SNOWBOUND IN WINTERBERRY FALLS by Ann Brodeur

Unwrapping their past – one secret at a time.

Owning her own PR firm is all reporter Stephanie Clark wants for Christmas, but the idea of running a prestigious election campaign in the country’s capital throws her stomach into knots. A last minute vacation road trip to focus and seek God’s direction for her life ends up in disaster when she gets caught in the worst snowstorm to hit Vermont in over a decade, crashing her into a small town and the one person she’d rather forget.

Former photojournalist Jason Miller hadn’t planned on being solely responsible for saving his family business from financial ruin. He’s barely keeping the newspaper in print, his News Editor has gone AWOL during the town’s most celebrated holiday festival, and reports of missing Christmas decorations have everyone on edge.

When a desperate knock at the newsroom door brings a ghost from Christmas past back into his life, can Jason make up for his prior behavior without breaking his promise to Stephanie’s father? Will Stephanie’s quest to solve the town’s Christmas caper—and uncover the truth about Jason’s disappearance—cost her everything she’s ever wanted?

Releases November 6, 2020 by Anaiah Press

Here’s an excerpt:

Jason’s eyes narrowed and he held Stephanie’s gaze. He fished his keys out of his pocket and handed them to her. She took them from his hand and offered a polite smile. Stephanie rose, tossed Kimberley’s resume on the desk, and tried to brush past him. Her breath caught when he blocked her with a gentle, but firm hand on her wrist. The tender touch of his thumb all but stole her composure. Her gaze focused on the fingers wrapped around her wrist and journeyed up his arm until she met eyes pooled with concern.

She swallowed hard, wishing strength into her weak petition. “Please let me go.” Tears pricked her eyes as she stared at him.

A nerve pulsed in his cheek, and Stephanie’s breaths grew raspy.

One minute more and she wouldn’t have the strength to leave.

“Please.” Her voice cracked, her eyes pleading with him.

Jason nodded and his shoulders heaved as he exhaled.

Not a moment too soon, he released his grip, his touch still burning a memory into her skin.

Stephanie raced from his office, her cheeks hot as her resolve to resist his charms weakened.

Why, oh why was she here?

BIO

ANN BRODEUR is an award-winning novelist who writes inspirational and contemporary romances offering sweet hope and happy endings.

When she’s not reading, writing, chasing after her kids or enjoying long chats with her husband, Ann can be found drinking coffee, that’s been reheated several times throughout the day. She aspires to someday drink a hot beverage in one sitting.

SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:

Join other readers in finding out the latest news from Ann and for bookish fun, by signing up for my newsletter on my website: http://brodeurwrites.com/

Check out novel inspiration, book reviews and more on my Pinterest page: https://www.pinterest.ca/brodeurwrites

Follow and Like my author page: https://www.facebook.com/annbrodeurauthor

GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/20786619.Ann_Brodeur

BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/ann-brodeur

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Ann-Brodeur

You can buy the book here:

Amazon.com: https://amzn.to/3p48B5y

Amazon.ca: https://amzn.to/3529fZe

The post Debut Author Ann Brodeur and Snowbound in Winterberry Falls appeared first on Laurie Wood Author.

Hello Gaynell! Tell us a little bit about yourself: 

I’m happily married to a wonderful man; we have 7 children and 4 grandkids.  When I’m not writing I’m painting – and try to read as much as possible.  I love nature, especially flowers and birds.  I live in a lovely area of Utah, but I’d love to live on the beach or way up in the mountains so summer would be cooler!

Now, can you describe your story in 5 sentences or less?

Maddie writes a lovelorn column for a local paper.  It’s decided that she has to run a contest for a date with her.  Picking the date is the most difficult thing she’s ever done, and then she falls for the winner.  It’s a sweet romance that has a few twists.

Do you have a day job? If so, how do you find time in your day to write?

Yes, I work for a school district, so summers are my favorite time of year.  I discovered a site almost 15 years ago called NaNoWriMo that encourages aspiring writers to write 50,000 words in a month.  That has taught me a lot about meeting a set goal of words each day.

Is this is the first book you’ve published with Anaiah Press?

This is my debut with Anaiah Press, yes.
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Were there any surprises that came up as you wrote your story?
Yes…  I had fully intended for a different character to be the love interest.  But as the story went on, I didn’t like him as much and had to create a new one.

Here’s your lovely cover and back cover blurb:

The public turns to her with their relationship woes, but does she really know anything about love?

“Dear Maddie – My boyfriend and I have been together for almost two years, but…”

Maddie never dreamed she’d be writing a newspaper column to the lovelorn. Her co-workers think her nights are filled with glamourous dates, but in reality, her life is boring. Until the day her boss insists on running a contest to win a dream date… with her.

Now Maddie is searching for someone genuine in the mountain of letters from fame- seekers, braggarts, mama’s boys, and stalkers. Does God’s plan include finding true love through a marketing stunt? Or will she only have more loveless fodder for her column?

