Reviews By Martha's Bookshelf

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Giveaway + Q&A Interview with Rochelle Alers, Author of Angel's Landing

Please help me welcome National Bestselling Author Rochelle Alers.

“The lifestyle portrayed in these pages reveals snippets of the rich history of African-Americans, and the details of the island’s social structure from past eras are intriguing. It’s always a pleasure to discover little-known facts about racial history in America. Even better, the slow build to the love affair between the leads is believable and satisfying, on all levels. Sit back and enjoy!”

– RT Book Reviews, Top Pick

Q1. I love series and I always am curious: When you do a series do you have each book plotted out before you start the first one or do the subsequent books flow from the first book?

RA: I usually plot the first title very carefully. During that process I know whether there will be subsequent books. Spin-off characters seemingly whisper in my ear that they, too, want their stories told. This is what happened with Jeffrey Hamilton from Sanctuary Cove.

Q2. What inspired you to write this genre?

RA: I wanted to connect with my Gullah culture, and the only way I could do that was to write about it. I’d grown listening to my mother and aunts talk about customs and superstitions that were frightening as well as fascinating. I’d believed many of the superstitions were archaic until I began researching their origins and finally understood why so many have survived countless generations spanning continents and centuries.
Q3. If you could jump into a book, and live in that world, which would it be?

RA: I would love to live on Cavanaugh Island. Although I was born and raised in New York City – Manhattan to be exact – I’ve come to appreciate small town life where neighbors look out for one another and once the sun goes down a comforting quietness descend on the town. There are disadvantages of living in a small town – gossip in particular, but the advantages definitely outweigh them. Living on Cavanaugh Island is like being wrapped in a warm blanket on a cool night. It’s nurturing and soothing.

Q4. What is one thing you struggle with when you’re writing?

RA: There are times when I struggle with pacing. I have to ask myself if I’m taking too long to set up the plot by bogging it down with too much detail, and if I am then I’ll definitely have to rush the ending. There are also times when I reread what I’ve written, and then I have go back and cut, review or even tweak to even out the pacing.

Q5. What are some of the best tips you’ve received on writing?

RA: Read in the genre in which you choose to write. If you want to write romance, then it has to be romance. The same can be said with mysteries or political thrillers. I read more than 2,000 romance novels before I attempted to write one. Many were very good and some were just okay, but they helped me to recognize the elements that identify it as a romance novel.

Q6. Please share your most rewarding experience since being published.

RA: I’m happy to say there are three: The first is when I received the call from Veronica Mixon an editor for Doubleday’s Starlight Romance series that she was offering for my very first romance title. The second was when I received the Vivian Stephens Career Achievement Award for Excellence in Romance Novel Writing. And the third is when Latoya Smith from Hachette’s Forever line offered for the Cavanaugh Island series. I’m certain there will be others in the future, but these are the rewarding experiences that stay with me.

Thank you for sharing with Reviews by Martha’s Bookshelf.

Thanks also to Ms. Alers and the fine folks at Forever Romance, Hachette, for offering THREE Books for Giveaway!

TO ENTER THIS GIVEAWAY for THREE Print Copies

ENTRY FORM HERE

For 3 Extra Bonus entries Visit the author's website and tell me something you find of interest.
Extra bonus +2 for comment on Review and or Interview.

THERE WILL BE THREE WINNERS!

* This contest is only open to residents of US and Canada.

* No P.O. Boxes Please - for shipping reasons.

* Limit one win per household.

* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on October 26, 2012.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED on October 27, 2012.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

Book Review: Angels Landing by Rochelle Alers

This is a fast, fun read - beautiful setting, good romance and a touch of suspense.
Angels Landing (A Cavanaugh Island Novel)
by Rochelle Alers

Mass Market Paperback: 400 pages
Publisher: Forever; Original edition (August 28, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1455501387
ISBN-13: 978-1455501380

Genre: Contemporary Romance
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0

Book Description

Publication Date: August 28, 2012 | Series: A Cavanaugh Island Novel (Book 2)
Sometimes love can take you by surprise.

