Grandma's Wedding Quilts: Monica's Mystery By Kate Cambridge-Day 5 Book Blitz and Giveaway

Kate Cambridge is an emerging author of Sweet Historical Romance and Sweet Contemporary Romance. She is a hopeless romantic, strong supporter of women's rights, and loves to create stories that inspire, and characters who seem real long after "The End."

Visit KateCambridge.com for more information, or KateCambridge.com/Choice to join the Choice Readers group for special launch-day pricing, contest, and more. Be one of the first to know what happens next...

Kate loves to connect with readers!

Connect with the Author here: 

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Monica has to leave home, fast. Her parents are planning to marry her off and although all her friends are marrying, that is definitely not what she wants. She’s seventeen, an amateur sleuth, and sees no reason why she can’t join the ranks of the local lawman, or even become a Texas Ranger, should she choose! 

What will happen when she visits her best friend in Texas, only to find herself face-to-face with a handsome Texas Ranger, and knee-deep in territory she has no idea how to navigate?

  

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Interview With The Author

1.     Tell us about things you enjoy – what you do for fun or personal satisfaction besides writing? (Covered in my top 10 favorite things, I think. If you need more let me know!

2.     When did you first realize you were an author?  My freshman year of high school my Literature teacher told me I had a gift for writing, it was a day I will never forget.

3.     Have you done anything writing-related, but besides actually writing your books, that seemed to get a lot of positive response? Something that encouraged you?  Yes, after college I worked for a temp company as a way to get to know some of the local companies. One of my short-term jobs was to cover for an assistant who was away on vacation, and the department manager asked me to write a letter to a Congressman with a summary of what it should cover. I wrote the letter, and the next thing I knew he brought the Vice President to meet me and they asked me to work for them full-time in government affairs – and so I did! That was the beginning of a 13-year career with that company.

4.     What is the thing you struggle with the most while writing? And how do you defeat it?  I struggle with outlining stories – they just come to me and that’s how I prefer to write – but sometimes I write myself into a corner and I’m not sure what direction to take. A friend recommended “Anatomy of a Premise Line” by Jeff Lyons and it has been immensely helpful! I tend to defeat the challenges I face by learning a new skill or approach to overcome it.

5.     What is the “message” of your writing?  Most of my historical romance books focus on the Suffragette Movement, and to some degree sweet contemporary romances always feature a modern-day Suffragette. I LOVE that women can vote, run a business, and share equal footing with me – I hope we never lose sight of how precious this is.

6.     What are your thoughts/feelings on ebook vs print book?  I like both, and try to publish my books (if they are long enough) in both ebook and print format.

7.     How many books do you have out? Are you planning a specific number altogether, either in this series or separately?  I have 2 books in this series and am writing a 3^rd. I wrote The Prequel to the series, and readers asked for another book to answer some of their unanswered questions. I’m hopeful that will be ready to publish by Mother’s Day at the latest.  In total, I have 9 books published currently with 6 more planned for 2017!

8.     Are your characters/stores/scenes, etc. based on anything in real life?  I tend to create characters that have personality traits and beliefs similar to friends and family members. They are definitely not exact, but most of them contain something that reminds me of someone I love.

9.     What are your future projects? I have a “short reads” book planned with several of the Grandma’s Wedding Quilts authors, a sweet contemporary planned with another group of well-known authors, a secret project planned for late summer, and hope to complete the “Suffragette Choice Brides” series by the end of 2017, “Lydia”, “Susan”, and “Lucy”.

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Grandma's Wedding Quilts: By Amelia C. Adams-Day 4 Book Blitz and Giveaway

Amelia C. Adams has lived many lifetimes, and is currently enjoying this stretch as the author of sweet and clean Western romance. She is the author of the Kansas Crossroads series, the Nurses of New York series, and contributed two books to the American Mail-Order Brides series - with ideas for many more. You can learn more about her and her books on her website.  

Connect with the Author here: 

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The summer Meredith turned eighteen was filled with romance and laughter - two young men sought her hand, and she chose the one she thought would make her the happiest. He certainly was the most handsome, and the wealthiest, and could offer her the most pleasant life. But that turned out to be a mistake . . . one she would regret for a very long time.