Excerpt from Chapter 1:

Ever thought you knew what God’s plan was for you?

As I gazed at a letter—I think it was number 4,075—asking for boyfriend advice, I found myself questioning that plan.

I eyed the ceiling. “Surely You didn’t intend for me to end up here?” At least, this letter wasn’t from a guy asking me on a date.

I swiveled to look out my small window at the rainy streets. Growing up, I had known for sure that He was in my life and guided me. I wasn’t feeling guided now.

As I turned back to my computer, the large framed letter on the wall caught my eye. The one that had started it all.

Dear Editor,

I am so frustrated with men. I finally find the guy that makes my heart pound, and he turns out to be a player, just like all the other men I’ve ever met. What is a girl to do? How am I ever going to find Mr. Right? Am I doomed to be a spinster the rest of my life? Please, help!

Toni

——

The door to my office burst open, and Jayne, my best friend slash boss’s secretary, bounced in.

“Hey! Aren’t you excited?” Her big blue eyes sparkled with excitement. Jayne was a petite blond who managed to be everyone’s friend.

I stared as she perched on the corner of my desk, wondering what news I’d missed on the walk to my office. “Jason’s getting hair implants?”

Jayne giggled and whacked my shoulder. “No, silly. About you and the date contest.”

I blinked my confusion.

She rolled her eyes. “Jason just said you’re running a contest for someone to win a date with you. Whoever wins takes you out on the town. Limo, dinner, the works.” She almost bounced off the desk with enthusiasm. “Won’t that be amazing? The best date ever.”

“A date contest? You mean, as in picking someone from the applicants and actually going on a date with him?”

Jayne focused on my expression of total shock, and her excitement level went down a couple of notches. “Didn’t you agree to this with Jason?”

I shook my head. “I haven’t agreed to anything. This is the first I’ve heard about it. I mean, Jason’s really been on my case about accepting a date with one of these guys that keep writing, but that’s all he’s ever said. No one suggested a contest.”

She licked her lips, obviously realizing she’d let something out of the bag, and slipped off the desk. “Well, maybe, I heard wrong.” She stepped over to the door. “I have to get back to work.”

She was gone before I could gather my wits. A date contest? With my dating record, how was that even a possibility? The previous night’s date flashed through my mind, and I blinked. No way did I want anyone to know how miserably they always ended. I stomped out of my office and down the hallway to the elevator.

Jason saw me coming, as his corner office opens to a clear view of the elevator. He was standing in the doorway, wearing a cheesy grin. “I was just coming to look for you.”

“I’ll bet you were,” I said through clenched teeth. “What is Jayne talking about?”

He chuckled but pulled me inside and shut the door. The better to block the screams.

“Sit down and let me explain it before you go off half-cocked.” He retreated behind his desk.

“Half-cocked?” I repeated, my voice rising as I stood—no way was I going to sit calmly—and put my hands on my hips. “I think someone else went off in that department. In our brief conversation the other day, you never said it was a possibility. You wanted me to think about it. The next thing I know, it’s for real, and I’m gonna have to date some dweeb?” I flung my hand toward his large office window, indicating the general population of men.

Jason gulped, and I swore his ears were turning red. “I know this came as a surprise—”

“Surprise?” I flopped down in one of the two chairs in front of his desk. “Surprises are roses from a handsome guy. Surprises are cupcakes your mom bakes for the class on your birthday. This is an ambush.”

Did you enjoy this excerpt? You can buy the book here: https://amzn.to/37MUZp6

ABOUT GAYNELL PARKER

Gaynell Parker has been writing since she was 12 years old and read the Diary of Anne Frank. With a brief hiatus when she had her children, she’s continued putting pen to paper. With the advent of the computer she found the keyboard much more to her liking! When she’s not writing, she’s painting (see her illustrations in Sorry, the Stork Takes No Returns) or playing with grandchildren. She’s happily married to her wonderful husband of over 30 years, has seven children, four grandchildren, too many cats and three dogs. Her greatest desire is to spread happiness in her books.

My Website: Gparkerartwork.com

Twitter: @GParkerartworks

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Gaynell-Parker/e/B0714BL3Z6?r

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16577174.Gaynell_Parker

The post Author Interview with Gaynell Parker appeared first on Laurie Wood Author.

Welcome back to the Blog Allison! Tell us a little bit about yourself for those who didn’t meet you the first time around: 

I’ve lived in a lot of different places, but country roads and hills are my favorite. And preferably those hills would be covered in snow. I’m a fall and winter girl all the way. My best friend during the summer is the AC. When I’m not writing suspense, I’m reading or walking my dog, Sal

Now, can you describe your story in 5 sentences or less? 

Lizzy Bennet loves life as a lawyer in the city. And not just because of the miles it puts between her and her ex. However, when she’s attacked on the street just hours after learning her identity was stolen, she tries to call home for help and ends up with the last person she expects: the very same high school boyfriend who broke her heart. He says he’s there to help, but she’s not so sure, and now, all the endless questions and regrets are clouding her judgment and preventing her from seeing the dangerous saboteur closing in.

