Tuesday, July 30, 2013

BOOK REVIEW - THE REST OF US

By Jami Deise
Associate Reviewer at Chick Lit Central (Our Sister Blog)

Like most writers, people-watching is one of my favorite hobbies, and I always find myself wondering about couples. The mismatched couples are the most thought-provoking – one is gorgeous while the other is just average; one is heavy while the other reed-thin; one is dressed to the nines while the other is a slob. And then there are those where one (usually the man) is near Social Security age, and the other (most often the woman) just got her first real fulltime job. Unlike those other couples, two people with a huge age gap between them will go through many different types of relationship dynamics if they stay together long term. They may have started out with the older partner dashing and confident; the younger one admiring and naïve; they may spend some time as equals, but eventually the younger will be taking care of the older.

In her novel The Rest of Us, Jessica Lott explores the relationship between an older man – Rhinehart -- and a younger woman – Terry -- at two different points in time. In flashbacks, they are together as a 20-year-old college student and 41-year-old poetry professor. She is 35 in current day as they are finding their way back to each other. No longer a needy, emotional 20-year-old, can Terry make the relationship work now that they are both adults?

The book opens with Rhinehart’s New York Times obituary. A Pulitzer-Prize winning poet, he earned a long one from the Gray Lady, and Terry is drawn back into 15-year-old memories when she reads it. But the obit was published in error, as Terry learns when she bumps into Rhinehart in a department store. Overwhelmed with emotion, the two have a tearful reunion, and Rhinehart invites Terry to a dinner party he and his wife, Laura, are throwing.

Although Terry had been a promising young photographer when they had been together, she no longer uses her camera to create art. Instead, she is gainfully – if barely – employed in a portrait studio, making just enough money to hang onto the Brooklyn apartment she once shared with Hallie, who is now married and living in New Jersey. Hallie had been around during Round 1 of Rhinehart and Terry’s relationship, and she warns her friend about getting involved with him again. But soon Rhinehart calls Terry (he refers to her as “Tatie”) and tells her that he and Laura have split, and would she like to have dinner? Rhinehart has given up on poetry;  his current obsession is with discovering his roots in Ukraine. As the relationship progresses, Terry finds herself picking up the camera once again. When Rhinehart visits Ukraine, Terry finds herself connecting with Laura over her photography.

The Rest of Us is a very well-written book, featuring characters who are concerned about art, photography, genealogy, poetry and philosophy. It’s a literary work more preoccupied with the protagonist’s interior life  -- the relationship with Rhinehart, her photography – than plot points. As such, the novel’s pacing is slow; perhaps too slow for readers who want a more active read. But the descriptions are lyrical, and the sections where Terry describes the process of photography are illuminating without seeming instructive.  Although the student/professor dynamic of their earlier relationship is mostly played out in the present tense, the novel still has a collegiate feel due to its literary concerns.

Still, the most important job for a novel about romance (even if it is not a traditional romance novel) is to create a love interest that readers find appealing. Readers should see exactly what the protagonist sees, and root for the two be together. Personally, I did not find Rhinehart to be worth the investment Terry makes in the relationship. While Terry grows on both a personal and professional level throughout the novel, Rhinehart spends most of the book self-centered and somewhat oblivious to Terry’s needs. But this is not surprising, considering he is a character who became involved with a 20-year-old when he was in his 40s.

The book’s ending is not surprising for anyone who is familiar with various art truisms. And it’s terribly abrupt, refusing to wrap up an important subplot. But the book provides an important service for any woman who once fantasized about dating her college English professor – an in-depth look at what those kinds of relationships entail, and how they evolve. 

Jami Deise recently moved to St. Petersburg, FL after living her whole life in Maryland. After writing and trying to sell screenplays for the past ten years, she recently completed and self-published her first novel, Keeping Score (mom lit!). Now that her son Alex is headed off to college, Jami will have plenty of time for reading, writing, watching TV, and blogging (http://jamideise.blogspot.com/). She’s on Facebook and Twitter.

Monday, July 29, 2013

THREE MONTHS IN FLORENCE BY MARY CARTER - REVIEW & GIVEAWAY

The second that Lena laid eyes on Alex, she knew that he was the man she was going to marry.  She envisioned what their children would look like and how their life would be.  They spoke about honeymooning in Italy and visiting the Cinque Terre, but that was 16 years ago.  Now married with two children, and still awaiting that trip to Italy, Lena has spent the last six months caring for her kids on her own while her husband is in Florence on a business trip.  But is Lena bitter that her husband is frolicking through the Mediterranean without her?  You best believe she is!  She always thought that they would go to Italy together.  Instead, Alex is there without her and Lena is less than pleased about this. 

