My tree is up and decorated to not clash with the scarecrows and turkeys on the piano.
My house is mostly clean--except the bathrooms which I will tackle head-on first thing Wednesday.
My fridge (both in the kitchen and in the garage) is full of good food ready to be prepared.
Dinner is planned, people invited, time set, and the turkey is out to thaw before brining.
The launch party plans are coming along nicely, and the promotional items ordered.
I have officially passed the 50,000 word mark on my National Novel Writing Month project, though I'm still hard at work aiming for the two magic words, the end.
During the month of November, I've had very little sleep, my house has been a wreck (until this week) and I didn't actually go to the grocery store until we had absolutely no food for the kids to eat. But I started a new book, which is now close to finished, I edited my other book and sent it to press. The launch is scheduled, along with some signings, and Thanksgiving, the day of eating, being thankful, and strategy planning, is in one day. Friday? We shop. Heaven help us! And yes, I'll be bringing my notebook to pass the time waiting in line.
In case you see me, notebook balanced on a cart overloaded with stuff, trying to write sideways with a pen that keeps running out of ink, don't try to talk to me--I'll be writing!
Today I’m hanging out with my good friend Heather Justesen, author of new release, The Ball’s In Her Court. Heather has graciously agreed to answer my questions of the year and give us some insight into the life of a soon-to-be bestselling author.
NG: Hi Heather thanks for taking the time to share with us. We’re so excited to learn more about you. So, getting straight to the point, what’s your favorite flavor of ice cream? Today, my new favorite is Ben and Jerry’s Key Lime Pie.
HJ: Farr's Brownies on the Moon is my all-time favorite. Chocolate ice cream with brownie chunks swirled with marshmallow--it's so yum!
NG: Yeah, that does sound good. I haven’t had that one, but maybe I should try it. Might be a good one to eat while reading. Speaking of reading, who is your current favorite author? (Besides yourself or me, since everyone already knows we’re both awesome.)
HJ: I keep getting this question, and I simply don't have an answer. There are so many writers I totally love and have to read everything they write. Can I pick three with the understanding that they are on the not-so-short list with a bunch of others? Josi Kilpack, of course, and I really love Joyce DiPastena's historical romances. And I think Stephanie Fowers has some of the funniest books around. Do I have to stop at three?
NG: Probably best, yeah.
HJ: I do? Fine, if you insist.
NG: Thanks. That way we can move on and get to the next question, which is what’s your most favorite thing to do when you’re not writing?
HJ: You mean besides reading, right? Lately I've totally loved decorating cakes and cupcakes. I've spent hours online looking at them to come up with ideas even when I don't have anything that needs to be made. I'm currently rubbing my hands together with glee over the plans my sister and I have made for my mom's birthday cake--just because it'll be different than anything I've done yet.
Snuggling down with my husband to watch 'Chuck' is a pretty close second.
NG: I’ve seen some of your amazing cakes, and I have to agree, you’re extremely talented in that area as well. I bow to your cake decorating skills. Hey, maybe I’ll talk you into making my son a cake for his 16th birthday…
HJ: *staring with raised eyebrows.*
NG: Moving on. If you were an animal, what kind would you be and why?
HJ: This one could take some thinking. You know my love for birds, but I've always had this thing for whales too.... A flying fish? =)
NG: Yeah, well, you have to be a bird lover to own as much poultry as you do. And actually, I’ve heard of flying fish. I think they really exist. Or if not, I’ll write them into my next fantasy novel, just for you.
And speaking of fish and oceans, does your preference for flying fish mean you prefer pearls? Or are you more of a diamond girl?
HJ: You're making me think here. Even though I totally love the glitter of diamonds, I couldn't wear a necklace wreathed with them without feeling self-conscious. My pearls on the other hand, I wear all the time. Oh, and pearls do fit into my budget a LOT better.
NG: Both very good points. And really, we shouldn’t have to choose, right? Okay, so last question and then I’ll send you on your way to your next book signing. Name one or two power snacks that keep you going as you write.
HJ: Cupcakes! Actually, I don't have anything special I snack on while I write--it's hard to eat and keep both hands on the keyboard! But I've been tempted into removing one hand on many occasions by a variety of treats--most of them with chocolate as a major ingredient.
NG: I think chocolate is a side effect of creativity. Either that or it’s just really good. Heather, thanks so much for the visit, and a glimpse into your mind and what makes a romance author tick.
HJ: Thanks for the interview--it was fun!
To buy your copy of The Ball’s In Her Court, click here.