In a strange twist of fate, now she's being given a chance to set things right. Will she be able to live down her past, or will her foolishness keep coming back to haunt her and keep her from ever being happy with the man she loves?

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Author Interview:

1. When I was growing up ... I loved to make things out of paper. Little houses, dolls, books … I’ve always been in love with paper. 
2. I once ... wore a plastic alligator nose in public. Because it was fun. 
3. Readers would be surprised to know I ... never even dreamed of writing Westerns. I’ve done historical fiction, but Westerns had never crossed my radar until Kirsten Osbourne suggested I give it a try. And now this novella is my 25th Western release!
4. Every day I ... check my emails before I do anything else. It’s like my brain can’t function otherwise. 
5. I like to ... take really long naps during the day because I don’t sleep well at night. I think I must be a vampire. The kind that doesn’t drink blood. 
6. I have always wanted to ... be a singer. Sadly, that’s not a talent I have. 
7. I will never forget ... marrying the love of my life back in 1995. And he’s even more handsome now than he was back then. 
8. The best thing about writing is ... I can make anything in the world happen. Oh, and I also love the surprises when the characters take over and tell me what *really* happened. 
9. When I am not writing, I like to ... think about writing! And also watch movies. And take naps. 
10. I am working on … I have several more planned in the Kansas Crossroads series, and River’s End Ranch is going strong. I have about four more books planned for the Hearts of Nashville series, plus a secret series that hasn’t been announced yet … kind of crazy, huh? 

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Grandma's Wedding Quilts: Jesse's Bargain by Kay P. Dawson-Day 3 Book Blitz and Giveaway

I am a stay at home mom, who loves to read and write clean historical romance. I enjoy thinking back to a simpler time, a time when men and women were true heroes. I also believe that a good romance can be told without needing to know all of the details;)

All of my stories will tell of people who find true love, and who find their happy ever after. Sometimes the road might be rocky, but that makes it all worthwhile!

Connect with the Author here: 

~ Website ~ Facebook ~ 
~ Amazon ~ Twitter ~

Kay also has a fun FB group just for fans - you have to request to join, so send your request to https://www.facebook.com/groups/kaypdawsonfans/

Join us for some fun discussions, great contests and special offers just for fans of Kay P. Dawson.

**Get a free book by signing up for the mailing list at http://www.kaypdawson.com/p/newsletter.html

Cora left England for a new life in America as a mail order bride - only to find the man she’s come to marry has been killed in a gunfight. She has a sister in Kansas, but how can she get there?

Jesse needs this job driving cattle to Kansas so he can marry the woman who’s given him an ultimatum - buy land and settle down, or she’ll marry someone who will.

But, his cook’s been killed in the same gunfight, leaving him without anyone to drive the chuckwagon. His right hand man, an old cowboy with a soft heart, has a solution for both Cora and Jesse - one he might not like.

Dressed as a boy, Cora heads off with a team of cowboys, led by a man who isn’t happy about her being there. Kansas is a long way away…and a lot can happen before they get there.

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Interview With The Author:

1  Tell us about things you enjoy — what you do for fun or personal satisfaction besides writing?

I love to read, go camping, and basically just spend time with my family. 

2  When did you first realize you were an author?

I never really felt like an author until I had about 3 books out, and people were actually contacting me to say they enjoyed my writing and hoped I’d be writing more.  Then I had actual fans join me in my FB fan group, and they helped me to realize that I was really an author.  It still took me a long time to be able to even say it though when people asked what I do.

3  Have you done anything writing-related, but besides actually writing your books, that seemed to get a lot of positive response? Something that encouraged you?

I ran an Oregon Trail contest to launch one of my books, Phoebe’s Promise.  It had an interactive map that took the readers along the Oregon Trail, with points of interest and information about the places we were going.  The contest ran before the book was even released, and everyone had so much fun with it. I got to know a lot of my fans through that contest.

4  What is the thing you struggle with the most while writing? And how do you defeat it?

This is an easy one to answer.  Trying to find the time away from the constant every day distractions to write.  Because I have kids in school, I can’t just turn my phone off in case there is an emergency.  So, even if I screen the calls and not answer unless it’s important, things like that still distract from writing.  Between phone calls, emails from people who need something immediately, and other little things throughout the day – I sometimes won’t get a chance to write a word until everyone else has gone to bed.  Then even though I’m exhausted, that’s the only time I might get to write.

