Introducing A Tuscan Legacy and Solo Tu plus #Giveaway | Narelle Atkins

By Narelle Atkins  @Narelle Atkins

I'm thrilled to introduce my tenth book - Solo Tu: Only You - Book 7 in A Tuscan Legacy - a contemporary Christian romance novella series spanning three continents.

I've always wanted to write a book for a continuity series that has shared characters and a connected story world.

A Tuscan Legacy is the brainchild of my author friends Marion Ueckermann and Autumn Macarthur. I was delighted to accept their offer when they asked me to join them in their journey to write an indie novella series based in Tuscany.

The series has an overarching family mystery plot that links all the books together. I've loved working with my authors friends in the group who live in England, South Africa and USA.

Here's the video trailer introducing A Tuscan Legacy:

We're excited that Book 1 - That's Amore by Marion Ueckermann - is releasing next week on Tuesday April 17!

Let me share Solo Tu with you and introduce you to my characters - Sienna Rossi and Dave Maxwell.

If you read A Tuscan Legacy series from start to finish, you'll meet Sienna in That's Amore (Book 1) and Ti Amo (Book 4) before journeying to Sydney, Australia for Book 7.

Home means everything to Sienna Rossi.

Four years ago, Sienna defied her father by moving to Australia to obtain her teaching qualifications. Her grand plan is shaken by her father’s unexpected death and a trip back to Tuscany for her grandmother’s eightieth birthday where she renews her close bond with her sister, Alessa.

Teacher Dave Maxwell likes the freedom of his nomadic lifestyle. He works contract-to-contract, moving to different high schools around Australia. He’s in Sydney for a season, caring for his grandma while his aunt is on an extended overseas vacation.

Back in Sydney, Sienna moves in with her Aussie cousins and starts her first teaching job, torn between her dream for a future in Australia and her longing for home. Sienna and Dave work at the same school, attend the same church, and quickly become friends. They are drawn together by circumstances and an undeniable attraction.

But their idyllic time together is temporary. Can the girl from Tuscany and the boy from Australia risk everything for love?

$15 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway 

I'm giving away a $15 Amazon Gift Card to a reader who leaves a comment on this post.

You could choose to purchase the complete nine book series at the special pre-order price of 99 cents (USD) per ebook and have change left over from $15 to buy more ebooks!

I'll draw the winner on Sunday, April 15 (Aussie timezone) and announce the winner in a comment on this post. To claim your winning prize, please check the comments on this post on Monday, April  16. If you're the lucky winner, please leave your email address in a comment or contact me via social media. I will do one redraw on Friday, April 20 (Aussie timezone) if I'm unable to make contact with the original winner by April 20.

A Tuscan Legacy series - Amazon Kindle and coming in print

A Tuscan Legacy novellas are now available for pre-order on Amazon Kindle and will be available in Kindle Unlimited. The books will be releasing in ebook format first, and will later be available in print. Please check out A Tuscan Legacy series page on Amazon.com for more information.

Aussie readers can purchase the books on Amazon Australia and read the series on Kindle Unlimited via Amazon Australia. The Amazon Australia link for Solo Tu - amzn.to/2qpD40k

Here's the complete A Tuscan Legacy series list and the Amazon Kindle release dates. The ebooks are available now at the special pre-order price of 99 cents (USD).

THAT'S AMORE Book 1 by Marion Ueckermann - releasing APRIL 17
LUNA ROSA Book 2 by Elizabeth Maddrey - releasing APRIL 24
RAPSODIA Book 3 by Alexa Verde - releasing MAY 1
TI AMO Book 4 by Marion Ueckermann - releasing MAY 8
LA FIAMMA SACRA Book 5 by Clare Revell - releasing MAY 15
BELLA NOTTE Book 6 by Heather Gray - releasing MAY 22
SOLO TU Book 7 by Narelle Atkins - releasing MAY 29
DOLCE VITA Book 8 by Autumn Macarthur - releasing JUNE 5
LA RISPOSTA Book 9 by Autumn Macarthur - releasing JUNE 12

A Tuscan Legacy Reader Group on Facebook

A Tuscan Legacy has a Reader Group on Facebook. If you'd like to follow the series and keep up-to-date on the latest news, please join our Reader Group.