Kara Newell has a big-city life that needs a major shake-up. Her dedication as a social worker is unwavering, yet her heart tells her that there is more to life than just work. Kara gets the push she needs when she shockingly inherits a large estate on an island off the South Carolina coast. Now the charming town of Angels Landing awaits her . . . along with a secret family she never knew she had.

After surviving war, loss, and heartbreak, ex-marine Jeffrey Hamilton takes his position as sheriff of idyllic Cavanaugh Island very seriously. So he is the perfect person to watch over the beautiful, confident woman who has turned her new family's expectations upside down-and stepped into the crosshairs of angry local residents.

But soon Kara becomes more than just a job to him, and he begins to need her in ways he never expected. As Kara and Jeffrey confront the town gossips together, they'll learn to face their fears and forgive their pasts in order to find a future filled with happiness in Angels Landing.

Review:
Kara Newell is big city social worker who is intensely independent and self-reliant. She’s had a few failed relationships and figures it will be best to remain single and unentangled. She is summoned to Cavanaugh Island for the reading of the Will of a wealthy stranger, Taylor Patton. When she arrives she discovers that many people in town are related to Patton and are angered when they learn an unknown woman has inherited the bulk of Mr. Patton’s estate. The inheritance comes with conditions: Kara must restore the historic estate of Angels Landing and live there for the next five years.

Kara is a city girl and not accustomed to the quiet warmth of a small town. In spite of her hurt in learning family lies and secrets she isn’t willing to let the greedy relatives force her out or take over the property and sell it off to hovering developers. Kara is fascinated by the history of the property and is thrilled to find a local female restoration expert who shares her enthusiasm to preserve the area and the Gullah culture.

The local sheriff, Jeffrey Hamilton, is an ex-marine who’s serious love refused to be a marine’s wife. He has been fine being a loner and hasn’t planned on any woman in his life other than his aging grandmother who raised him. But he can’t ignore the gorgeous woman who has inherited Angels Landing. When she is threatened he is right there to protect her. Soon the chemistry between them is zinging and they are both struggling with emotions that they aren’t comfortable with.

I enjoyed the strong characters and the rich historical elements, as well as settings, in this book. The ‘greedy relatives’ plot isn’t particularly new and I kept waiting to see how they would attack Kara. There really wasn’t as much offensive as I expected so I was a little disappointed in the plot. The story focuses on the romance more than the inheritance issues. Ms. Alers does a very nice job building the romance between Kara and Jeff and I liked that they finally learned to trust and take the risk on love. There is a sweet little dog in the story - always a plus for me. The writing flows well and, as a romance, this is a satisfying read.

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

Kara’s reluctance to accept the inheritance:

I’m giving up a lifestyle I’ve come to like and a career I love despite all my bitchin’ and moanin’ to fulfill a dead man’s wish. Location 1613.

Jeffrey’s ultimate recognition:

“Love is not about giving up what you want for the other person. It’s about sharing what you have.” Location 4466.

I received this for review from Forever/Hachette. See the Author Interview in the next post for a chance to win copies of this fine romance.

This story is set in South Carolina for my Where Are You Reading Challenge. I will also add it to my New Author and ARC challenges.
xx

Monday, October 15, 2012

Second Chance: Live Chat Opportunity GIVEAWAY Plus Three Copies of What Happens At Christmas!!

Here is another chance for some lucky reader to share an online visit with Victoria Alexander to chat about writing, books, characters, the romance genre and more!

Victoria Alexander loves her readers but knows it’s impossible to get out to meet each of them. That’s why this #1 New York Times Bestselling Author is participating in two unique live video virtual events to help celebrate her latest book release:

WHAT HAPPENS AT CHRISTMAS.

LIVE CHAT Event dates:

October 16 and November 6 at 6:00pm PST.

Here is how we are participating at Reviews by Martha's Bookshelf.

