Showcase & Giveaway: COLD LIGHT OF DAY by Elizabeth Goddard

Recently released, Cold Light of Day by Elizabath Goddard it is the first book in the new Missing in Alaska series. From the description and the early reviews, it’s the kind of romantic suspense/thriller sure to be added to my TBR list.

About the Book

Police Chief Autumn Long is fighting to keep her job in the quiet Alaska town of Shadow Gap when an unexpected string of criminal activity leaves her with a wounded officer, unexplained murders, and even an attack on her own father. Despite her mistrust of outsiders, she turns to Grier Brenner, a newcomer who seems to have the skills and training Autumn needs to face this threat to her community.

Grier is in Alaska for the same reason so many others are–to disappear–when Chief Long enlists his help. He emerges from the shadows and proves his mettle, but his presence in her life could be a deadly trap for them both. If his secret is exposed, all will be lost. And he’s not sure even Autumn could save him.

As the stakes rise and the dangers increase, Autumn and Grier must rely on each other to extinguish the deadly threats.

Book Links: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | BookShop.org | Goodreads | Baker Book House

Giveaway

Click here for your chance to win a gift package, including a print copy of Cold Light of Day.

About the Author

Elizabeth Goddard is the USA Today bestselling and award-winning author of more than 50 novels, including the Rocky Mountain Courage and Uncommon Justice series. Her books have sold over 1 million copies. She is a Carol Award winner and a Daphne du Maurier Award finalist. When she’s not writing, she loves spending time with her family, traveling to find inspiration for her next book, and serving with her husband in ministry. For more information about her books, visit her website at http://www.elizabethgoddard.com.

Catch up with Elizabeth Goddard:

• ElizabethGoddard.com
• Goodreads
• BookBub – @ElizabethGoddard
• Instagram – @elizabethgoddardauthor
• Twitter – @bethgoddard
• Facebook – @ElizabethGoddardAuthor

Click here to view Cold Light of Day by Elizabeth Goddard Tour Hosts

Review: LOVES BILLIONAIRES AND DOGS by Gina Robinson

In the mood for another feel-good romance? I sure was. Penned by an author new to me, this one didn’t disappoint. I’ll be adding the next in series to my TBR list.

Description*

Hot billionaire asks me for a fake relationship. ✓
He doesn’t recognize me as the runaway bride he helped escape in Vegas two years ago. What happens when he does…

Once upon a time in Vegas, I left my groom at the altar in a twenty-four-hour discount wedding chapel. And ran away with my bridal bouquet — the most adorable Corgi puppy you’ve ever seen.

In a nearby casino, a gorgeous stranger with blue-violet eyes helped me escape. An unforgettable stranger I’ve been thinking about nonstop for the past two years, but thought I’d never see again.

Until his handsome Aussie in a studded leather collar finds my little Corgi bitch in the park — irresistible, alone, and in heat…

*As appears on Amazon

My Review

Both main characters are likable and the banter between them entertaining. The narrative alternates between Shelby’s and Dex’s points of view – making clear their respective feelings and reservations as their relationship progress. And there are great dogs and humorous situations. Although there was perhaps a bit more detail on the mechanics of dog breeding than necessary, this was a quick, enjoyable read. Overall, a feel-good romance – as advertised – that makes for an enjoyable escape.

Review: HER UNEXPECTED ROOMMATE by Laura Ann

Seeking a break from my usual reading diet of mystery and suspeense, I decided to check out the romance offerings on Amazon. And so, I downloaded the first book in a sweet romance series by Laura Ann.

Description*

Two halves, One house…
When dreams clash can these two find love in an old fixer-upper?

Genevieve Winters is finally seeing light at the end of a long, dark tunnel, when her sole living relative passes away. The situation leaves her alone in the world, but offers something she’s always dreamed of. The opportunity to open a bed and breakfast, turning her broken down inheritance into a place of light and laughter. Her dreams crash, however, when a handsome stranger shows up claiming he owns half of the seaside mansion and he’s not willing to sell.