A fun loving Aussie girl at heart, NARELLE ATKINS was born and raised on the beautiful northern beaches in Sydney, Australia. She has settled in Canberra with her husband and children. A lifelong romance reader, she found the perfect genre to write when she discovered inspirational romance. Narelle's contemporary stories of faith and romance are set in Australia.

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Book Review - The Eli Diaries (various authors)

By Ian Acheson @achesonian

Those of you who have read any of my “best of” posts of the past few years will have seen my enthusiasm for episodic fiction where a story is developed over months/years, sometimes by multiple authors, by releasing individual episodes (novellas) monthly. Harbingers was a 20 episode series featuring five authors including one of my favourites, Frank Peretti.

Last year I discovered Bill Myers, one of the Harbinger creators, had produced another series based on one of his earlier novels, Eli. Once again, Myers has collaborated with a bunch of authors to deliver monthly episodes. I’ve recently finished the seventh and am keen for the next one.

The Eli Diaries is a story that explores the question: what would it be like if teenage Jesus turned up in 21^st century America? And not just Jesus but his disciple mates and his Bethany family of Mary, Martha and Lazarus. Oh, and no series would be complete without a teenage Mary Magdelene and Satan.

Like Harbingers, a different author voices a different character for each episode. The only real constant in all episodes is Eli Shepherd. This weird sixteen year old, who has a heart of gold, seems to discern things and events before they occur, and occasionally heals people. Eli works in his family’s surf shop.

We meet Benjamin the Pharistic youth leader who is is gunning for Eli believing he is leading his flock of youngsters down a dangerous path.

Some of the episodes have been a bit scratchy but the last few have been beauties. They deal with issues of youth: bullying, keeping up with the Joneses, beauty, brawn and brains, revenge and lust. Woven through most of the episodes are demonstrations of grace, mercy and love.

Once again, I’ve found the episodic style of story telling to be compelling (like a good TV series). I’m excited to read the new series that our own Narelle Atkins is involved in (A Tuscan Legacy) that launches soon that takes a different approach to episodic fiction once again. Eight weekly episodes, eight different authors, all with a Tuscan flavour.

Consistent Delivery

One of the challenges from an early readers perspective of an episodic series is there is a need for consistency in delivering episodes. I’ve started some episodic-style series where the first episode lands and another one doesn’t land for months. This is especially difficult when one episode ends on a cliffhanger and by the time the next episode lands you’ve lost interest and in fact forgotten there was indeed a cliffhanger ending.

So if you’re an author producing such fiction may I encourage you to only drop the pilot or first episode when you’ve got the next few ready or almost ready to drop.

I was fortunate that when I downloaded most of the episodes of The Eli Diaries they were only $0.99, however, I notice they’re now $3.51. But remember over 7 episodes it’s between 500 and 700 pages of reading. If you want to try it out perhaps start with Number 4 (Not Good Enough) that features Martha.

What episodic fiction series have you read recently and would recommend?

Ian Acheson is an author and strategy consultant based in Sydney. Ian's first novel of speculative fiction, Angelguard was recognised with the 2014 Selah Award for Speculative Fiction.You can find more about Angelguard at Ian's website, on his author Facebook page and Twitter

Book Recommendation ~ Once Upon a Cowboy by Lacy Williams

Book Description:

Book 1 in the Cowboy Fairytales series from a USA TODAY bestselling author

A princess on-the-run finds sanctuary where she least expects it…

After nearly dying in an assassination attempt, Princess Alessandra of Glorvaird escapes to a place no one would ever think to look for her: small town Oklahoma and a ranch staffed by a herd of wooly, uncouth cowboys. One cowboy in particular gets under her skin, until she sees his softer side. She knows this interlude can’t last forever, but that doesn’t stop her from wishing it might…

Former Navy SEAL Gideon Hale might’ve rescued the princess from freezing to death, but the soldier doesn’t trust easily—or at all—especially when his gut tells him Alessandra is keeping secrets. But as Alessandra begins to fit into his life, he discovers another side to the princess—one that he can’t help but like.