There will be a winner for ONE SEAT at the Live event for EACH DATE plus a copy of the book;

THREE additional winners will get copies of the new release.

ENTER THROUGH THIS FORM

THERE WILL BE ONE "SEAT" WINNER and THREE ADDITIONAL BOOK WINNERS!

* This contest is only open to residents of US and Canada.

* No P.O. Boxes Please - for shipping reasons.

* Limit one win per household.

* This contest will close 10 PM (Central) on October 29, 2012.
The winner will be randomly selected from all entries.
WINNERS WILL BE ANNOUNCED on October 30, 2012.
Winners will have 72 hours to respond by email or the winners form linked in the announcement.

Anyone who doesn't win is encouraged to register and tune in to a live stream of the chat on YouTube and submit questions/comments for Victoria using a special Twitter hash tag. See More Details below the Book and Author info, after the holiday divider bar.

- On Sale and at the Top of Everyone’s Christmas Gift Lists October 2012 -

“Alexander’s divine Victorian Christmas confection provides an abundance of wit and warmth… This star belongs at the top of the tree.” – Publishers Weekly, STARRED REVIEW for What Happens at Christmas

#1 New York Times bestselling author Victoria Alexander has for years been a force in the world of historical romance. This holiday season, she gifts readers with WHAT HAPPENS AT CHRISTMAS, a passionate Victorian English holiday romance filled with her signature wit and warmth. In it, a beautiful widow finds her plan for a Christmas proposal going perfectly awry.

Camille, Lady Lydingham, knows what she wants for Christmas—an official engagement to a handsome prince. The prince insists on getting her family’s approval first, which leaves the lovely widow with a problem. The last thing Camille wants is for him to meet her unconventional relatives. But with the aid of a troupe of actors, Camille can pull off a Christmas deception of massive proportions.

At least until Grayson Elliot shows up. A dozen years ago, their romance ended at her mother’s insistence. Now he’s back, playing absolute havoc with her scheme—and with her heart. Because for Grayson, losing Camille once was quite bad enough. Losing her twice? Unthinkable.

And he’ll find a way to show her they belong together—this season, and every Christmas yet to come…

New York Times bestselling author Victoria Alexander was an award-winning television reporter until she discovered fiction was much more fun than real life. Since the publication of her first book in 1995, she has written twenty-five full-length novels and six novellas. Her books have hit the top ten on the New York Times bestseller list and regularly appear on the USA Today and Publishers Weekly bestseller lists. She has twice been nominated for the Romance Writers of America's prestigious RITA award. She lives in Omaha, NE.
Please visit her at www.VictoriaAlexander.com

Praise for Victoria Alexander’s Holiday Romances:
“This Victorian yuletide romance provides erotic sizzle and delectably cleaver dialogue on every page.” – USA Today

“I was swept up…it was refreshing to read a book in which the rugged leading man was determined to wed the love of his life, while the heroine is the one looking for a little fun. I relished every bit of this witty read.” – FIRST for Women

“Corsets will be loosened, indubitably.” – The News Tribune

“Smart and sexy, filled with witty banter and stellar writing, this lively Victorian jaunt pairs a free-thinking, unconventional heroine with a footloose hero in a glorious battle of the sexes.” – Library Journal

“A breezy, witty, romantic story. The perfect mood-setter for this winter season!” – B&N’s Heart 2 Heart Blog

Chicago Sun-Times named HIS MISTRESS BY CHRISTMAS one of the “10 Best Bet Holiday Gifts for the Book Lover” in 2011!

NOTE!!!
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR READERS:

You can familiarize yourselves with Google Hangouts before hand; it’s very easy - if you can do Skype, you can do this. More information about Google+ hangouts: http://www.google.com/+/learnmore/hangouts/

Anyone who doesn't win a “seat” at the live chat is encouraged to participate by registering!

Anyone registered can tune in to a live stream of the chat on YouTube and submit questions/comments for the Victoria using a special Twitter hash tag.