Cooper James couldn’t believe his luck when his estranged grandfather left him a half ownership in home in Oregon. It was the perfect opportunity for Cooper to start fresh in a place where no one knew the mistakes of his past. His patience is tested when the other owner, a beautiful but angry woman, demands to open a bed and breakfast, a situation that would be in direct contrast to his hopes for a refuge in which to build a new life.

Can these two set aside their differences long enough to test the attraction simmering between them? Or will their fighting cost them everything?

*Description and cover as appear on Amazon.

My Review

In the mood for a light, fun read for a long plane ride, I spotted this sweet romance on Amazon and decided to give it a try. It provided a pleasant diversion for sure. Although the trope where two strangers inherit half-interest in the same property and ultimately fall in love is not an entirely new one, both Genevieve and Cooper were well-developed characters with interesting backstories. The back and forth between the two was amusing even if some aspects of the story lacked credibility. But that’s the beauty of fiction, anything goes.

And an added bonus – it was free on Amazon the last time I looked 🙂

Review: PREJUDICE MEETS PRIDE by Rachael Anderson

Even this hard-core mystery lover has to read something else every now and then. I recently downloaded and read Prejudice Meets Pride, the first book in Rachael Anderson’s Meet Your Match series. No, it’s not a new release, but it was definitely a fun read. I just might have to check out more of this author’s books.

About the Book*

After years of pinching pennies and struggling to get through art school, Emma Makie’s hard work finally pays off with the offer of a dream job. But when tragedy strikes, she has no choice but to make a cross-country move to Colorado Springs to take temporary custody of her two nieces. She has no money, no job prospects, and no idea how to be a mother to two little girls, but she isn’t about to let that stop her. Nor is she about to accept the help of Kevin Grantham, her handsome neighbor, who seems to think she’s incapable of doing anything on her own.

Prejudice Meets Pride is the story of a guy who thinks he has it all figured out and a girl who isn’t afraid to show him that he doesn’t. It’s about learning what it means to trust, figuring out how to give and to take, and realizing that not everyone gets to pick the person they fall in love with. Sometimes, love picks them.

* As appears on Amazon.

My Review

An entertaining light read with relatable characters and a healthy dose of humor.  In this sweet romance, the characters start off by making assumptions about one another and letting those assumptions get in each other’s way.  Grant is quick to misjudge Emma, while she is too full of pride to accept his help. It was fun to see how Emma and Grant spar (verbally, of course) as they get to know each other, and gradually let their guard done. In many ways, they are polar opposites, but both of them are kind-hearted. And they both have a playful streak, which leads to a range of amusing antics on their parts. A pleasant diversion that had me smiling as I read.

Review and Giveaway: CATCHING THE COWBOY by Shanna Hatfield

Today’s post is a bit of a change in  pace. I find that a sweet romance make for a lovely break between all those mystery and suspense-filled reads. And so, as part of a blog tour marking the launch of Shanna Hatfield’s new Summer Creek series, I recently read Catching the Cowboy.

About the Book

She’s fresh out of jail . . .    He’s fresh out of luck.

Spoiled billionaire heiress Emery Brighton indulges in one mimosa too many, attempts to steal a horse, and winds up in jail. A sentence of community service leaves her at the mercy of strangers on a remote ranch near a small town in Oregon. Adjusting to country life is hard enough, but she has no idea how to handle her growing affection for a surly cowboy and his adorable daughter.

Steady and dependable as the day is long, rancher Hudson Cole just wants to raise his little girl and be left alone. When his grandmother invites a lawbreaker dressed in Louis Vuitton to Summer Creek Ranch, Hud is convinced Grammy has lost her ever-loving mind. Determined to detest Emery, he instead finds himself doing the one thing he vowed would never happen again: falling in love.

With one foot out the door, will love be enough to convince Emery to stay?

This sweet romance offers a funny, delightful happily ever after adventure in a quirky small town. Don’t miss out on a meandering goat named Ethel, meddling matchmakers, and a community that feels like home in a story filled with heart, humor, and hope.

