Tuesday, May 6, 2014

In The Mirror - Review, Q&A and Giveaway


Review by Marlene Engel

If you knew your days were limited, how would you spend them?  Would you spend more time with family and friends?  Go on the trip you always dreamed of?  Do something crazy and unexpected like get your first tattoo?  Or would you go about your life as usual?

Jennifer Benson has resigned to the fact that her cancer is going to prematurely end her life.  At 34, the thought of people seeing her for the last time at her funeral isn’t the way she wants to be remembered; so she’s planning a party to celebrate her life.  But when her ex-boyfriend, Alex, comes to town he makes it known that his feelings for Jennifer are still strong.  With the disconnect she has been feeling with her husband and dealing with a terminal illness, the attention that Alex gives her is not only welcome, but something she starts to look forward to.  But when Alex shows a different side of him, one that Jennifer has never seen, she realizes the mistake she made getting close to him again.  She fears she may have gone too far and potentially jeopardized her marriage.

In The Mirror is a powerful book about life, love and forgiveness.  The way the author addressed such sensitive topics as illness and infidelity was done in such a flawless way.  This book will make you laugh, cry, and reevaluate what’s truly important in life.  I absolutely recommend this book and am keeping my fingers crossed for a sequel!

Purchase the book at:
Amazon * Barnes&Noble * IndieBound

Interview by Marlene Engel

How long have you been writing?
I’ve been reading and writing for as long as I can remember. I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t surrounded by books and words. Being an author is all I’ve ever wanted to do - but it took me until my 40s to actually go for it!

When did you know that you wanted to become an author?
Like I said, I knew I wanted to be a writer, specifically a novelist, but I took a circuitous route! I started my career as a journalist, moved into magazine writing, went on to work at advertising agencies and help rather “big” jobs at a couple companies in marketing. All of that was great and I learned so much along the way. But when the opportunity arose to start living the life I’d always imagined, I took the plunge with the support of my friends and family. I wouldn’t have believed in myself if they hadn’t.

In The Mirror touches on the serious topics of Cancer and infidelity.  What made you choose these topics to write about?
My novels do tend to delve into painful, tough topics,while also – I hope – making readers feel enlightened and entertained. Here, Home, Hope dealt with infidelity and eating disorders while being wrapped in an empowerment message. All the Difference also deals with darker issues: murder, deception. In the Mirror is the most emotionally charged of my novels to date because of its subject – cancer striking a young mother in her prime. That to me is the primary antagonist, that dreaded, omnipresent disease. The infidelity question heightens the reflection in this novel. Infidelity always heightens the stakes.

What can your readers expect from you in the future?
My next novel, Lines in the Sand, will be published by Tule Publishing in August! I’m so excited. Much like All the Difference, this novel is a romantic suspense although the setting is unique and special. This story takes place on a remote barrier island off the coast of South Carolina, a place I’ve named Indigo Island. I hope you’ll enjoy it! If the pattern continues, I’ll follow Lines in the Sand with a chick lit/women’s fiction title! I’ve also enjoyed being part of some amazing writing groups, and even collaborated on my first box set just in time for Mother’s Day: The Mother’s Day Romance Bundle. It’s a great deal at just 99 cents for a bunch of amazing stories!
Thanks again for having me here – and I’m so glad you loved IN THE MIRROR!!

I want to thank Kaira for taking the time out of her busy schedule to chat with us.  It was a pleasure!  Please stop by Book Mama Blog anytime!  She has graciously offered to give away a print copy of In The Mirror to one lucky U.S resident. 

About the Author:
Kaira Rouda is a multiple award-winning author of three novels including HERE, HOME, HOPE, ALL THE DIFFERENCE and IN THE MIRROR. Her nonfiction title, REAL YOU INCORPORATED: 8 Essentials for Women Entrepreneurs, continues to inspire women internationally.
She lives in Southern California with her husband and four children and is at work on her next novel. 
Connect with the author at:

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