To learn more about Heather Justesen and her work, click here.
Micah Connors promised his mother he would be good in their new town. But with Christmas only three days away, being escorted home by the sheriff does not bode well. Can the towering officer be trusted not to tell what happened? Perhaps the ramshackle stable that has appeared on Main Street will sidetrack him from spilling the day’s events — or maybe his interest in Micah’s widowed mother will do the trick.
The last thing Dawn Connors needs is to hear her son is in trouble. She has enough to worry about with her husband gone and her daughter, Annie, ill. Even though Micah has told his sister the rustic structure in the middle of town is simply part of the town’s holiday decorations, Annie is sure that unseen angels are building the crude stable — which means baby Jesus is coming, and he can make her better.
Terrified that his little sister might die, Micah vows to find the baby Jesus for Annie, even if it is only a plastic doll. But as Micah gets nearer to his goal he finds angels are closer than he ever would have believed.
My Take:
In a market that has become saturated with holiday books, I think it must be hard for an author to create a story that stands out and becomes a new family favorite. When I was first asked to review this book, I hesitated, knowing that since I started writing I’ve become increasingly more difficult to please when it comes to books, especially when it comes to technical mistakes in writing.
I thought An Angel on Main Street was a cute story. I liked the built in character flaws, and the conflict in having Annie be so sick, and Micah’s mom feeling the pressure of single parent. My favorite character was actually the Sheriff. I love that in this story, the town cop is a good guy. (Imagine that!) Also, you can really feel a strong family tie between Micah, Annie, and their mother.
The story itself is one of those feel-good types, where you come away feeling better than you did when you started reading. That’s always an important quality in a book.
My Nitpicks:
As I mentioned before, I’m one of those readers who doesn’t have a lot of tolerance for technical issues. That meaning there were minor things I wish had been researched, finished off, or left out altogether. Mostly, I wish this story had been fleshed out farther. There was an opportunity here for Peterson to draw the reader in and get us really invested in characters other than the viewpoint character, Micah, and I was sad to not see more of those other characters and know how their stories end. Also, I would’ve liked to see more of a conclusion at the end. There were a few questions left in my mind I would have liked to have had answered.
Technicalities aside, I enjoyed this book. Would I give it away as a gift? Probably. It’s short enough to not have time to drag in the middle, thin enough to be sold at a great price, and has a nice message. Plus, as I mentioned above, the Sheriff in the story is a good, caring, genuinely concerned guy. A human, if you will. (Don’t you ever get sick of reading about cops who are painted as robots with no feelings?)
To buy your copy of An Angel on Main Street, click here.
For information about Kathi Oram Peterson’s An Angel in My Life Contest, click here.
*The author of this blog received a free signed copy of this book, but once again has not allowed that to color my review. Seriously, whoever made up the disclaimer law ought to try reviewing books sometime.
Before stomping in the house and yelling at the kids for leaving a pool of water in the garage, first notice parked in the driveway, the shiny, clean truck with fewer little fingerprints on the windows. Surprise, Mom!
I so totally should be writing on my work in progress right this minute, but I have to take a moment to share the good news.
Mormon Mishaps and Mischief has a cover! Isn't it pretty?
It goes to press on Monday the 16th. Yahoo! This means you can find it in stores sometime in mid-December. And if you really want a few copies (this book really does make a great gift) you can come buy them at our launch party.And of course, Cindy and I--and probably a few of our contributors--will be signing.
Here are the details:
December 9th
6:00 pm-9:00 pm
Barnes and Noble University Crossings Plaza
330 East 1300 South, Orem, UT 84058
Put that date on your calendars, Utah County people, because I want to see you all there. I give you my personal promise that it will be a way fun shindig.
In other news, last week I held a contest giving away a Twilight inspired scent by Custom Scents Online. These scents are so fun, and there are lots to choose from, so check them out. Remember, it's the season of giving and a Twilight inspired scent would make an excellent gift for the Twilight lover in your life. Or the spouse or significant other of the Twilight lover in your life. Either way, you can't go wrong, right?
And the winner is...
Carolyn V.
Wahoo, clap, clap, clap, clap, cheer, cheer, cheer, clap, clap, dance, sing, clap, cheer. Carolyn, email me your snail mail address and choice of fragrance so I can forward it to Custom Scents and they will get your one ounce dram in the mail.
Okay, back to your regularly scheduled blog reading.