• Amazon
• Barnes and Noble
• Apple
• Kobo

About the Series

Summer Creek is one of those small towns—the kind brimming with quirky inhabitants, pets with personalities (like a meandering goat named Ethel), meddling matchmakers, tumbling-down old buildings, and dreams. So many dreams. These sweet, uplifting romances explore the ties that bind a community together when they unite for a common purpose and open their hearts to unexpected possibilities. Heart, humor, and hope weave through each story, touching the lives of those who call Summer Creek home.

Readers who love Debbie Macomber’s Cedar Cove series and RaeAnne Thayne’s Haven Point series will enjoy coming home to Summer Creek.

The first three books in the series release this summer.

My Review

In this western romance, a very spoiled and very rich girl finds herself sentenced to do community service in the middle of nowhere with none of the creature comforts to which she is so accustomed.  She is also forced to live and work side to side with an ornery cowboy, his charming  daughter, and his good-hearted, generous grandmother.  Day by day, she learns the meaning of hard work, even if she sets a few fires in the process.

The cowboy is gorgeous (no surprise there, given the genre) and a good guy, who is reluctant to enter a relationship with any woman, never mind one as “problematic” as Emery.  However, Hudson’s opinion changes as her attitude and overall perspective on life is transformed by her experiences on the ranch and in the small town nearby.   Predictably, the attraction between Emily and Hudson is strong (it is a romance after all), and though acutely aware of it, both of them try to pretend they don’t have feelings for each other.

Overall, this is a well-written story with good character development that shows that when given the opportunity people can change.  A good choice for readers who prefer their romances to be sweet and clean.

Note: Although you may note that this book is categorized as Christian romance on Amazon, religious elements are minimal. Prayer and church are mentioned, however this is not a “preachy” read and is likely suitable for readers of other faiths as well.

FTC disclosure: I received a complimentary advanced reader copy of this book.  This has not affected the content of this review in any way.

Giveaway

Click here to enter the author’s giveaway: One (1) winner will receive a $50 Amazon Gift Card and a digital copy of Catching the Cowboy.

About the Author

USA Today Bestselling Author Shanna Hatfield writes character-driven romances with relatable heroes and heroines. Her historical westerns have been described as “reminiscent of the era captured by Bonanza and The Virginian” while her contemporary works have been called “laugh-out-loud funny, and a little heart-pumping sexy without being explicit in any way.”

Convinced everyone deserves a happy ending, this hopeless romantic is out to make it happen, one story at a time. When she isn’t writing or indulging in chocolate (dark and decadent, please), Shanna hangs out with her husband, lovingly known as Captain Cavedweller.

Shanna is a member of Western Writers of America, Women Writing the West, and Romance Writers of America.

Click here to follow the tour for additional reviews, excerpts and more.

Review & Giveaway: MEMORIES IN DECEMBER by Gina Ardito

As part of a virtual blog tour organized by Silver Dagger Book Tours, I recently had the pleasure of reading Memories in December (Calendar Girls Book 4) a recently released romance by Gina Ardito.  It provided a delightful break from my usual diet of mystery fare.

About the Book

Siobhan Bendlow is struggling with her recovery from an eating disorder and the financial downturn of her photography business. The last thing she needs is to become the sole caretaker of her wacky grandmother. Especially since the man of her teenaged dreams, Jimmy Vais, has moved back to town, newly single and available. So has his pesky younger brother, Justin. One Vais is fun, but juggling two is a problem.

Althea Bendlow may be in her seventies now, but she still craves all the things she wanted in youth: joy, comfort, laughter, and happiness for her loved ones. If gaining the latter means performing some matchmaking magic for her only granddaughter, she’s up to the task. As long as her own past doesn’t keep distracting her, in the form of Captain Lou Rugerman, a man who meant the world to her for one night only.

Welcome back to Snug Harbor, where the memories of a lifetime can become the dreams of tomorrow…

You’ll find the book on:  Amazon * Apple * B&N * Kobo * Goodreads

My Review

This  two-in-one romance follows Siobhan and her grandmother as they face real-life issues and ponder their pasts and their futures.  Siobhan may be young however she is not without baggage, and her story provides an informative glimpse into the long-term impact of eating disorders – emotional and physical – even years after recovery.  She struggles to see herself in a positive light, as someone that a hot guy would want to be with.  I enjoyed reading about her and Jimmy and the dynamic between them as they became reacquainted.