Event registration: www.amarketingexpert.com/author-events-live-with-victoria-alexander

At the time of the event participants should tune in here: www.youtube.com/user/BookmarketingAME

A YouTube account is not needed to view the live stream.

At the time of the event questions/comments can be sent in via Twitter using: #authorslive

A Twitter account is required to send in questions/comments.

To sign up for Twitter: https://twitter.com/signup

How to use hash tags: https://support.twitter.com/articles/49309-what-are-hashtags-symbols#

From AME and me:

Please don’t hesitate to ask questions, we want the events to be fun and easy for everyone involved. See you there!

FLASH!! Special Chance to Attend Live Chat with Victoria Alexander!

Would you love to meet a bestselling romance author? Here is a chance for some lucky readers to share an online visit with Victoria Alexander to chat about writing, books, characters, the romance genre and more!

Victoria Alexander loves her readers but knows it’s impossible to get out to meet each of them. That’s why this #1 New York Times Bestselling Author is participating in two unique live video virtual events to help celebrate her latest book release: WHAT HAPPENS AT CHRISTMAS.

LIVE CHAT Event dates:

October 16 and November 6 at 6:00pm PST.

Here is how we are participating at Reviews by Martha's Bookshelf.

There will be a winner for ONE SEAT at the Live event for EACH DATE plus a copy of the book;

THREE additional winners will get copies of the new release.

The live chat events are being hosted by Author Marketing Experts as a Google+ hangout.

HOW TO ENTER:
1) You must have a Google+ account and be able to participate at 6pm PST on the event night.
Hint: Anyone with Gmail or other Google account is already set up to activate Google+
If you don't already have one you can set up a Google+ account here: https://plus.google.com

2) To enter for October 16 you will have to act quickly. (I'm sorry I had internet difficulties so I lost the weekend to announce this and had to make a Flash for the first date.) If you have a Google+ account (or will get one by tomorrow morning), AND you can attend on Tuesday 10/16 at 6pm PST (registering by 5:50pm PST) Please email me at mesreads AT gmail.com between when this post goes live and 8am Central tomorrow morning (10/16). Put "October 16 Live Event with Victoria" (or similar wording) as the Subject of your email. I will use random.org to pick ONE WINNER from the emails for the "Seat" at the October 16 event.

3) To enter for the "Seat" for the November 6th Event and the additional THREE book copies watch the blog for the Entry Post a little later tonight.

Anyone who doesn't win is encouraged to register and tune in to a live stream of the chat on YouTube and submit questions/comments for Victoria using a special Twitter hash tag.

You can familiarize yourselves with Google Hangouts before hand; it’s very easy - if you can do Skype, you can do this. More information about Google+ hangouts: http://www.google.com/+/learnmore/hangouts/

NOTE!!!
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR READERS:

Anyone who doesn't win a “seat” at the live chat is encouraged to participate by registering!

Anyone registered can tune in to a live stream of the chat on YouTube and submit questions/comments for the Victoria using a special Twitter hash tag.

Event registration: www.amarketingexpert.com/author-events-live-with-victoria-alexander

At the time of the event participants should tune in here: www.youtube.com/user/BookmarketingAME

A YouTube account is not needed to view the live stream.

At the time of the event questions/comments can be sent in via Twitter using: #authorslive

A Twitter account is required to send in questions/comments.

To sign up for Twitter: https://twitter.com/signup

How to use hash tags: https://support.twitter.com/articles/49309-what-are-hashtags-symbols#

From AME and myself:

Please don’t hesitate to ask questions, we want the events to be fun and easy for everyone involved. See you there!

Sunday, October 14, 2012

Mailbox Monday. October 15, 2012

Welcome to Mailbox Monday.
FOR OCTOBER: the Mailbox Monday Tour host is (updated) Mailbox Monday!

Mailbox Monday is a gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week and explore great book blogs. This Meme started with Marcia at A Girl and Her Books (fka The Printed Page) but is now hosted at Mailbox Monday and through various blog hosts.

Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.