5  What is the “message” of your writing? (For example, is your purpose to encourage old-fashioned values, encourage romance, or do you have different purposes in different books?)

I believe a romance can be told without any of the extra details.  To me, a story should be based on the relationship, and the love should be able to be felt between the characters without needing sex to show it.  Anything like that can be kept behind closed doors, while the reader gets to feel the emotion and the other aspects of the story to move it along.

6  What are your thoughts/feelings on ebook vs. print book?

I love my Kindle, but I still love print books too.  There is still something about holding that book in your hands.  I always try to offer both versions for my readers.

7  How many books do you have out?  Are you planning a specific number altogether, either in this series or separately?

I have 10 books—3 series, with 3 books in each, plus the book for the Grandma’s Wedding Quilts series.   I also have a prequel out for a new western time travel series that is in the works, plus a couple other short stories.

8  Are your characters/stories/scenes, etc. based on anything in real life?

I sometimes will model characters after people I know.  My character in Phoebe’s Promise was named after my great aunt who loved my books and was a big supporter of my writing.  She passed away before I finished the book.  The scruffy dog in Maggie’s Gift was based on my own little Maggie who is always sitting at my feet while I write.  I also based the town Bethany after the small little village my grandparents lived in and where I spent a lot of time growing up.

What are your future projects?

At the moment, I am working on a couple multi-author series that will be coming out over the next few weeks.  The first one is a western time travel.  That one has 4 authors each writing 3 books for the series.  It’s all based around a couple of matchmakers in different times who work together to help people find love.  The next series is a contemporary romance series with 4 other authors.  I might be able to squeeze some of my own series in there too J

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Disney's Beauty and the Beast (2017)-My Movie Review

I just returned from seeing the highly anticipated Disney's live action Beauty and the Beast movie. Altogether the whole experience was amazing! From the very beginning when a red rose appears filling the screen, you realize that this is not going to be the same animated Beauty and the Beast from the 90's. I put everything I'd read and heard from others across the Internet away in a corner and opened my mind and heart to the gloriousness of this new movie.

The early released pictures and trailers don't do justice to the actual movie and the amazing sets, costumes, and music. You are quickly taken in as Belle starts her early morning trek through the provincial French town as you delight in the chorus of "Bonjour!" and the singing of "Belle". This was the moment the chills started and never stopped.

The cast is so enchanting, as they should be in this classic story, and were perfect in each of their roles whether in their human forms or as household objects.Emma Watson was cast perfectly as Belle, and plays her role well as an intelligent, and unassuming bookworm who dreams of "more" in her life. I was very impressed with so many of the cast's rich, singing voices, Josh Gad as LeFou, Ewan McGregor as Lumiere and especially Luke Evans who plays Gaston. I loved hearing the original music with a twist and the fabulous and haunting new songs, "Days in the Sun", "Evermore" and  "How Does a Moment Last Forever" written by award-winning Alan Menken,Tim Rice and the originals with the late Howard Ashman. 

Dan Stevens also gets a nod singing his solo, Evermore, considering he learned to sing for this role. That was a song and performance packed with emotion!  

 Of course, you could nitpick about certain things not being like the animated version, but the CGI is done well enough to keep you immersed in the story unfolding in front of you on the big screen. I especially loved the duo of Cogsworth, played by the classic actor Ian McKellen, and Lumiere who played off of each other so well.

As the time drew nearer for the dance scene in the ballroom, I couldn't help but let the fears creep in that it wouldn't have the same magic felt in the animated version. Happily, I was very wrong and my fears were put to rest as Emma Thompson, Mrs. Potts, starts singing the classic song of "Beauty and the Beast" In fact, as I sat there in the darkened theater watching Belle and Beast dance around the ballroom and realize what is growing between them, I felt the tears start sliding down my cheeks, and unashamedly I didn't wipe them away. Also, her gown is more beautiful on screen, with a silky, satin finish, gold leafs and glitter.

 There was only one glitch for me that threw me out of the story and that was when the Beast shows Belle his library. I was disappointed at her reaction of not being more in awe of the magnificent and immense collection of books. Granted, this opinion is coming from a certified bibliophile who'd have been jumping up and down with excitement at seeing all of those books. Her mouth should have at least been hanging open with more reverence and admiration for what the beast was showing her. I know,nit-picky, but...BOOKS, and lots of them! My daughter did remind me that she reacted after the Beast left her there alone, but not enough for me.