When Alessandra’s enemies close in, Gideon must fight to save the woman who has become so much more than a princess…

Once Upon a Cowboy is a contemporary western retelling of the Snow White fairytale and Book 1 in the Cowboy Fairytales series.

Narelle's Thoughts: 

I've been a fan of Lacy's books for many years, and I enjoyed reading the first novella in her new Cowboy Fairytales series. A princess heroine and a cowboy hero is a winning combination for me in a contemporary romance.

The story opens with Alessandra's life in danger. She manages to escape from NYC wearing her ballgown, and lands in a sleepy Oklahoma town where she meets Gideon. A former Navy SEAL, Gideon is intrigued by the princess he calls Allie. Gideon takes on the responsibility of protecting Allie from an unknown enemy. He hasn't dated in a long time, and eyebrows are raised when the cowboy returns to the family ranch with a beautiful and cultured woman by his side.

Allie is fascinated by life on the ranch, and she's willing to get her hands dirty to help out. She's drawn to Gideon, a man who originally reminded her of a bear with his shaggy beard and grumpy manner. She gets to know him during her short stay on his ranch, knowing she'll return to the palace and her royal duties.

Once Upon a Cowboy is a fun fairytale romance based on Snow White's story. The suspense element in the story worked well, and led to a satisfying and romantic happily-ever-after ending. The faith element is low key, and the characters draw on their faith when disaster strikes. I recommend this western contemporary romance novella to readers who enjoy modern day fairytale romances.

Book 2 in the series, Cowboy Charming, is now available. To learn more about Lacy Williams and her books, please visit her website.

Book Recommendation ~ Glasgow Grace by Marion Ueckermann

Book Description:

Opera singer, Skye Hunter, returns to the land of her birth as leading lady in Phantom of the Opera. This is her first trip back to bonnie Scotland since her mother whisked her away to Australia after Skye’s father died sixteen years ago. When Skye decides to have dinner at McGuire’s, she’s not going there only for Mary McGuire’s shepherd’s pie. Her first and only love, Callum McGuire, still plays his guitar and sings at the family-owned tavern. Callum has never stopped loving Skye. Desperate to know if she’s changed under her mother’s influence, he keeps his real profession hidden. Would she want him if he was still a singer in a pub? But when Skye’s worst nightmare comes true, Callum reveals his secret to save the woman he loves. Can Skye and Callum rekindle what they lost, or will her mother threaten their future together once again?

Narelle's Thoughts:

Journey to picturesque Scotland in Marion Ueckermann's delightful and heartwarming romance novella. I loved the gorgeous white Christmas setting in Glasgow Grace.

Skye is an opera singer who returns to her homeland from Australia to start rehearsals in the New Year. She wants to visit her father's grave in Skye and she's staying in a swish hotel, courtesy of her opera company employer.

Callum knows that Skye is back in town and he has bought tickets for an upcoming performance. Skye visits the pub owned by Callum's family just before Christmas and she reconnects with Callum. It's like the old days, when they were teens and head over heels in love. But Callum hasn't forgotten how Skye moved to Australia with her mother and never replied to his letters. Her mother is a pretentious snob who didn't think Callum was good enough for her daughter.

Callum has his own secrets. He lets Skye believe that he's a singer and musician who works in the family pub and still drives his old car.

The romance at the start of the story seems to plod along almost too smoothly. A big plot twist (that I didn't see coming) changes everything and challenges their faith. Skye's career is threatened and Callum's secret is exposed. They have to work together to overcome all the obstacles in their path to true love. Glasgow Grace has a tender and emotionally satisfying ending that will charm readers who enjoy sweet Christmas reunion romances.

Learn more about Marion Ueckermann and her books at her website.

Many thanks to Marion for providing a complimentary advanced reader copy of the book.

The Perils of Pantsing when you’re a Plotter

By Narelle Atkins

A few weeks ago I independently published my eighth book, a contemporary Christian romance novella that I wrote for Love Blossoms, a multi-author indie box set. I’ve always been a plotter, and I’ve written detailed outlines for my seven previously published books.