Then the day comes that changed everything.  Lena receives a package and inside are a dozen long stem roses.  Lena’s mother has always said that men only give flowers for two reasons:  it’s your birthday or they’re feeling guilty.  The card attached simply read:  I’M SORRY.  Today was the day that Alex was to be coming home.  He should be on the airplane right now.  Lena tried calling Alex but got his voice mail.  That’s when she decided to try Skyping him.  Instead of Alex answering the video call, a young, gorgeous Italian woman does.  Her name is Alexandria and, to Lena’s surprise, is Alex’s Italian mistress!

Lena refuses to let her marriage go without a fight.  She packs up her two kids (and even the dog) and heads to Italy.  This is not how her first trip to Italy was supposed to be.  She was supposed to be walking hand in hand with Alex, taking in the sights and enjoying the culture.  Instead, she’s with her kids, dragging around her dog and sweating profusely all while trying to hide her swollen, red eyes behind sunglasses.  How will Alex react when he finds out they are in Italy?  Will Lena be able to save her marriage?  Or has Alex decided to throw away 16 years of marriage for a woman he barely knows?  Come spend Three Months In Florence and find out!

I really enjoyed this book.  Mary Carter did a great job grabbing my attention from the beginning.  With every page, I became more and more engrossed in the story.  I couldn’t wait to find out what would happen next and felt like I was right there with them in Italy.  The characters were so well written.  I found myself rooting for Lena and wanting to strangle Alex!    The author did a great job captivating my attention, yet swirling in subtle humor.  I thought her writing was brilliant.  I truly loved this book and would absolutely recommend it to others.  I give this book cinque stelle (five stars)!

To purchase this book at Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/Three-Months-Florence-Mary-Carter/dp/0758284705/ref=sr_1_1_bnp_1_pap?ie=UTF8&qid=1375123872&sr=8-1&keywords=three+months+in+florence

Mary Carter is a novelist and writing coach. Three Months in Florence is her seventh novel. Her other works include: The Things I Do For You, The Pub Across the Pond, My Sister’s Voice, Sunnyside Blues, She’ll Take It, and Accidentally Engaged.  In addition to her novels she has written three novellas: A Very Maui Christmas in the New York Times best selling anthology Holiday Magic, The Honeymoon House in the New York Times best selling anthology Almost Home, and A Kiss Before Midnight in the Spring of 2013. She has a Christmas novella coming out in an anthology in 2013, a summer novella in 2014, and another Christmas novella in 2014. She is currently working on her eighth novel, Meet Me in Barcelona. Although she will always be a New Yorker at heart, Mary is making a move to Wilmington, NC where she can focus on writing full time. 

She can be reached at marycarterbooks.com
Facebook:  Facebook/MaryCarterBooks
Twitter: @marycarterbooks

GIVEAWAY IS INTERNATIONAL.  HOWEVER, PAPERBACK COPY IS ONLY FOR U.S RESIDENTS.  INTERNATIONAL WINNERS WILL GET AN E-COPY.   MUST BE A MEMBER OF THE ACTUAL BLOG TO BE ELIGIBLE TO WIN.
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Stained by Elizabeth Marx - Cover Reveal


Instead of a lot of build-up in a huge post, Elizabeth's publicist thought that it would be best to let the front and back covers do the talking for themselves.

Back Cover:
Front Cover:
All together now!

Stained is due out on August 20th. It tells the beautiful, yet heart-wrenching story of a young woman whose only defense is to run when the going gets tough; and the man who will do anything to help her face her demons, including letting her go so she can find herself. Add Stained to your GOODREADS want to read list! About the Author: Windy City writer, Elizabeth Marx, brings cosmopolitan life alive in her fiction—a blend of romance, fast-paced Chicago living, and a sprinkle of magical realism. Elizabeth resides with her husband, girls, and two cats who’ve spelled everyone into believing they’re really dogs. She grew up in the city, has traveled extensively, and still says there’s no town like Chi-Town.

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER

Sunday, July 28, 2013

Keeping Score by Jami Deise

When her 9-year-old son wanted to play summer travel baseball, Shannon had no idea the toughest competition was off the field….

