Lara Van Hulzen's Blog, page 9
February 21, 2015
Wynn In Doubt
Wynn In Doubt
by: Emily Hemmer
Publisher: Emily Hemmer
Pub Date: May 14, 2014
Women’s Fiction/Romance
I truly loved everything about this book. The story, the writing, the characters. Everything.
Family is complicated. Especially for Wynn. She’s always done the “right” thing. Always done what is asked of her and expected of her by her family. But after her grandmother’s death, she finds a newspaper article about her great-grandmother that changes her world and she embarks on an adventure she never could’ve imagined.
Full of great insight on what we truly owe family simply because they are family, Wynn In Doubt is a thoughtful journey through the past as Wynn tries to decide her future.
As much as I wanted to read this quickly, I found myself savoring it as much as I could and even highlighting quite a bit of it. Wynn is someone to relate to, cheer for and cry with. I loved every moment of it.
December 8, 2014
The Problem With “Should Be Writing”
“I did not work nor think over the week end and this was done on purpose.”
– John Steinbeck Journal Of A Novel
I’ve been a little stressed the past few weeks. It would be an understatement to say that things have picked up for me in the past few months. I published a book in October, finished writing the second book in the series just before Thanksgiving and now am plotting the third book. When I finished book 2, I had these grandiose ideas that I would take off the week of Thanksgiving then dive back in and finish book 3 by the end of December. Ah, what a fool I was to even think such a thing. I know better. The holiday season is the worst time to try and hammer out thousands of words per day. It just is.
I know, I know. Deadlines are looming. But one of the beautiful things about self publishing is that my deadlines are self imposed. That in no way means I get to brush off any work whatsoever, but it does give me a cushion. And I’m grateful.
In talking to Hubby about this, he reminded me that good is better than fast. Yes, I want to get book 3 done by a certain time but that time is NOT in just a few weeks. And ultimately, I want to write a good book, not just words on a page to spew out by a certain date.
I’ve been seeing a lot of articles lately about the speed and pace of publishing. On one hand, it feels like it moves at a snail’s pace, on the other it feels like driving in a race car. And we live in a society where we can want something, click a few buttons on our computer and poof! it’s there. We aren’t all that patient anymore. Therefore, the sense for a writer these days is to pump out multiple books a year, and let me tell you, that’s not easy. It’s doable, but not easy.
And for me, I find that when I’m holed up in my office in front of my computer for hours on end, day after day, my writing gets stale. It feels forced. Yes, I believe I have to put my butt in the seat every day and do it even if I don’t “feel” like it, but that’s not what I’m talking about. I firmly believe – no, I know – that if I don’t get out of my office and live life, I will not have a single thing to write about. I forget what it’s like to laugh with a friend, or cry with one who is struggling. I forget how it feels to look out the window and watch the birds float from tree to tree. I forget what it’s like to listen to great music, close my eyes and let scenes come to me that I know I can use in a book. I need to interact with the real world in order to create fictional ones.
And don’t kid yourself. If you see a writer sitting and staring, they aren’t being lazy. They’re writing. I’ve had some of my best ideas while simply observing people at coffee shops or looking at the stars at night.
So I try to shy away from telling myself I “should be writing.” (I don’t like the word should anyway.) Because, no matter what, I’m ALWAYS writing.
December 7, 2014
Cowboys For Christmas
Cowboys for Christmas
by: Liz Talley, Kim Law, Terri Osburn
Publisher: Intermix
Pub Date: November 18, 2014
Contemporary Romance
I am so happy I found this gem! Along with three new favorite authors. 
These three stories flowed together perfectly, I could hardly tell they were written by three different people. And yet, each author’s style was evident. Having the same story told from three different perspectives was clever as well. And reading it three different ways didn’t get old either.
Three high school best friends are back together for a wedding. Mary Catherine is getting married and Claire and Georgia are in town for the big event. But they sense that Mary Catherine is only marrying Brad for a safe and stable future instead of being with Jax, the rebel cowboy she truly loves. Georgia finds the acceptance she’s always wanted in Reed and sparks fly between Claire and Tyler who were once an item but went their separate ways.
The three women each find love during the two weeks leading up to Mary Catherine’s wedding. But not without some twists and turns. I wanted a fun Christmas read to curl up with by the fire and I found it for sure in this book.