I love the sounds of that premise! What was the catalyst for your interest in writing?

Writing has kind of jumped all over the timeline for me. I started crafting stories because of the movies I was watching as a kid though. I was a know-it-all movie buff/critic before I was 12 years old. Watching movies like Star Wars and The Princess Bride made me want to create worlds and stories of my own. That I would want to read.

Do you have a day job? If so, how do you find time in your day to write?

I work part-time for my church. It’s awesome and not just because it keeps me from falling victim to my reclusive nature lol. Being part of such a giving organization is so rewarding and it is so encouraging to see real people of faith just being real. Finding time to write is hard whether you have a day job or not. There’s always something demanding your attention. You just have to fight for it. And start to think of sleep as optional. Kidding but not really.

 What led you to publish with Anaiah Press?

When I finished Glazed Suspicion, I wanted to find a Christian publisher with a reputation of integrity and faith. Anaiah flashed on my radar pretty quickly.

Are you a night owl or morning person?

Mostly, I feel like neither. I love my sleep. But I am more likely to pull an all-nighter to work rather than try and fail to get up early.
​
Were there any surprises that came up as you wrote your story?

Pretty much everything is a surprise for me. I’m not much of a planner or outliner. So, I usually don’t even know what’s going to happen in the next sentence.

Who was your favorite character to create?

I love Lizzy. She’s feisty and brave but struggles like the rest of us too. It’s fun to be in her head.

Who was the first person you allowed to read your completed book?

My husband doesn’t usually read my published stuff until it’s in print, but I let him read the books I’m too scared to show to anyone else. The ones that are the ‘maybe somedays.’ The ones I’m nervous about.

I love your cover for SPRINKLED WITH SABOTAGE. Here’s a short excerpt from it:

“Thank you for the information but I think I’ll be going now.”

Detective Young dropped her arms and braced herself against the table. “Excuse me?”

Lizzy slid a business card across the table. “Any other questions you have can go to my lawyer.”

The detective flicked the card away. “I can hold you here.”

Finally, Lizzy let herself roll her eyes. “You’ll be holding a statue because I promise you won’t get another word. And if you drag my lawyer in here, he won’t have any comment either. I’ve given you nothing and you’ve just laid out your whole case. Get some evidence that isn’t circumstantial and then arrest me for whatever it is you think I’m involved in. Until then, I’m going home.”

The door flew open and someone burst into the room. The detective smacked a hand on the table. “Get out of here. I’m in the middle of an interrogation.”

Lizzy grinned at her. “Actually, you were just finishing one—” She glanced at the intruder and her mouth dropped open. Agent Lucas Sterling—one of the last people she expected to see here—was looking right at her.

“What are you doing here?” A flash of panic coursed through her. If the FBI was coming to take her, things could be a lot worse than she thought.

He shrugged. “Your boyfriend called me.”

Release Date: 10/27/20

Amazon / Goodreads

Summary:

She trusts him with her life. But what about her heart?

Lizzy Bennet loves life as a lawyer in the city. And not just because of the miles it puts between her and her ex. However, when she’s attacked on the street just hours after learning her identity was stolen, she tries to call home for help and ends up with the last person she expects: the very same high school boyfriend who broke her heart. He says he’s there to help, but she’s not so sure, and now, all the endless questions and regrets are clouding her judgment and preventing her from seeing the dangerous saboteur closing in.

Small-town auto mechanic, Koby Knightly, is looking forward to seeing a car show in the city. But when an unexpected call from his old girlfriend disconnects suddenly, he rushes to her apartment only to find her limping and bleeding. Throwing his plans out the window, Koby makes it his mission to protect her and discover the identity of the person trying to frame her. Will he also be able to figure out what went wrong between them back in high school or will a killer get to her first?

Sounds like the perfect Fall read! You can buy Allison’s book online at Amazon.com, and you can find her at the links below:

Amazon https://amzn.to/3gCIjm7

Twitter https://bit.ly/3kk9fJQ 

Facebook www.facebook.com/allisonnicolepearl/

Instagram https://bit.ly/2PthCoh

Goodreads https://bit.ly/2Pt29V6

About Allison Pearl:

Allison Pearl is a small-town girl who’s lived just about everywhere. She loves books, tea, chocolate, and watching old movies with her husband and black lab, Sal. To keep in touch and get updates on new releases follow her Facebook page ‘Books by Pearl’ or follow her on Twitter at @AllisonPearl5 and Instagram at @allisonnicolepearl

Do you prefer cozy mysteries over more robust mysteries where there’s more emphasis on the crime than the characters? Do you prefer to read books in a series, like Allison’s Love and Danger in St Claire series? 

The post Author Interview with Allison Pearl appeared first on Laurie Wood Author.