When her son Sam asks to try out for a travel baseball team, divorced mom Shannon Stevens thinks it’ll be a fun and active way to spend the summer. Boy, is she wrong! From the very first practice, Shannon and Sam get sucked into a mad world of rigged try-outs, professional coaches, and personal hitting instructors. But it’s the crazy, competitive parents who really make Shannon’s life miserable. Their sons are all the second coming of Babe Ruth, and Sam isn’t fit to fetch their foul balls. Even worse, Shannon’s best friend Jennifer catches the baseball fever. She schemes behind the scenes to get her son Matthew on the town’s best baseball team, the Saints. As for Sam? Sorry, there’s no room for him! Sam winds up on the worst team in town, and every week they find new and humiliating ways to lose to the Saints.
And the action off the field is just as hot. Shannon finds herself falling for the Saints’ coach, Kevin. But how can she date a man who didn’t think her son was good enough for his team … especially when the whole baseball world is gossiping about them? Even Shannon’s ex-husband David gets pulled into the mess when a randy baseball mom goes after him. As Sam works to make friends, win games and become a better baseball player, Shannon struggles not to become one of those crazy baseball parents herself.  In this world, it’s not about whether you win, lose, or how you play the game… it’s all about KEEPING SCORE. 
Q&A With The Author:
What made you want to become an author?

I think people who are storytellers are born that way. I loved books as a child and the first thing I wrote was "Little House on the Prairie" fan fiction (this was, of course, way before the term "fan fiction" had made it into the vernacular.) So deciding to be a writer isn't really a choice. Deciding which medium to focus in is, though. I did spend several years writing screenplays until I decided that the stories I wanted to tell weren't the stories that Hollywood was buying, and I really didn't have the interest to try to make my own movie. The explosion in self-publishing helped convince me that I could find a venue for a novel no matter how it was received.
What made you choose to have your book set around baseball?
For the past 10 years my life has been set around baseball, so it was an easy choice! There are so many stories around travel baseball for kids, or any kind of competitive activity. My generation of helicopter parents gets super-involved in whatever our kids are doing. It's funny and worrisome at the same time.
Are any of the characters based on real people?
Based on, yes, but in a general way. My son started playing travel baseball at 9, but his personality is not the same as my protagonist's son.
Would you consider yourself to be an indie author?
Yes!
How do you balance being an author and a review associate at Chick Lit Central?
I am also a reader for a New York literary agency. I find all the reading to be very helpful for me as a writer... I see what works for other writers, and the mistakes they make, and I try to keep those issues in mind when I'm working on my own stories. I probably read about 2 manuscripts a week for the agency and a book a week for CLC. The only problem is that I don't have time to read anything else just for me!
What’s next for Jami?
Last year I wrote a novelization of a vampire screenplay I had written about ten years ago, but it clocked in at only 30,000 words. So I'm trying to double that. I also just finished a first draft of another women's fiction novel that I'm going to be rewriting when I'm done with the vampire project. After that I have notes for a YA murder mystery... so lots!!
  
Thank you, Jami for stopping by Book Mama!  I can't wait to read this book!

A lifelong resident of Maryland, Jami Deise recently moved to St. Petersburg, Florida, along with her husband Tom, son Alex, and dog Lady. A baseball mom for over 10 years, "Keeping Score" is her first novel. Jami is an associate reviewer at www.chicklitcentral.com. Along with women's fiction, she loves all things horror and watches too much TV.  

Learn more about Jami at her blog: http://jamideise.blogspot.com/



                                                                                                                                                                                       



Friday, July 26, 2013

Reaching Out For You by S. Moose - Excerpt, Interview & Giveaway

Reaching Out For You (Never Letting Go #1)
By S. Moose

Adam and Sophia were best friends but when tragedy strikes it's more than Adam can handle and he leaves Sophia alone in the dark.

Four years later, Adam and Sophia are reunited and the sparks between them return but is it too late?

Sophia is happy again and has let go of the darkness. She has great friends and a sweet boyfriend name Kyle. Now that Adam is back how will she be able to balance her boyfriend and her best friend?

The darkness always finds you again but will Adam be able to save her or leave her again?
You can read the full first chapter at the following link:
http://smoosewrites.blogspot.com/2013/07/reaching-out-for-you-by-s.html

I want to welcome Saoching Moose to Book Mama Blog!  It's a pleasure to have you stop by and say hello. Your book sounds amazing and I LOVE the cover!