November 27, 2014
Happy Thanksgiving
I love Thanksgiving. I always have. The weather. The food. The time with family and friends. And I like that it puts me in the right state of mind for Christmas. I slow down. I think of all I’ve been blessed with. I ponder all that has happened in the past year and thank God for what He gave and what He protected me from.
This year I published my first book. Something I’ve been working towards for a long, long time. And my heart overflows with thanks. The people I’ve met, the people I now get to work with and the people who have read the book and encouraged me in ways I never could have imagined.
I love this journey. The ups and downs, twist and turns. I’m beyond grateful I get to travel this road.
November 8, 2014
Not Quite Forever
Not Quite Forever
by Catherine Bybee
Publisher: Montlake Romance
Publication Date: November 4, 2014
Contemporary Romance
I think this is my favorite Catherine Bybee book. And that’s really saying something. I have loved all her books I’ve read and here’s why. Her characters have actual relationships. Attraction? Desire? Absolutely. But they spend the time to get to know each other before a physical relationship and I appreciate that as a reader.
Catherine writes fantastic characters and I loved Walt and Dakota. They were like people I would know in my own life. Walt with his painful background and desire to help others and Dakota with her spunk and talent for writing romances. From their first real date to working together on a life situation they didn’t expect, I loved every moment of their story.
I also appreciate a strong female character who isn’t afraid to support the man in her life. Dakota was absolutely self sufficient and independent, but wanted to be there for Walt when he needed her. And like a grown up, she handled her mother and his with patience and grace. And Walt gave Dakota time and space to accept what was happening between them without being selfish or pushy. Again, they had a relationship. It went beyond the physical. Perfect.
This is what a true romance novel should be and then some. As always, I look forward to Catherine’s next book with anticipation.
October 23, 2014
10 Day Release Celebration: Day 10
“’Penny for your thoughts.’ His deep voice broke her concentration.
She smiled.
‘What?’ He took her hand, entwining her fingers with his own.
‘A…friend… and I used to say that to each other. The other would always answer with ‘They’re always yours for free.’ You just reminded me of that.’
‘It sounds like a happy memory. That’s good, right?'” —Ben & Tess, Remember Me
This is a sweet and very sentimental moment for Tess. What’s a sentimental moment that you share with a loved one or friend?
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October 22, 2014
10 Day Release Celebration: Day 9
“It wasn’t long before her breathing was even and he knew she’d fallen asleep. Glad she was resting again, he took the time to think. Everything at that moment felt so right. Tess near him, in his protection. Peace. Calm. Quiet. But he knew better. Danger lurked out there somewhere, and he needed to get to it before it got to them.” —Ben, Remember Me
Suspense, who doesn’t love a good romantic suspense? Tell me, what’s one of your all time favorites?
Drop by the Facebook Fan Page and answer today’s (And yesterday’s!) question to be entered to win a signed print and gift card!
October 21, 2014
10 Day Release Celebration: Day 8
“A sailboat glided by. Headed to sea, it broke the glass surface of the water. Ben used to love coming out here with his dad. They’d take the boat out to sea for a day of fishing, but most of the time just enjoyed the quiet of the marina. The squawk of the sea gulls overhead. The breeze floating through the sails of boats docked nearby. Nothing could touch them. Not the world of crime and greed and death they faced daily. Just peace.” —Ben, Remember Me
Having lost both his parents, and the marina is somewhere Ben can go to remember his father, and to maybe find himself a little. Do you and your family have a special place, a ritual, something that when you see it, you’ll always think of them?
Drop by the Facebook Fan Page and answer today’s (And yesterday’s!) question to be entered to win a signed print and gift card!
October 18, 2014
10 Day Release Celebration: Day 6
Today’s quote…
“He swept his lips over hers, a whisper of movement, touched his forehead to hers and got out of the car. He was out of sight and in the train station before she knew what happened.“ —Ben & Tess, Remember Me
First kisses are just so fun! What’s your favorite book, movie, or TV first kiss?
Drop by the Facebook Fan Page and answer today’s question to be entered to win a signed print and gift card!
10 Day Release Celebration: Day 5
Today’s quote…
“He closed his eyes again, the look on his face giving away his enjoyment at teasing her. ‘I know that I’m always calm when I’m around you. I think that means something.’
Funny, she felt the same way about him.” —Ben & Tess, Remember Me
Who in your life keeps you calm?
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