed: I wasn’t sure what to expect from this novel and I had no idea what it was going to be about; I was hooked as soon as I read the prologue. I knew that the book was going to be something that I was going to be invested in emotionally and enjoy reading.

For part of the novel, I couldn’t figure out why Jasmine was so hung up on appearance and clothing, but was very impressed later in the novel when you find out that her supposed materialism is a defense mechanism. That idea was brilliant and what it’s a defense for will leave you staggered. I related to this novel on such a deep emotional level. I have been through a lot of the same situations that I most of the characters have been through and to see it from another perspective is very surreal. Almost out of body experience surreal. I was angered by obvious poor decisions and inspired when characters stood up for themselves and elated when there was hope. I was so deeply moved by this novel that I cried through most of it and wanted to call my boyfriend to tell him how amazing he is.

I want to give a copy of this book to every woman I know and command her to hold out for a Nate rather than settle for a Jason.

4 stars ********************************************************************************** Michelle @ Just Jump: Samantha March's debut novel packs quite the punch, beginning right there in the first line. And it is with that first line that I was immediately intrigued.  Jasmine Jones thought she was going to be getting her life back in order when she left for college.  Even with leaving family and boyfriend, Nate, behind, she would have her best friend, Abby, along with her.  Unfortunately, Abby ends up dropping a bombshell on Jasmine and leaving college behind. Two new roommates, Cari and Kiley, and the support of Nate get her through until Jasmine finds herself faced with a difficult decision.  The characters of this book are wrote with so much heart that you can't help but like them.  Jasmine begins a little naive but shows so much strength and determination, she makes the perfect rootable heroine. The supporting characters are used as just that, supporting characters.  They get just enough back story and front burner status to satisfy, but not overwhelm with too many characters.

There are a couple of very heavy topics that are brought to life in this novel, all of which Samantha delivers with a delicate hand but not making them too weak so they have a powerful revelation behind them. It wraps up a little too "happy ending", but after taking the journey with Jasmine through her year, it is exactly what is called for.  A very strong start in the writing career of Samantha March and I'm sure the following novels are going to be just as entertaining as this one was.

4 stars

***********************************************************************************

Shannon Hart, author of Until the End of Forever: With an intriguing title like "Destined to Fail", it's almost impossible to expect a story to be light and breezy. The title delivers it's promise: it's packed with emotions and baggage, and keeps you repeating "Oh my God!" page after page. Destined to Fail's heroine Jasmine, or JJ to her friends and family, welcomes us into her world of chaos. To simply say that life has been "tough" for her would be the understatement of the decade. Between getting over her past that included abuse, battling addiction (not hers), and an absent father, and trying to cope with the present: losing her best friend, financial turmoil and having to deal with an unplanned pregnancy, it's amazing that she hasn't gone insane. Apart from her way-too-perfect boyfriend Nate, her life is a complete and utter mess. But JJ is wise beyond her years and has strength and determination that keeps her going. Her ability to forgive and her concern for her friends are admirable characteristics we could all learn from.

In this debut novel, writer Samantha March opens up a world filled with what should be anger, frustration, bitterness and insanity, in the form of formidable strength and friendship. This strong tale is the perfect illustration of how we can all rise above our past, leave behind all the drama, and make the choice to create a better future for ourselves. Samantha delivers a well-written, emotional and compelling story, one that all women should read and recommend to their girlfriends.
 
4 stars 
**********************************************************************************
Kaley @ Books Etc: Put quite simply, I loved Destined to Fail. I read it in one afternoon because I could not put it down. Jasmine's story grabbed hold of me and would not let go even after I finished reading the book. A sign of a good book is when you continue to think about it once you've stopped reading and that was the case for me with this novel. Everyone's stories were wrapped up nicely (without it being too "picture perfect") at the end of the novel but I still found myself thinking about how the characters would continue living and I loved that.

I have to warn potential readers that this is not exactly a lighthearted read. There are some very heavy story lines that require a mature reader. The three main girls, Jasmine and her new college friends Kiley and Cari, have endured almost every kind of abuse there is in the course of their fairly young lives. I know these things happen in the world and I know I am fortunate because I've never had to deal with anything like that, but it was still hard to read at some points. But I think that really adds to the novel and helps you connect with the characters. Life isn't perfect and what matters is how you deal with the curveballs you're thrown. Jasmine is an incredibly strong and courageous woman and is an amazing role model for young women.