What made you decide to become an author? 
I've always wanted to become a writer but was nervous and scared. I wasn't sure what to do or where to start. With the help of my husband and a very good friend, I made the decision to write and I have loved every moment.

What genre would you classify your book to be and is this your favorite genre to read? 
Contemporary Romance and yes.

How did you come up with the premise of the story? 
I wanted to write a story that would inspire others. My husband, Kevin, gave me the idea and encouraged me to write. I want my words to make a difference in someone's life.

Do you consider yourself to be an indie author? 
Yes I do. I love the feeling of doing everything on my own and setting my own schedule. I never liked to be told what to do (shhh) and with being an Indie author, I have the ability to set my own goals and time frame. It stinks because I have to find my own means of promoting but everyone that I have talked to has been supportive and amazing.

What can we expect from you in the future? 
I am writing two books now, Teach Me Love and Holding Onto You, I have many book signings in 2014 so I hope to meet many of you! Honestly, this is only the beginning. You never know what I have up my sleeves. 

I want to thank Saoching Moose for taking the time to stop by and chat with me.  Her book, Reaching Out For You, sounds amazing.  I would definitely suggest checking it out!  Stay tuned for my review of the book.



About the author:
I live in Webster, NY with my husband. I graduated from St. John Fisher College with my BA in 2011. I love writing and it's always been a dream of mine to publish my work.  Reading is a passion of mine and the recent self publishing authors have inspired me to do the same.  When I'm not writing or reading, you can find me with my family and friends.  

I want to inspire others with my words the way I have been inspired through countless works of literature. I think that everyone has a purpose in life, it just takes time to find it.

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/S.Mooseauthor
Twitter:  https://twitter.com/S_Moose060912
Goodreads:  http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7008611.S_Moose


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Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Baking Love by Lauren Boyd - Review and Giveaway!

Baking Love by Lauren Boyd

Kate Sullivan and Eric Wagner were best friends in high school.  Three years ago, Kate’s feelings for Eric changed.  What started off as friendship had turned to love, but she never had a chance to confess this to him.  While at college, Eric started dating someone else.  One day, he messaged Kate to tell her about it and that was the last she had heard from him.

Fast forward to the present when Cecelia Prescott walks through the door of Sullivan Bakery (the bakery that Kate owns).  Cecelia is there to order a wedding and groom’s cake, but is surprisingly rude to Kate during their appointment.  Come to find out, Cecelia is ordering the cakes for hers and Eric’s nuptials.  Knowing that Eric and Kate had a past, even though just friendly, Cecelia already determined that she doesn't like Kate.  But Eric insisted on getting their cakes at Sullivan’s despite Cecilia’s strong disapproval. 

Seeing Eric again brought back all of the old feelings that Kate had for him.  She wants to tell him that she loves him, but doesn’t see the point now that he’s getting married.  Can Kate sit back and watch the man she loves marry another woman?  Will Kate tell Eric that she loves him or will she risk the chance of losing him forever?  Join Kate as she bakes up delicious cakes and see if her future will be just as sweet.

Baking Love is Lauren Boyd’s debut novel.  The book was well written, had a good story line and entertaining characters.  I also liked how baking played a huge part in the story.  There’s just something about a book, based around cake making, that makes it that much more enjoyable.  Overall, I thought this book was a yummy read and would recommend it to others.   I definitely look forward to reading more books by Lauren in the future.


Learn more about Lauren Boyd and Baking Love at her website:  http://laurenboyd.webs.com/ 
Or at her Facebook fan page:  https://www.facebook.com/laurenboydauthor


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Thursday, July 18, 2013

SWEET NOTHINGS BY JANIS THOMAS - REVIEW, INTERVIEW AND GIVEAWAY!

What do you do when your husband of 18 years tells you that he’s leaving you for another woman?  First you panic and then you start thinking up stressipes.  It’s amazing all of the dessert recipes one creates when stressed out!  But, when the going gets tough, Ruby McMillan gets baking!
 