For my latest book, The Bridesmaid’s Hero, I decided to try something different. The time frame for the novella project was tight. I agreed to write the book in mid-October, and I needed to indie publish it on Amazon Kindle in January.

The three month time frame included the Christian Writers Conference in Victoria where I presented a workshop, a One-Day workshop I presented in Sydney for the Australian Christian Writers Fellowship, an additional interstate weekend away for my son’s golf tournament, the end of school year in December, and the busy lead up to Christmas.

I signed up for NaNoWriMo but I didn’t have time to put together a detailed outline with index cards (my usual process) before the end of October.

In November I became a pantser for this story. I enjoyed the freedom of writing and discovering more about the characters as the story progressed. I had a basic story outline developing in my mind that included the main turning points, climax, dark moment and resolution. Without preconceived ideas from the outline on what should be happening in each scene, I was able to explore different directions that naturally evolved from the story. I gained a new perspective on character-driven plotting. It was fun and exciting.

There was also a downside. I discovered the perils of pantsing when I was used to plotting. My basic story structure was robust and I didn’t need to add or delete scenes. But there were other issues that needed to be addressed.

I didn’t have time to rest the story before I sent it to my critique partners and beta readers. On December 26 I finished writing and editing the first version of the story. I had a copy editing deadline of January 10 and a box set deadline of January 15.

My lovely critique partners and beta readers read the early version of the story during the Christmas and New Year break. They found a number of problems that I didn’t usually encounter when I outlined my stories in advance.

The first third of the story was messy. Many of the character motivations were unclear because I’d unknowingly changed my mind about the details as I wrote. This included details in the back story. For example, the relationship between the heroine and the hero’s mother was inconsistent. Did they know each other before the story started? In one scene they did, in another scene it seemed like the opposite was true. 

My time line was off. The time references in the scene transitions needed to be tracked and adjusted. During the editing process when I reviewed the feedback from my critique partners and beta readers, I reverse engineered an outline in an Excel Spreadsheet and dealt with the time line problems.

I learned a lot from experimenting with my writing process. I like having time to brew my stories in advance, and rest my stories before I edit. An outline helps me to keep track of the details and generates fewer time line, back story and character inconsistencies.

I’m currently writing my ninth book. For my new novella I’ve typed up pages of background information. I’m writing a fast and rough first draft as I complete my outline. For my traditionally published books I wrote proposals in advance (three chapters plus synopsis).

Are you a plotter or a pantser? Have you tried different writing methods? Do you have a defined writing process, or does it change depending on the book? I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences.

A fun loving Aussie girl at heart, Narelle Atkins was born and raised on the beautiful northern beaches in Sydney, Australia. She has settled in Canberra with her husband and children. A lifelong romance reader, she found the perfect genre to write when she discovered inspirational romance. Narelle's contemporary stories of faith and romance are set in Australia.

Narelle's latest release, The Bridesmaid's Hero, is available for a limited time in the Love Blossoms box set.

Happy Australia Day (and a book release plus giveaway)

By Narelle Atkins

Happy Australia Day! Today I'm celebrating our national holiday and the release of my eighth book. The Bridesmaid’s Hero is a contemporary Christian romance novella in my Snowgum Creek series. The story is set in a fictional town in the Snowy Mountains region of Australia.

Book Description:

Pastry chef Serena Blaxland isn’t staying in the small Australian town of Snowgum Creek. She’s there for her sister’s wedding, and to help out at the family B&B until her mother’s arm heals. Sparks fly when the handsome driver of their bridal car saves Serena from disrupting her sister’s perfect wedding day.

Harry Westmore’s dream of becoming an equine vet was put on hold when his father passed away. He’s working several jobs in his home town to pay his bills and prepare for his future career. He can’t stay away from the beautiful chef when he visits the B&B each day to look after her mother’s horses.

Serena’s home is in Canberra, where she has built a successful career. When Harry’s offered an opportunity too good to refuse, they must decide if their love and faith can overcome all obstacles.

The Bridesmaid’s Hero is a standalone novella and Book 1.5 in the Snowgum Creek series. It’s available in Kindle Unlimited and for 99 cents from Amazon Kindle.