In her 70s, Althea, is an upbeat and vital woman, and a lot of fun. Her actions made me laugh more than once.  Upon returning to Snug Harbor, she faces the prospect of falling in love again after her husband’s death.  And her suitor is quite a character himself.

This was a well-written and humorous book and a pleasure to read.
Although part of a series, it can definitely be read as a standalone novel.  This was my first time reading anything by this author.)

FTC Disclosure: I received an advance review copy from the publisher. This has not affected the content of this review. 

Giveaway

Follow the tour HERE for more reviews, excerpts, guest posts, and more – and enter a rafflecopter for your chance to win one of two $15 Amazon gift cards.

About the Author

“I kill houseplants. There. Now you know one of my greatest shames. I’m not boasting. I just figure that if you’re reading this, you’re looking for more than how wonderful life is as a writer. You get enough of that elsewhere. Ditto for political rants, how to lose thirty pounds in a week, and creating gorgeous crafts with nothing more than twine and soup cans. My goal is to connect with you, dear reader, even if you’re not a writer, not a New Yorker, not a mother, not a female. We’re human (unless one of us is a spambot), and what we have in common is flaws. So here are a few more of mine:

I sing all the time. I sing songs most people don’t know–jingles from television, crazy stuff I used to listen to on Dr. Demento, Broadway and movie soundtracks, and I can even bum-bum-bum through instrumental music. I sing in the car. In the shower. While I’m grocery shopping. And I headbop while I sing. When I’m not singing, I talk to myself. Just ignore me and move on. You get used to it after a while.

I don’t eat my vegetables. Seriously. I only started eating salad about ten years ago, but I’d still rather have a cookie.

Given the option, I would live in a mall where I would never have to worry about freezing temperatures or too much sun. I’m extremely fair-skinned and could burn under a 60-watt light bulb.

I can’t sleep without background noise so the television’s on all night. If it’s too dark and too quiet, all I have are my thoughts. And even *I* don’t want to be alone with my thoughts.

Don’t ask me to Zumba, line dance, or march in the parade. I have absolutely no rhythm.

I color outside the lines. Not because I’m a rebel, but because I suck as an artist. My artistic ability is limited to being able to draw Snoopy sleeping on his doghouse. And I don’t even draw that well.

Regrets. I have more than a few.

My favorite activity is sleep, and I’m pretty good at it. I don’t clock a lot of hours, but I can powernap like a Persian cat and rejuvenate within ten minutes.

I consider shopping and dining out excellent therapy for anything wrong in my life.
My feet are always cold. Always. My husband of more than a quarter century claims it’s because I’m an alien sent to Earth to destroy him. (He might be right about that.)

Coming to my house for a visit? Unless you’ve given me plenty of advance notice, be prepared. My floor will not be vacuumed, there will be dishes in my sink, and I only make my bed when I change the sheets once a week (I’m climbing back into it ASAP. Why make it?) Housecleaning is not high on my priority list. Okay, to be totally honest, it’s not on the list at all.

I can resist anything…except ice cream.

Since this is our first date, I figure I’ve revealed enough secrets for now. But if you’ve read this bio and think I might be the author for you, pick up one of my books or stalk my website: www.ginaardito.com.”

Author Links

• Website: https://ginaardito.com/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GinaArditoAuthor/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/GinaArdito
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/ginaardito
• Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/gina-ardito
• Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Gina-Ardito/e/B001JSBY16
• Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/GinaArdito

Review: LOVE FROM A TO Z by Lia London

This past weekend I decided to take a break from mysteries and read a book that didn’t include a single dead body.   Lia’s London’s latest release – Love from A to Z – was the perfect choice. And just in time for Valentine’s Day.

Description

Falling in love is a family affair…

For seven years, Antonio Seneca has had to be a father to his two younger brothers. He might struggle in the kitchen, but he makes sure the boys get their homework done and stay out of trouble. Only now that they’ve discovered girls, he has to decide if a love life would be a welcome distraction or a complete disaster.