All in all, this is an amazing book - especially when you realize March is a first time author. I encourage everyone to check out this novel because it provides a fantastic story and some strong characters.

 4 stars
***********************************************************************************
Laura @ Change the Word: Samantha March addresses difficult subject matter in an approachable way in her debut novel. In "Destined to Fail," Jasmine Jones looks forward to starting fresh, free from the hardships of her past as a college freshman. But as she creates her new life, the past and present make her question the future.

A likable protagonist, JJ reveals more of herself to the reader and her new friends as the story progresses. Her past problems explain her reservations about finances, relationships and more. JJ and the other characters are well-developed, and though page after page presents new revelations, readers will find foreshadowing earlier in the story, which makes it easier to follow (which is important, because a lot happens in this book). The characters, especially JJ, are well-developed and anything but static. They evolve and react naturally based on the circumstances they face and their predisposed inclinations.

The book handles seemingly adult subject matter, such as physical and sexual abuse, unplanned pregnancies and addiction. But, it is written in a way that would make it a good read for more mature young adults. The story brings to light and delves into topics that are all to often brushed over in the mainstream.

And after all the hardships she and her friends face, JJ perseveres and proves that even though life is messy and difficult, it is possible to prevail.

4 stars
**********************************************************************************

Lindsay @ Turning the Pages: Reading this book made me proud to be a woman. The character of Jasmine (JJ) Jones is such a strong one and the trials and tribulations that she has dealt with in her life make her so relatable.

As I read this book, I couldn't help but think of the young women that it would help. Having been through so much agony in her life, Jasmine's character and story make you realize that you can always rise above... you can always have your happy ending no matter what you have to deal with to get there. It really isn't about your past, it's about your future.

Right from the first page, Samantha March's story gripped me. I enjoy stories that begin at the end (or close to) and then go back to the beginning in Chapter 1. Knowing what was coming made the story that much more interesting. While I found it crazy to think that JJ's friends could be dealing with so much, it also made me realize that I have led a very sheltered, humble, life. Thankfully!

Overall, I believe that all young women (and even older ones) should pick up a copy of this book. Even if you haven't been through any of the hard hitting issues, it will open your mind up to those that have. It's very true that you cannot judge a book by it's cover... or in this case, a person.

4 stars
********************************************************************************** 
Emily @ Mrs. Mommy Booknerd's Book Reviews:

Life is not a fairy tale and bad things happen to good people.  Destined to Fail is a coming of age story where happy endings are not everyone's destiny.  March forces us to confront a world of trauma and tragedy which is uncomfortable and unsettling.  Lighthearted books are fun to read, however March forces us to address and contemplate what a life of tragedy would feel like.  Destined to Fail has depth and a strong message.  Life's obstacles can be overcome, but it will take hard work and a personal investment.  Life is full of choices and we as individuals must chose which paths to proceed down. March exposes us to trauma that does occur throughout every segment of our society.  Destined to Fail speaks to the individual who is suffering and provides moral support and encouragement to fight while also serving as a guide for someone who needs to advocate for a friend in the middle of the fight."The other things that have happened, none of those I had control over.  But, this situation, I could do something about.  I could take the wheel and make my own decisions.  It was such a powerful feeling, knowing I could control my own destiny. "  (March, pg. 119)  4 stars***********************************************************************************
Jill  @ An Unnatural Athlete:

If I was a high school English teacher this book would be on my classroom reading list. What a great book for girls to learn the trappings of abusive relationships, how to protect their self-worth and how to keep going and even thrive when things never seem to go your way. Great debut Ms. March!
3 stars
***********************************************************************************
Jackie Pilossoph, author:


I have to believe there were thousands of readers, (just like me,) who were and are curious to pick up Samantha March’s debut novel, Destined to Fail.  Why? Samantha has spent years reading and reviewing other people’s work. She’s the founder of Chick Lit Plus, a website that reviews books and other products, a site that has a huge following and just keeps continuing to grow. So, I think we all want to see what “the reviewer” is capable of.

I met Samantha (actually have never met her, but starting chatting with her) when she reviewed my books.  As I’ve gotten to know her this past year, I am constantly amazed at how young she is! She’s built this huge business and I don’t believe she’s over the age of 25. Man, I’m jealous! I wish I’d have had half the ambition and perseverance she has at such a young age!