Ruby is the owner of the Muffin Top bakery.  It’s a small, cozy bakery located in Downtown Pelican Point.  Ever since Ruby was little, she knew she wanted to open up her own bakery.  Even at a young age she had everything picked out for her future bakery … right down to the plum colored napkins.  The only thing she didn’t anticipate was for her sales to start flagging.  But Ruby can’t focus on that now.  She’s still trying to figure out how she’s going to raise her two children alone, pay her mortgage and keep her bakery from going under.  Not to mention she has become a pariah of sorts in her community.  After word that Walter had left Ruby (Read:  Walter plastered it all over Facebook) and is traveling around the world with his soul mate, the group of Pelican Point ladies (that Ruby had socialized with since her kids were in preschool) were no longer interested in Ruby being a part of their circle.  

Thankfully Ruby has the bakery to keep her mind off of the drama that has suddenly consumed her life.  She agrees to teach a baking class to increase her diminishing funds, while also hesitantly allowing her daughter to give her a confidence boosting make-over.  Throughout all of this, Ruby manages to catch the eye of her mortgage broker, Jacob Salt, who happens to be one yummy looking specimen!  But is it too soon for her to start seeing another man? 

What does Ruby do when life hands her lemons?  She makes a lemon meringue pie, of course!  Come join Ruby as she ditches “rational” Ruby and discovers how delicious life can be when you live outside of the box a bit. 

Sweet Nothings is such a deliciously fun book!  I really enjoyed the story, thought the characters were fun and relatable and thoroughly enjoyed the humor!  You know a book is good when you lock yourself in the bathroom just so you can read a few more pages uninterrupted!  I can’t think of one thing that I didn’t like, or would have changed, about this book.  From the first to the last page, it was a delectable read!  I would definitely recommend this book to others.  It has all of the elements that I look for in a book … a great storyline, fun characters, romance, yummy desserts and lots of laughs!  I love, love, LOVE this book!  Sweet Nothings by Janis Thomas is definitely worthy of a five out of five star rating!

Q&A:

Where did you come up with the premise for Sweet Nothings?  
I've been making cakes, cookies and desserts for a very long time, and for years, I've had it in my mind to tell a story about a baker.  It's funny; I cannot draw at all. If you asked me to sketch a lion or a car, the resulting picture would look like it had been done by a five year old...Actually, a five year old would probably laugh hysterically at my drawing. But I can make a cake look like almost anything. And the creative process is hypnotic, meditative and joyful. I thought about my main character a lot while I was baking. For Ruby, baking is the one place where she can let herself go, open herself up, and find joy.

Check out some of Janis' yummy creations in this video!




Describe Sweet Nothings in three words. 
Three words? Yikes. You can tell by my last answer that I am not very economical with words! LOL! To my delight, others have described Sweet Nothings as "witty, poignant, and delicious." In three words, I would say "Makes you crave sweets." Wait, that was four words, right?...Oh, well. I was never very good at math!

Are any of the characters in Sweet Nothing based on real people?
None of the characters in Sweet Nothings are based on real people, but as with all of my main characters, some of me seeps into Ruby. Also, Izzy is completely fictitious, except that she is an amazing friend. I happen to be blessed with incredible friends who are always there for me, just as Izzy is for Ruby. 

Ruby, one of the main characters in the book, doesn't believe in fairy tale romances.  Do you believe in them? 
I have always believed in fairy tale romance. I still believe in them, which is why I'm certain I'm going to end up with Hugh Jackman. (Sorry, honey!)

What can we expect next from Janis Thomas? 
I've just finished polishing the manuscript for my third book--also humorous women's fiction and connected to Sweet Nothings and Something New. We'll be sending it out soon, so let's keep our fingers crossed!




 For more on Janis, visit her website at www.JanisThomas.com or her blog, Anonymous Soccer Mom, at www.janisthomasblog.wordpress.com




Here is a beautiful picture of Janis at a signing for her first book, Something New. Her mom recently passed away and she carries a photo with her where ever she goes.  Our condolences go out to Janis and her family.






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Monday, July 15, 2013

COVER REVEAL FOR SOPHIE’S ENCORE PLUS EXCERPT AND GIVEAWAY!!!

COVER REVEAL FOR SOPHIE’S ENCORE PLUS EXCERPT AND GIVEAWAY!!!


Hooray! Nicky Wells is here today to celebrate the cover reveal for her third book, Sophie’s Encore.

 Read on for:
The BLURB
The COVER
The EXCERPT
The GIVEAWAY


Here’s your chance to win an advance review copy of Sophie’s Encore or Rock Star Romance SWAG!


Sophie’s Encore

Her rock star is waiting in the wings, but will he get a second chance?