In the last thirty minutes of the movie we see the true nature of each character coming forth, Gaston as the blood thirsty villain, the Beast as the reformed self-sacrificing hero, Belle as the young woman who finds love and looks beyond her own dreams and needs, and LeFou finally being true to himself and not mindlessly following the town bully. Kudos also to Kevin Kline who plays the part of Maurice, Belle's father, as a more dignified, less-looney and loving father. He is an amazing actor!

For those that staunchly love the animated 1991 version of Beauty and the Beast must give this live action version a try. This grand, live version will bring back the fascination of the story and charm it's way into your heart.

***Note: Do yourself a favor and experience the magic a little longer at the end of the film as you listen to the brilliant Celine Dion sing "How Does a Moment Last Forever" as the cast members are shown once more in their human forms. It's a great way to end your time at the theater.

{Me and my kids after the movie.}

Grandma's Wedding Quilts: Kizzie's Kisses by Zina Abbott-Day 2 Book Blitz and Giveaway

Zina Abbott is the pen name used by Robyn Echols for her historical romances. Robyn currently lives with her husband in California, USA, near the “Gateway to Yosemite.” 

She is a member of Women Writing the West, and American Night Writers Association. She enjoys any kind of history including family history. 

When she is not piecing together novel plots, she pieces together quilt blocks.

  

Connect with the Author here: 

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Running from hostile Indians attacking Salina, Kansas in 1862, feisty Kizzie Atwell, Grandma Mary’s oldest grandchild, runs into freighter Leander Jones traveling the Smoky Hill Trail. He is as interested in her as his stallion is in her mare. The two join forces to prevent the Fort Riley Army captain from requisitioning their beloved horses for the cavalry. Avoiding bushwhackers and fighting off a thieving bullwhacker binds their bargain.

In 1865, at the victory dance held at Fort Riley to celebrate the end of the Civil War, Kizzie is asked to participate in a fund-raiser to aid the Sanitary Commission helping injured and sick soldiers. It involves chaste sweetheart kisses in exchange for tickets purchased by officers and guests. As a contract freighter for the Army, Leander is invited. Much to Leander’s chagrin, before his chance to claim his kiss, Kizzie’s uncle steps in and puts an end to the kissing game.

Is Leander out of luck, or will the bargain Kizzie and Leander made three years earlier to save their horses lead to a more romantic bargain sealed with a kiss?

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    Q&A With The Author:

1.  Describe yourself in 50 words or less.

          Auburn hair (although one motor vehicles clerk listed me as “bald”) and hazel eyes, too heavy, love to sit too much, love to read, write and quilt—while sitting too much.

2. What do you love most in the world?

I love my faith, my church and my family.

3. What do you fear most?

          Not getting everything done in life I should do. I know I won’t get everything done in life I want to do.

4. What is your largest unfulfilled dream, and what are you doing to reach it?

My largest unfulfilled dream is to be slender. After numerous unsuccessful attempts to achieve this goal, I am working on being satisfied with being healthy and occasionally finding clothes that fit well.

5. What is the hardest thing you've ever done?

          Watch some of my children make mistakes and know I must let them live their own lives.

6. Now that we've gotten to know each other, tell me a story. It can be long or short. From your childhood or last week. Funny, sad, or somewhere in between. Just make sure it's yours. What's your story?

          In my high school senior class play I played the role of the snotty business woman trying to steal the hero from the sweetheart heroine. For my costume, I brought a knit dress from home that was modest enough, but by the time the make-up artist plastered tons of goop on my face and the costume manager stuffed about three rolls of toilet paper in my bra so I would have the right appearance when I walked out on stage under the floodlights, I looked the part on steroids.

          After the play, the cast and crew went to a local pizza parlor to celebrate. Shortly after we sat around a table, about three young men I didn’t know with wide grins on their faces dragged their chairs around our table and began to hit on me. At first I was puzzled. I wasn’t used to drawing that kind of attention. Then I realized we were all still in costume and off-stage and up close, I looked like a hooker.

          I stood up, said good-by to my friends, and I was outta there.     

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