Destined to Fail is the story of a Jasmine, young women who’s been dealt some pretty bad cards in life. A father who left before she was born, an abusive boyfriend, a mother who was a gambling addict, and an abusive step-brother are some of the tragic people and issues she’s had to deal with in her life of nineteen years.  VERY HEAVY stuff!

But what I loved, loved, loved about this book is Jasmine, herself. She’s managed to hold it all together. She doesn’t drink, she has an amazing boyfriend who treats her well, and she’s managed to get through high-school with grades that got her into college.

As a writer, I’ve been told  by agents and publishers that the reader must love your heroine so that he or she will care what happens and will want to read on. Such was the case with Jasmine.

The other characters came to life, as well. I loved Nate, the country boy who showed his true colors when things got rough, Abby, Jasmine’s best friend and complete opposite, Jasmine’s two roommates, Cari and Kiley, and Kiley’s boyfriend, John, the cocky, full-of-himself jock.

Destined to Fail is a really, really compelling story and I found myself turning pages quickly to find out what was going to happen.  I will say this about the book.  It is definitely suited for a younger woman, with its dialogue, March’s writing style, and the way the characters’ relationships are portrayed. I can imagine girls of high-school age and young women entering college really taking to this novel, which makes sense, given March’s age.

Destined to Fail is March’s first novel, and I think she will go on to write many, many books. Her passion for writing, her imagination, and her huge ambition will make March a big, big success as an author! I’m looking forward to her next book!

4 stars
***********************************************************************************
 GoodReads Review by Courtney Turner:

I absolutely loved reading this! Samantha March had me interested the whole time. This book tackled so many issues that people face but are too ashamed to talk about. Jasmine is afraid at first to tell her new college roommates about her past but when it will help someone else she faces her fears and shares. Samantha did a good job of not just brushing over these tough topics but also going into enough detail to make the story believable. The ending took me by surprise! I had no idea how she was going to end this amazing story that I didn't want to put down but I think it's a perfect ending to such a great book.

5 stars
***********************************************************************************
Amie's Reviews:

Though it started out a tad slow, Destined to Fail picked up and when it did, I understood the pacing at the beginning. A story with that much heartbreak throughout would have been hell to read even with a happy ending. All the characters are believable and likeable, even surly Abby, Jasmine’s friend from high school. The delicate situations these girls recount and face were brilliantly handled, the attitudes and conversations perfect for college-age teenagers.

At first I was a little doubtful of the pain and abuse these girls suffered. But now I feel I had something of a charmed life, and this is what others around me experienced when they were growing up. This book just goes to show that it’s impossible to know what demons others have faced even when you’re in relationships that seem close. I can only say that most of us wish we could help our friends and others, that we could make a difference in a life, the way Jasmine does.

Destined to Fail is a heartwarming book of second chances, friendships, and the power of one person to right wrongs and change their world.
***********************************************************************************
JoAnne Clancy Book Reviews:

Destined to Fail by Samantha March is a very emotional and thought-provoking book. I was gripped from its very first harrowing line. I was hooked on the story as soon as I read the evocative opening paragraph and throughout the novel I found myself desperately wanting to know what would happen next. Destined to Fail is a very well-written debut novel by Samantha March. I would highly recommend it and I look forward to reading more of Samantha’s books.
***********************************************************************************
Novel Escapes:

Destined to Fail grabbed me at the beginning and throughout I madly flipped pages to see what was going to transpire. I loved how Jasmine's character had secrets which were gradually revealed over the course of the novel. There's no easy reading in Destined to Fail, not one piece of fluff to be found.  The topics covered span abuse, addiction and teenage pregnancy and I applaud March for tackling such heavy issues. Can't wait to see what Samantha March has in store for us next!
4 stars
***********************************************************************************
A Bundle of Contradictions:

What March has created here is a powerful testament to the issues women- and families- still face. Whether or not this was her intention, it’s certainly done well in Destined. March approaches topics like teenage pregnancy, abortion, abuse, and neglect with the perfect combination of compassion and gusto. March never shies away from the details. She hits me head on and won’t let me forget that Destined is more than just a coming-of-age tale: it’s the secret your sister is keeping…the scar your best friend is hiding…the abuse you’ve never told anyone about. It’s the hope that people will care enough to act. It’s the strength you never knew you had. There is no judgment; only love. And what I absolutely adored about March’s main girl was her journey into self-awareness. Jasmine thought she understood exactly how to succeed in life- how to remove herself from all the pain she’d experienced- but, ultimately, it was pain that equipped her to let go and move on. ************************************************************************************************************************************
GoodReads Review/Gina Borkowski:

Jasmine Jones has experienced more tragedy in her young life than most people will experience in an entire lifetime. Just when the reader thinks they know all of her painful past, another part is revealed. This novel by Samantha March depicts how Jasmine deals with her demons and ultimately helps others face their own. A sensitive and inspiring story that I believe all young adults would benefit from reading.
4 stars
************************************************************************************************************** 
GoodReads Review/Judah Davis:

There are several things that I really liked about this book. First of all, just taking on the first-person point of view is admirable. I know that this is not an easy perspective to write from because it limits an author's flexibility and insight into the emotions of the other characters, but it adds a personable quality to the writing that is endearing. I feel as if I know the character on a first-name basis.

The main character, Jasmine, was very believable for me because I've had friends in the past who keep trudging on with smiles and makeup despite the inner turmoil inside. Although I identified more with Abby, whose sweat pants and messed up hair were like an advertisement to the world that she had problems.

One of the things that made this book enjoyable for me was that it was character driven and not plot driven. I like the feeling I get from really identifying with a character ... the feeling I get from truly caring what happens to a person. I wanted to know the outcome of the story because I felt emotionally invested in Jasmine, not because the story was carried along by a gripping plot. Earning the emotional investment of your audience isn't always an easy thing for an author, and I appreciate that she accomplished this connection with grace and ease that made this book feel very natural to read.

It was written in a simple easy-to-read fashion, which I appreciate because it makes this powerful message of triumph in the face of adversity accessible to all, regardless of education level.

Although there were times when it may seem that everyone in the book was abused, it was still believable for me. Truth can be stranger than fiction. I know that there has been a time in my own life when several of my friends were all widowed by tragedy.

It seems that battered women were placed in Jasmine's life over and over again for a reason - and also that Jasmine's pain and suffering were a great loss turned into a great gain by Jasmine's perseverance in doing the right thing, and her ultimate triumph in the end.

Overall, I think March did an excellent job communicating her message, which for me was, "Don't take life sitting down. You've gotta keep fighting until you win."

I like the message a lot, and think this is a great book that would communicate a much-needed lesson to many young girls.


5 stars
 ************************************************************************************************************************************
 Tlassy Beyond Belief:
I was really excited to get the opportunity to review this novel as I had heard wonderful things about it so I (obviously) had to get in on the fun.

Jasmine Jones and her best friend Abby Freeman have just started college and, as far as JJ is concerned, starting what promises to be a new and better life. JJ has a supportive boyfriend back home and Abby can finally put some distance between her and her abusive boyfriend…or so JJ thought.

Cracks start showing in JJ perfect future when Abby falls pregnant with her cheating, abusive boyfriend’s baby and decides to drop out. And although JJ seems to recover from this blow - she makes new friends and builds a good life in college - it’s not too long until she falls pregnant! Will her boyfriend, Nate, stay with her? Can she stay in college? How will she tell everyone?!
Not only is she going through a difficult time without her friends’ knowledge but it appears they too have issues of their own. Could her previous and constant with difficulties through life help her help them?

Although the novel’s setting is quite young with the dialogue to match, the issues addressed are pretty serious - abuse, pregnancy amongst youth, loss, and addition. It is not often that these issues are addressed in a young, vibey setting such as a private college in a teeming city and I commend Samantha for achieving this seemingly so effortlessly. It reminded me that even though sometimes things may be tough, each difficulty is a lesson and will not last forever.
I’d really like to congratulate Samantha on this debut. The pressure is now on to give us a second novel as good as this one :). ************************************************************************************************************************************

GoodReads Review by Katy:
What a motivating novel. a great novel for any girl to read. truly hits home and gives a positive message, you can succeed and come out of a bad situation if you just believe in your own strength.
5 Stars
*************************************************************************************************************************************


GoodReads Review by K:
Amazed. Author had the courage to write about abuse that is hidden away and seldom discussed. What I especially enjoyed was the passion behind the words. 
5 Stars
***************************************************************************************************************

Fictional Distractions

I was introduced to Samantha March through an author friend of mine, Sarah Bella. I have worked a lot with Sarah, with making banners, wallpapers and book covers for her. So she gave Samantha my info and we hooked up and I created the cover for her up and coming novel, Destined to fail. Samantha was so kind to send me a signed copy for working with her on her book cover. I can now understand how authors must feel when they get their books in their hands because seeing a book cover that I helped create on an actual book is an amazing feeling. Onto the book!