Here’s a short excerpt from Chapter One:

Serena Blaxland leaned back into the soft leather rear seat of the white BMW hire car, her bare shoulders tense. Wedding planning had transformed Debbie, her easygoing older sister, into Bridezilla in her quest for a perfect day. She’d never forgive them if they kept her waiting.

The front door of their parents’ Snowgum Creek home remained open. Serena’s younger sister was inside the farm house. Why was it taking Gina so long to find a missing tube of lipstick? She’d been in there ten minutes already.

Serena fidgeted with the hem of her knee-length pale pink bridesmaid dress, her immaculate French manicure catching the early afternoon sunlight. Her nails had never looked this good, but the manicure failed to hold her interest.

The handsome driver of their hire car had captured her full attention.

He paced the length of the front veranda, his elegant suit accentuating his tall, muscular physique. Harry Westmore. The name suited him.

Harry returned to the car and crouched beside her open window, his fair hair ruffled and eyebrows drawn together. “The rest of the bridal party left fifteen minutes ago. Should I find out what’s holding up your sister?”

She shook her head, meeting his concerned gaze. “I’ll give her a few more minutes before I go inside and yell. Unlike Debbie, Gina has no concept of punctuality.”

“The bride was determined to leave on time.”

“That’s Debbie for you.”

His eyes, the color of the cloudless sky overhead, hinted at his impatience.

An idyllic September spring day, and they had a long drive ahead. The bride had left with her parents in a matching BMW. The chief bridesmaid had snubbed Serena and Gina by catching a ride to Sunny Ridge with her boyfriend in his luxury sports coupe. Debbie hadn’t been impressed by Crystal’s last-minute change of plans.

Gina flounced onto the veranda, slamming the front door behind her. Two inch heels didn’t slow her progress across the lawn. “I found it, finally.” She held the lipstick in the air as if it was a precious gem.

Serena let out a deep breath. If Harry drove the speed limit, they should make it on time to Sunny Ridge Community Church in the large town west of Snowgum Creek. Pre-wedding photos were scheduled in the adjoining park.

He opened the car door for Gina and she slid into her seat behind the driver, her skirt a tangled mess around her thighs.

Gina bit her lip. “I hate this skirt.”

“Be thankful it’s not floor length.”

“True, but I wish Debbie had asked what we thought before she chose our dresses.”

“It’s her wedding.”

“And don’t we know it.”

She let Gina’s comment slide. Her younger sister’s relationship with Debbie was fraught with issues, and Harry didn’t need to hear their complaints. He’d already witnessed Crystal’s emotional outburst. Debbie’s best friend had refused to travel to Sunny Ridge in the bridesmaids’ car.

Harry started the car, a quiet purr compared to the cough and splutter of Serena’s aging hatchback. “Ladies, are we ready?”

“Let’s go.” Gina buckled her seat belt. “I hope we won’t be late.”

Serena suppressed a groan. “Me too, because Debbie doesn’t need the extra stress. Harry, I’m ready.”

“Okay.” He maneuvered the luxury car over the cattle guard at the front entrance next to the prominent Blaxland B&B sign, onto a short dirt track leading to the main road. “We have enough time.”

“Oh, good.” Gina stashed her lipstick in her purse. “I’m already in Debbie’s bad books.”

Serena tightened her grip on the door handle. “What did you do this time?”

Read more in the sample at Amazon.com.

Kindle ebook giveaway of Love Blossoms box set:

My novella is part of the Love Blossoms box set, available for pre-order on Amazon Kindle. It’s releasing on January 28, 2016, and will be available in Kindle Unlimited.

To enter the giveaway, please leave a comment on this post and answer one of the following questions. If you're an Aussie: How are you celebrating Australia Day? If you live outside Australia: Which part of Australia would you like to visit?

I'll announce the winner in a comment on this post on February 1. Please leave an email address where you can be reached.

"Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws."

Introducing Anita Mae Draper with Giveaway

Please welcome Anita Mae Draper to our blog today. Anita Mae has a new novel out 15 Jan. Thanks Anita Mae for joining us today.