It’s all change for Sophie Jones—only this time, there is more at stake than just her happiness.

Rock star extraordinaire, Dan Hunter, has been her patient and caring friend through the highs and lows since her wedding day, but now he figures it is time for her to start over. By stealth, the rock singer draws Sophie into the behind-the-scenes work for his band’s latest album. Through the days and weeks spent together at the mixing desk, Sophie discovers whole new horizons for her life, yet before she can even begin to explore them, she faces the very real threat of losing her rock star for good.

Join Sophie and Dan in Sophie’s Encore to find out how their journey will end…

Cover design: Nicky Wells and Chad Lichtenhan

Whoa! What do you make of this? And to intrigue you further, Nicky has shared this excerpt of Sophie’s Encore:

Sophie’s Encore: Excerpt


My bedroom door opened slowly and Dan crept in. All thought of sleep forgotten, I flicked the light back on and was met by an astonishing sight. There was Dan, the rock star, legend for his antics on and off stage, clad in a demure pair of checked pajamas with a button-up top and a mismatched, stripy dressing gown. His feet were stuffed into fluffy slippers, and he clutched a bottle and two glasses in his hands.
“Come on,” he whispered. “Dinner is served.”
I giggled and left my bed, grabbing my own stripy dressing gown and a pair of thick socks.
“What are you doing?” I breathed into his ear, but he simply took my hand and pulled me down the dark corridor toward the open-plan lounge.
“Have a seat,” he invited me and gestured at the dining table, which was once again laid, although only for two, complete with candles and napkins.
He set down the bottle and glasses and scurried off to shut the lounge door. While he busied himself in the kitchen, I basked in the heat from the fire which Dan had re-stoked, and observed my rock star with some degree of amusement.
Within a few minutes, he brought a dish of smoked salmon bites to the table, followed by olive bread, a cheese board, various cold meats, olives, pickled anchovies, and prawns with some sort of aioli dip. He popped the cork on the bottle of champagne, poured two glasses, and sat down, satisfied at last.
Now we can eat,” he announced. “Tapas. What do you think?”
I raised my glass. “Cheers,” I giggled. “So that’s what you meant earlier. I think it’s amazing. It’s like a midnight feast. I’m just waiting for matron to discover us and give us detention. Why all the secrecy?”
Dan speared a prawn and pointed it at me. “Well, for one, as you say, matron will certainly come and give us detention. Peter is very strict on my sleep regimen, you see.” He dipped the prawn into the aioli before popping it into his mouth. The beatific look on his face and his scrunched up eyes suggested he was enjoying this humble treat far more than was warranted.
He swallowed and cleared his throat. “And for another, I’m on a strict diet. Every last bit of cheese gets weighed, the carbohydrates counted, the sugar added up. It’s really tedious.” He grimaced.
I helped myself to some bread and salmon. “Tedious indeed, I can see that. But why? I thought you were supposed to eat lots and get better.” I chewed greedily, my tummy having given an impressive rumble.
Dan speared another prawn and added a mountain of cheese and bread to his place. “Bliss,” he murmured before explaining further. “I’m supposed to eat healthy, not lots. So Peter has taken it upon himself to reform the bad eating habits of a lifetime. Bless him, it’s what he’s paid to do. I’ve been going along with it, and I have to admit, I’m feeling pretty good. But…”
He grinned his school-boy grin, took a big mouthful of food, washed it down with a large gulp of champagne, and finished his thought. “Well, it gets boring. And I wanted to do something special with you. On my own.”
I burst out laughing, but quieted down when I saw the alarm on Dan’s face.
“Sorry,” I whispered.
  “Peter’s bedroom is right next door there,” Dan whispered back. “And he’s a light sleeper.” He pointed his finger, and we sat in silence for a minute, straining to hear.
“I think we’re okay,” Dan finally concluded and resumed eating.
I giggled softly. “Naughty, naughty, us.”
“Ha, we’re not naughty yet,” Dan shot back, speaking softly as well. “I was working up to that part.”
He winked, and my heart skipped and jumped. He didn’t mean—he couldn’t mean what I thought he meant?
“What do you mean?” I bumbled, hoping for clarification, but Dan was enjoying himself.
“All in good time,” he teased. “Let’s finish our meal first.”