Smart and sassy Zaira Vasquez got herself through a nursing degree and landed her first job at a hospital, but being a single, working mom is exhausting, no matter how cute her toddler daughter is. With only two relatives nearby to lend a hand, she needs adult companionship. Could it be that the handsome young man across the street is a remedy for her loneliness?

Growing from neighbors to co-workers to friends, Antonio and Zaira try dating while parenting, and parenting while dating, and find that the two occupations aren’t always compatible. How can they navigate the chaos of the present and the heartaches of the past to form something beautiful for their future?

My Review

This light and easy boy-meets-girl story features two strong main characters, both deeply affected by events from their pasts.  Antonio is not at all what Zaira expects. He’s nothing like the gorgeous player he portrayed on a reality show.  Yeah, he’s still gorgeous, but he’s a nice guy.  A responsible guy who is doing his best to raise his younger brothers on his own. The attraction is immediate – they click; but they both resist.  They both want to find love, however fear repeating past mistakes. You can’t help rooting for them to find their “happily ever after.”

This is a sweet “clean” romance that focuses on family and family values. The story is sprinkled with humorous antics and entertaining dialog and made for a delightful escape. I just may have to go back and read the rest of the series.

Spotlight: THE SONGS THAT BROUGHT ME BACK by Mylissa Demeyere

Today’s post turns the spotlight on The Songs That Brought Me Back,  a new  romance from Mylissa Demeyere. Sounds like a good one.

Description

Have you ever made a mistake? One so monumental you lost everything? I did, and I hate myself for it! All I want to do is close my eyes, and let the darkness consume me. Make it all go away. The end.

Ainsley is drowning in the depth of her despair. One wrong decision left her alone, with only regret as her constant companion. To escape it all, she makes another choice. One she hopes will end everything. Instead, she’s thrown into a whole new world filled with opportunities she doesn’t believe she deserves.

Ethan gives the appearance of breezing through life. But underneath his bright facade, he’s scarred by loss. When fate leads him into Ainsley’s world at the exact moment she needs someone the most, he can’t ignore the chance to right the wrongs of his past.

Ainsley and Ethan will struggle to help each other heal and start anew.

They’ll learn that the secret to conquering their pain lies within their power, if only they can do it together.

Always together.
Sometimes the ending is really the beginning.

TIP: The book is on sale for a limited time at just $ 0.99 on Amazon.

Check out the book trailer:

Read an Excerpt

AINSLEY

Beep… Beep…
Floating…I was floating. My body…weightless. For the first time in almost three years, the constant pain that had been pushing on me, threatening to suffocate me…lifted and was gone.

I felt…free.

Beep… Beep…
Finally, I was done and untied, drifting in this place that no longer held me in its terrible grip.

Beep… Beep…
I hovered near the edge, staring down at that empty shell as the doctor and nurses fought to save me. The scene should have sent more anguish through me. The ripped clothes, the chaos, but all I felt was peace.

The body left behind looked like me, but it wasn’t, not really. It hadn’t been me for so long. I had lost myself in that person ages ago.

Something tugged at me, pulling me down, away from the peacefulness I felt and back toward that cold, empty body. My prison. I grasped out around me but only caught handfuls of air. Nothing to hold on to. The pull got stronger. Dread washed over me as I realized what was happening.

I had to go back.

“Push a dose of ketamine, now!”

The weightlessness was out of reach, leaving me confused and exhausted. A new, heavy sensation pushed down on me.

No! I screamed, but no noise left my mouth. Even as the weight of my body and my illness pressed down on me, I longed for the weightlessness I’d felt, the brief glimpse of freedom. I wanted it back.

“Give me a laryngoscope.”
A sharp pain coursed through me, down my mouth, into my throat.
I tried to raise my hand, trying to yank whatever was there away. But it wouldn’t move. The weight was pushing on my hand as well.

No! I screamed again, but no one heard me. It was pointless.

“I’m in. Tube her.”

Finally, I surrendered to the darkness as it closed in, and everything went completely black.

Excerpt from The Songs That Brought Me Back. Copyright © 2018. All rights reserved.