Chick Lit isn’t one of my normal genres that I read, but I liked the synopsis of this book, so I was looking forward to checking it out. I did have someone tell me they didn’t think it was believable for all this bad stuff to happen to one person, but I know first-hand that it can and does. One thing that I loved that Samantha did in this book is she made the character very realistic and it feels like you are reading a story about someone close to you. Jasmine is your typical out of high school girl looking forward to a new life and a new period in her life at college. Even though things look good, life doesn’t always want to play by your rules and things just seem to come crashing down.

I do love how all of Jasmines struggles end up helping her new friends that she meets. Sometimes, even your worst moment can really be the one thing that can help someone else out, in a weird sort of way. I love how the end of this book turned out. I think this is a good book for anyone to read to understand that yes life may give you obstacles, sometimes too many, but there is a way to get past them and make things in your life and others, something better and something worth living for.

Rating: 5 stars

***************************************************************************************************************
eBook Addict:

I'm so happy that I was finally able to read this book; I've been wanting this book since before Christmas, bought it in February, and I finally got the chance to read it.  The prologue of this novel immediately draws you in because of its intensity; the action literally begins as soon as you read the prologue.  Jasmine Jones is 19-years-old, getting ready to leave for college, and has been dealt a really bad hand in life.  When Jasmine attends a college that is four hours away from home, she leaves behind her mother, her boyfriend, and her family secrets, or so she thought.  After a month or so of moving Des Moines with her best friend Abby, she finds out Abby is pregnant and is leaving Irving to return back to Julien with her abusive boyfriend, Jason.  Just when things are getting back to as normal as they possibly can be for Jasmine, she finds out she's pregnant.  This novel was NOT what I expected at all, it was even better, and I had pretty high expectations for this novel, so it was wonderful!  I didn't expect for Jasmine to have so many obstacles on top of being pregnant, but it kept me wanting to know more of her story.  I was thinking this was going to be a light, fun read, but it dealt with some pretty heavy issues; as a reader I respected all the issues, but as a writer, I appreciated the issues even more.  It's important, to me, when I read novels are watch films that deal with such heavy issues, because in my opinion you can never have too much information on these subjects.  I feel as if Samantha did a great job of bringing awareness to these issues, without taking away from the novel.  I absolutely loved Jasmine, I respected her, and I thought that she was very easy to relate to.  I think every girl should read this book at some point in her life and I think everyone should stop what they're doing right now and buy this book; I promise you will NOT be disappointed!! 

Rating: 5 stars
***************************************************************************************************************
I will be on tour through A Tale of Many Reviews February 27-March 2!
*************************************************************************************************************************************
  11/29/2011: Samantha stops by fellow author Chandra Hoffman's blog to answer a few questions about writing, publishing, and ChickLitPlus! ***********************************************************************************
12/8/2011: Samantha is the Lit It Girl on Chick Lit Is Not Dead! Check out her interview about her road to publishing, her author crush, and more!  
***********************************************************************************
12/13/2011: Samantha is being interviewed on The Book Fetish Blog! 
***********************************************************************************
12/15/2011: Samantha is being interviewed on Mrs. Mommy Booknerd's Book Reviews!
***********************************************************************************
12/22/2011: Samantha is interviewed on Change the Word about making opportunities for herself!  
***********************************************************************************
12/28/2011: Samantha gives her favorite holiday recipe on Chick Lit Central!  
***********************************************************************************
1/11/2011: Samantha is interviewed on AmieLouEllen.com!  
***********************************************************************************
1/18/2012: Samantha is guest blogging on Bundle of Contradictions about the challenges of writing Destined to Fail.
********************************************************************************** 
1/22/2012: Samantha is guest blogging at So Many Books, So Little Time about not missing opportunities! 
***********************************************************************************
1/27/2012: Samantha is interviewed by YA author Jeanette Marie!   
***********************************************************************************
2/4/2012: Samantha is interviewed on Kismet Lit Chick.
***********************************************************************************
2/8/2012: Samantha is chatting about self-discipline on Lola Jaye's blog!  
***********************************************************************************
4/16/2012: Samantha talks about her overcrowded writing life on Cathleen Holst's blog!
***********************************************************************************
5/10/2012: Samantha talks about choosing book number three on Tlassy Beyond Belief!
***********************************************************************************
5/28/2012: Samantha is being interviewed on eBook Addict!