1. Can you tell us something interesting that readers may not know about you?

After retiring from a career in the Canadian Armed Forces, my husband and I ran a commercial greenhouse operation where we supplied a local grocery store chain with bedding plants. 

2. Do you get to read many books and if so do you have a favourite Genre?

I don’t read as much fiction as I used to, as research takes up a lot of my time, but when I reach for a book to feed my soul, it’s bound to be historical romance. 

3. Where did you get the idea for your current book?

Austen in Austin came about when the gals of the Inkwell Inspirations blog were commenting on Jane Austen’s books. Now, I have Jane Austen’s book collection at home, but historical westerns are my first love, so at one point in the conversation, I teased the others that the only way I’d read a Jane Austen book was if she rode on a horse carrying a rifle across on her lap. Suddenly, they all got excited about how fun it would be to take Jane Austen’s stories and set them down in historic Austin, TX. And that’s exactly what we did. (Jenny here now that sounds exciting as I have never read her books and don't really enjoy them but this sort of book sounds fun)

4. In your latest book did you learn any interesting titbits in your research?

Yes, my novella, Romantic Refinements, is second in Austen in Austin, and part of it takes place at the state fair. That involved researching midway rides and booths. I was most surprised that the belting which ran from the steam donkey to the carousel wasn’t protected in any way. I used that in one gripping scene to show my hero rescuing a child who may have died or been mangled because of this equipment. 

5. What does a typical writing day look like?

I try to start the day at 9 am with email, switch to social media, and then get to writing. After a lunch break, I’ll write until 5 pm. But some days are so full of promotion, or working on my website, etc, that I don’t get to write. And other days, I’m eager to get writing and don’t check email at all. I’m not a disciplined writer, to be sure. 

6. If you had one tip for aspiring writers what would it be?

Don’t let negative criticism take away your dream. People are cruel. Contests are subjective. Editors only buy what they can sell. If it’s your dream to be published, then don’t let anyone stop you. Keep learning and submitting. It may take a while, but it’s all in God’s timing.

7. What do you hope readers take out of your latest book?

That God wants to give us the desires of our heart, and all we have to do is wait for it.  

You can find Anita Mae on line at:

Website

www.hhhistory.com

www.inkwellinspirations.com

Discover four heroines in historical Austin, TX, as they find love--Jane Austen style. Volume 1 includes:

If I Loved You Less by Gina Welborn, based on Emma
A prideful matchmaker examines her own heart when her protégé falls for the wrong suitor.

Refinements by Anita Mae Draper, based on Sense and Sensibility
A misguided academy graduate spends the summer falling in love . . . twice.

One Word from You by Susanne Dietze, based on Pride and Prejudice
A down-on-her-luck journalist finds the story of her dreams, but her prejudice may cost her true love . . . and her career.

Alarmingly Charming by Debra E. Marvin, based on Northanger Abbey
A timid gothic dime-novel enthusiast tries to solve the mystery of a haunted cemetery and, even more shocking, why two equally charming suitors compete for her attentions.

Romantic Refinements in The Austen in Austin Collection - Release day - Jan 15! Available for Pre-Order Now

Refinements by Anita Mae Draper, based on Sense and Sensibility 
A misguided academy graduate spends the summer falling in love . . . twice. 

Romantic Refinements - Individual novella - Release Day - Jan 15! Available for Pre-Order Now

Anita Mae Draper is retired from the Canadian Armed Forces and lives on the prairie of southeast Saskatchewan, Canada with her hubby of 30 plus years and their youngest of 4 kids. She writes historical romance set in Canada and the United States.

Anita Mae has had 2 stories published in Guideposts Books A Cup of Christmas Cheer series. Volume 1 Tales of Faith and Family, Oct 2013, contains the Edwardian tale, Riding on a Christmas Wish, whereas Here We Come A-Wassailing, found in Volume 4 Heartwarming Tales of Christmas Present,  Oct 2014, contains a contemporary tale set in Divide County, North Dakota. 