The Giveaway

Nicky wants to share her excitement about this cover reveal and upcoming release with you! She’s offering a giveaway — Enter for your chance to win:

One of TWO Sophie’s ENCORE Advance Review e-Copies
or

One Sophie’s RUN Mug
or

One Rock Star Romance Trilogy SWAG Pack featuring postcards and bookmarks

ENTER HERE:


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GIVEAWAY CLOSES 15 AUGUST AT MIDNIGHT BST.
The small print! Entrants must be aged 18 or over. Giveaway is open internationally. Winners will be drawn via Rafflecopter.

GOOD LUCK!

****STOP PRESS: Nicky's just told me that her first two books, Sophie's Turn and Sophie's Run, are now available for only $0.99 (or equivalent) each to celebrate the cover reveal! Hurry ~ limited time only!! Book details below!!!*****


SOPHIE’S ENCORE: coming your way in e-book and paperback editions on 5 SEPTEMBER 2013!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

About Nicky Wells

 Nicky Wells is your ultimate rock chick author. Signed to US Publisher, Sapphire Star Publishing, Nicky writes Romance That Rocks Your World, featuring the rock star and the girl next door. Nicky’s books offer glitzy, glamorous contemporary romance with a rock theme ~ imagine Bridget Jones ROCKS Notting Hill!

Like Sophie, her leading lady, Nicky loves listening to rock music, dancing, and eating lobsters. When she’s not writing, she’s a wife, mother, occasional knitter, and regular contributor to The Midweek Drive show on Lincoln’s Siren 107.3 FM. Rock on!



Find Nicky’s Rock Star Romance Trilogy here:

Part 1~Sophie’s Turn: So the rock star wants to marry her, but she’s already engaged…
Part 2~Sophie’s Run: Her famous star remains her rock while life takes her on a little detour…

Saturday, July 13, 2013

Book Review: The Witch of Little Italy by Suzanne Palmieri

Eleanor Amore is struggling with an abusive relationship, a mother who seems to lack the nurturing gene and the inability to remember the summer when she was ten years old.  When she finds herself pregnant, she decides to return to the place that she feels the most safe.  The most belonged.  She goes back to 1313 170th Street in the Bronx.  Back to where she spent a summer alone with her great aunts, grandmother and great uncle.  Although she didn’t let her family know she was planning on returning, they already knew.  All of the Amore siblings had varying degrees of The Sight.  But why does everyone remember that summer besides Eleanor?  And why, now that she’s back in her family home, is she getting flashes of memories from the past?  With each flash she gets, Eleanor becomes more and more determined to recapture the memories of her past and reveal the secrets of the day the Amore’s died.  What was once eight Amore children, now only three remained.  Each of them carrying the burden of “that day”.  In order to move forward with her life, Eleanor knows that she needs to know what happened in the past.  But will the truth be helpful or hurtful to the Amore Family?  And will Eleanor be able to handle the truth?

The Witch of Little Italy was a magical book.  I had a hard time putting it down.  From beginning to end I was captivated by the Amore family, their secrets and the ties that bind them.  The characters and story were so well written.  It was hard to believe that this was the author’s debut novel.  You will fall in love with the Amore Family and the gift of The Sight that they share. 


I really enjoyed reading this book.  It was so enchanting and moving.  This is a great book for anyone looking to get caught up in the magic and love of a family.  I would definitely recommend this book to others.  It would be the perfect book club choice as the discussions for this book would be endless.  I give this book 4.5 magical stars!

Friday, July 5, 2013

WE HAVE REACHED 100 BLOG MEMBERS!!!





We have reached 100 blog members.  In celebration, I'm giving away a $25 Barnes & Noble gift card.  Click on the "Contests/Giveaways" tab and enter via Rafflecopter.  You can enter daily until the end of the contest at midnight on Wednesday.  Good luck and thank you all for being a part of Book Mama!!!

Giveaway for a $25 Barnes & Noble Gift Card When We Hit 100 Blog Members

Who wants to win a $25 Barnes & Noble gift card???


We are 7 members away from having 100 blog members.  Once we reach 100 members we will be having a giveaway for a $25 Barnes & Noble gift card.  Also, our sister blog, Chick Lit Central (chicklitcentral.com) will be hosting a giveaway to celebrate this too!!! 

If you haven't joined the blog, or know someone who may be interested in joining, just go to the blog page, scroll down until you see the blue tab that says JOIN THIS SITE, click it and join the blog.  It's that easy :)  Just a reminder, you must be a member of the blog to be eligible to win any giveaway.