 

Add to Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/41837654-the-songs-that-brought-me-back

About the Author

Mylissa Demeyere was born in Belgium, and resides in the beautiful city of Ghent. She lives in a somewhat organized home with her four beautiful children and the love of her life. If she isn’t working, she’s writing, running, reading, or enjoying time with her kids, who are growing up way too fast.

The Songs That Brought Me Back is her second novel in The Songs Series, with a third book releasing in the middle of 2019.

Connect with Mylissa online:

• https://www.amazon.com/default/e/B07DNSN3Z1/
• Website: http://www.mylissademeyere.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MylissaDemeyereAuthor/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mylissademeyere/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/MylissaDemeyere
• Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/mylissademeyere/
• Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/18117920.Mylissa_Demeyere
• Follow Mylissa on Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/mylissa-demeyere
• Playlist for The Songs That Brought Me Back: https://open.spotify.com/user/mylissademeyere/playlist/3sIaDKLgZWup3eRo5Cv6EU?si=BxB8u3BsR9qAt0myQkeEpg

Guest Post: ACCEPTING CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM by Beth Rodgers

It’s a pleasure to invite Beth Rodgers to take over my blog today as she shares her  thoughts on accepting constructive criticism – an issue that all authors have to face up to at some time in their careers.

Beth Rodgers is an accomplished author of YA fiction, who is currently celebrating the release of Mistletoe & Magic, a multi-author anthology that includes  “Hearts & Homes” – a contemporary young adult romance.

---

Accepting Constructive Criticism by Beth Rodgers

It may seem difficult at times to put your work out there for someone else to critique, whether it’s for editing in the process of publication, grading, or otherwise. The fact of the matter is that without hearing other people’s opinions, you are obviously bent on your own opinion on the writing you have done, and, let’s be honest – you think it’s great. We all do. It’s only natural to have emotional ties to the writing you have done. It is also possible that something you hated writing or hated the outcome of once it was fully written could be completely loved by one or more of your readers.

Criticism gets a bad rap. The word has a negative connotation. When people hear that someone is being critical or is criticizing something, they think negatively. Again, this is only natural and is a part of life. An important idea to remember, however, is that criticism does not have to be bad. Without criticism, think of how many pieces of writing, movies, TV shows, or other works of art would go out to the masses due to the biased opinion of the work’s creator.

Have you ever read a book you didn’t like? Have you ever watched a movie or TV show that you wish you hadn’t bothered with? Have you ever thought how nice it would be to be able to tell the author or creator of whatever it is you read, watched, etc. what you might have done differently? Everyone is a critic. Everyone judges. It’s something that is as normal as a typical daily routine. Yet, criticism and judgment can turn out positively. There are always at least two sides to every idea/topic/issue/etc. Just because you think something is great doesn’t mean the rest of the world does, and just because you think something was awful doesn’t mean the rest of the world didn’t love it. You are entitled to your opinion just like anyone else. Just because someone tells you that they suggest changing something doesn’t mean you have to do it. It doesn’t mean you have to agree with it. What it does mean is that you have to attempt to see that person’s viewpoint and analyze not only whether you agree with it, but determine whether you feel that others may see things the same way as the original critic. That is why having more than one person read your work and give you feedback is important. Even if the people you choose to read your work do not give the same advice, even if one person tells you how great it was while another says it was good but there was room for improvement, while another tells you they couldn’t stand it, sharing what other people had to say with the group of reviewers you have established for yourself will help you to gauge whether they truly noticed everything in your writing.

Just because you are the writer does not mean you are the only reader that writing will ever have. The definition of constructive criticism is “the process of offering valid and well-reasoned opinions about the work of others, usually involving both positive and negative comments, in a friendly manner rather than an oppositional one. The purpose of constructive criticism is to improve the outcome.” It is essential that this definition is not only remembered, but taken to heart. No writer has ever penned the perfect piece the first time around. If they say they have, they are lying to you. Read the following quotes from well-known people and authors to further your understanding of the power of constructive criticism:

Winston Churchill, Former British Prime Minister:
“Criticism may not be agreeable, but it is necessary. It fulfills the same function as pain in the human body. It calls attention to an unhealthy state of things.”