Giveaway
Anita Mae has offered on person who comments on this post the chance to win a kindle copy of this book.  You need to make a comment more than just enter me or sounds good enter me. The giveaway is open to all who comment including members of this blog. The winner will be announced on this thread next Tuesday Jan 19th. 

My Top Ten Reads 2015 - Andrea Grigg

Oh, how I love reading! There are never enough hours in the day for it as far as I’m concerned. Here is my selection for this year, in no particular order. A couple of my choices might surprise you J

1.    Jaded – by Varina Denman

This is Varina’s first novel, and the first in the Mended Hearts series. It held me spellbound from beginning to end. Ruthie was shunned by the church as a child, but things change when she is attracted to the new preacher in town. A beautiful romance, not only between a man and a woman, but also between God and his church. (Read my review here)

2.    Justified – also by Varina Denman

This is the second in the Mended Hearts series and can be read as a stand alone. Unmarried and pregnant, Fawn is riddled with guilt and yearns for grace. The local football coach doesn’t judge her, and also treats her with respect. Is it possible Fawn’s broken dreams can be mended along with her heart? (Read my review here)

3.    Sway – by Amy Matayo

     This contemporary romance gripped me by the throat. (Read my review here) It still leaves me open-mouthed whenever I think of it! Kate and Caleb have an instant connection and it doesn’t take long for their relationship to intensify—only to discover it will never, ever, work. I was hooked from the first page

4.    London Tides – Carla Laureano

   

  This is the second book in the MacDonald Family Trilogy, Five Days in Skye is the first, but London Tides can be read as a stand alone. Photojournalist Grace returns to London hoping to reconnect with former fiancé, Ian. Ten years ago, he gave up everything for her, only to have her run out on him. Can their relationship be restored? (Read my review here)

5.    Love is the New Black – Cameron Semmens.

      A departure from the norm for me. Poetry isn’t usually my thing, but this book most definitely is. I will dip in and out of this one over and over.

      (Read my review here)

6. Inbetween (a Katie Parker Production, Book 1) – Jenny B Jones

     Another departure from the norm for me. Inbetween is a YA novel and I absolutely loved it! Katie Parker’s mother is in prison, her father is AWOL, and she gets sent to a squeaky clean family to live. I fell in love with the troubled Katie. She made me laugh, she made me cry, she made me want to take her home. NB: this book is free on Amazon.

7.    The Flower Arrangement ­– by Ella Griffin

Please note: This is a general market novel, and some language and scenes may offend. The reason I’m including it is that it is written from several characters' viewpoints, and yet the author has managed to write each of them in deep point of view. I loved the stories which all stem (pardon the pun) from  Blossom and Grow, a florist shop in Dublin, and all tie in together. With loads of fresh writing and original figurative language, The Flower Arrangement is a book I will read to improve my craft as well as for the enjoyment of the story.

8.    J J Smith’s 10 Day Green Smoothie Cleanse – by J.J.Smith

Told you there’d be a few different ones in here! My hairdresser recommended this to me and I have to say it’s changed my life! I lost a chunk of weight over the ten days (which I never do) and a month on I’ve kept it off. I’m also sleeping better and my energy levels have increased. The smoothies are delicious and varied and totally doable. I’ll be doing another detox in the New Year. As you do J

9.    This Quiet Sky (an historical novella) – Joanne Bischoff

     Oh my goodness. Talk about an emotional journey! This story is about 16-year-old Sarah Miller and Tucker O’Shay (a boy with a fatal illness) who becomes her algebra tutor. If this novella doesn’t choke you up I’ll be very, very surprised. This Quiet Sky is one of the most beautiful love stories I’ve ever read.

10. Just One Summer – box set

      Four award-winning authors: Nicole Deese, Tammy L Gray, Amy Matayo and Jenny B Jones. Four clean romances. It’s a win-win! Thoroughly enjoyable.

      

So there you go. Hope you enjoy one or two of these as much as I did. See you next year!

    

      About Andrea Grigg

      I am an author of two Christian contemporary romances: A Simple Mistake and Too Pretty, and I'm working on my third. My website is under reconstruction at the moment but you can contact me on Facebook or Twitter. I would love to hear from you!