Hillary Clinton, Politician and Former Presidential Candidate:
“Take criticism seriously, but not personally. If there is truth or merit in the criticism, try to learn from it. Otherwise, let it roll right off you.”

Neil Gaiman, Author:
“I suspect that most authors don’t really want criticism, not even constructive criticism. They want straight-out, unabashed, unashamed, fulsome, informed, naked praise, arriving by the shipload every fifteen minutes or so.”

Why do you think there are reviews on sites that sell books, appliances, and any other item you can possibly think of? The reason is simple. It is because people want to know what others think. They want to see differing opinions to help them make the most informed decision possible. So should it be with writing. Writers must be able to make informed, intelligent decisions based on suggestions that others have made. When something sounds negative, consider the actual intent behind the suggestion, and then determine whether the person is in any way coming up with something that is a possible revision that can be made. Just as you are entitled to your opinion, so are your readers. This is why only certain books make the New York Times Bestseller list, why certain movies and TV shows win Oscars, Golden Globes, and Emmy Awards, why certain music wins Grammys and American Music Awards, etc. If you have ever thought someone unfairly lost an award, an election, or anything else, you have a different opinion than those who did the voting. You are entitled to this. Remember this when someone reads your work and gives you suggestions. Your emotional and other connections with the work you have written is essential to you being motivated to continue writing. This is extremely important. Never forget this. However, don’t forget that others are entitled to their opinions as well, and their opinions may just help you improve your writing and sustain a more solid style from that point forward. Every little bit helps. You just have to see it that way.

About the Author

Beth Rodgers is the author of two contemporary young adult novels, Freshman Fourteen and Sweet Fifteen, as well as “Hearts & Homes,” a short story that follows her second novel, but can be read as a standalone story. It can be found in Mistletoe & Magic: A YA Books Central Holiday Anthology. She also works as an editor and creative writing presenter.

In her free time, Beth loves to watch binge-worthy TV shows, travel with her family, and read plenty of good books that she spends time reviewing for her blog and as a staff reviewer for YA Books Central. She lives in Michigan with her husband and children.

Connect with Beth on:

• Facebook: www.facebook.com/bethrodgersauthor
• Twitter: @bethrodgersauth
• Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/brodgersauthor/
• Goodreads: www.goodreads.com/author/show/6824040.Beth_Rodgers
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/bethrodgersauthor/

Find her books on Amazon at the following websites:

• Amazon Link for Freshman Fourteen: http://amzn.com/B00PIWYU92
• Amazon Link for Sweet Fifteen: http://amzn.com/B01MTSHL0H
• Amazon Link for Mistletoe & Magic: A YA Books Central Holiday Anthology:  http://amzn.com/B07K23DV7G

Review: WHISKEY AND GUMDROPS by Jean Oram

Light romance tends to provide my go-to break from all the mysteries and thrillers I read. Whiskey and Gumdrops by Jean Oram is a fun read that provided an enjoyable diversion from my usual fare. It is the first book in the author’s five-book Blueberry Springs Series.

Description

One woman. One case of self-denial. One hunky best friend who wants a lot more.

Watching the man she thought she’d marry tie the knot to someone else spurs small-town waitress, Mandy Mattson, to finally pursue her dreams of opening her own restaurant.

But she can’t do it alone. . .

Mandy’s going to need the help of her sexy, long-time best friend, Frankie Smith. He has everything she needs–and more. She fell for him years ago, but has never allowed their friendship to evolve into something more. After all, he’s “Frankie fall-off-the-tower Smith,” and she has no intention of giving her heart to a dare devil like him. But what happens when Frankie asks Mandy to take the biggest dare of all?

My Review

This romance centers around a well-known dilemma – whether you should risk losing your best friend by trying to become more than just friends. Mandy is likeable and can’t imagine what she would do without her best friend and so she closes herself off to the possibility of their ever becoming something more. Frankie is wonderful, always at her side, providing support in every possible way, while Mandy does her utmost to push him away. Sometimes you just want to shake some sense into her. Their antics are entertaining as they circle the elephant in the room – their strong, mutual attraction – until (as in every good romance) they find their happily ever-after. An enjoyable sweet romance.

You can get your copy on Amazon.