I have a confession. I read Heather’s books out of order. “What?” you say, “Heather Justesen only has one book on store shelves at the moment.” True. Very true. However, Heather just happens to be in my critique group. At the time we started our fab group, she’d already finished The Ball’s In Her Court. Suffice it to say, the first real taste I ever had of Heather’s incredible, romantic writing style was on the sequel to The Ball’s In Her Court. Don’t worry, though. No spoilers here!
The downside to reading books out of order, is that you often know the outcome of the first book—or at least which characters survive or end up together—before you start reading it. So, when I first opened the cover of The Ball’s In Her Court, it was with a preconceived notion of who these characters were. Boy was I ever wrong. This book had me biting my lip and clutching the edge of my seat the whole time. I had no idea all this angst and drama had come before book two! (Thanks for holding out on me, Heather.) Okay, so it’s not really a suspense, but sometimes in romance, the suspense of what will happen next is liable to destroy a woman. You romance fans probably know what I mean.
Here’s the blurb:
She's got a great job, a loving group of family and friends and basketball skills like you wouldn't believe, but Denise DeWalt's life is far from perfect, and she's about to come face-to-face with a past she hoped to leave behind forever.
Twenty-six-year-old Denise thinks she's come to terms with her childhood in the foster care system, but when her old nightmares return, Denise realizes that she must deal with her past once and for all if she ever wants to move on to a brighter future with Rich, the only man who can see past her former life. As Denise's search leads her closer and closer to the one person she hoped she'd never have to face again, she begins to realize that her future depends on just one person--herself.
This emotional and inspirational love story proves that life is full of unexpected twists and turns--especially when it comes to facing your demons, fighting for love, and finding happiness for the future.
My take:
Make sure you have a tissue handy, because when Denise DeWalt faces her demons, they’re the big, scary, ugly types that actually bite. Well, okay, so not literally in this book, but you know what I mean. This poor woman has a lot of serious issues to get through and Heather has done a fantastic job of injecting the emotional heartache and physical pain that come from a troubled childhood. Her experience in working with the foster care system in her home state shines through, and combines with her profound understanding of the angst neglected children often face to give the rest of us a small glimpse into the heart of human nature, and shows us what it takes for a young person to overcome obstacles of such massive proportion.
Not to mention her technical knowledge of the mechanics of writing is stellar.
Don’t worry, though, my romance reader friends, as I’ve previously mentioned—a few times—I would never deem to call a love story with a sad ending a romance. And this book is definitely a romance.
In fact, thanks to Heather’s innate ability to write love scenes, our critique group women have a poll going as to which love interest—in all her many books—is a better kisser. (I’m not going to tell you who is winning, though. You’re going to have to read all her books to find out!) However, in case you’re worried, all of Heather’s books are designated “Sweet Romances” meaning you there are no blush-creating scenes, or love scenes that make you want to skip a page or two. They’re completely clean, and thoroughly romantic.
Also, another bit of good news for you author addicts. Heather has another book—yes, kids, the sequel to this one, currently titled, Rebound—being released this summer. She’s on a role, I tell ya!
This book is a must read for the romance lover in your life—including and especially you. Also, keep it in mind as a wonderful holiday gift idea. Let’s face it; you can’t go wrong by giving the person you love a little touch of romance.
To order an autographed copy of The Ball’s In Her Court, limited time only, click here.
To read the first chapter of The Ball's In Her Courtclick here.
To learn more about the author click here or here.
Also, be sure to check Heather's blog on or around November 11th to find out about some fun giveaways she'll be sponsoring.
Oh, I almost forgot. In case you aren’t already sold on this book, take a look at the book trailer.
**The author of this review did, in fact, receive a free, signed copy of this book. However, it was personally handed to me by the author, not because I promised a review, but rather because she would’ve given me one anyway—just as I will give her a free copy of mine when it’s released. That’s what friends do. However, as mentioned in previous book reviews, neither my friendship with the author, nor the free book, had anything to do with the overall outcome of my review. I’ve promised my readers that I will never lie to them and give a glowing review to a book that doesn’t deserve it. And I intend to keep that promise.
Okay, since the holidays are heading toward us at full speed, I figure I'll highlight a few great books that make nice gifts for the readers in your life. Today's spotlight will fall on Altared Plans by Rebecca Talley.
Lucky day, my friend Danyelle is giving away a copy of this very book on her blog this week. Check out her blog and get signed up to win.
Also, Rebecca's having a contest here, and giving away a $20 Amazon gift card, so you might want to check it out.
Here's the trailer:
You can find Altared Plans in your local bookstore, or by clicking here.
**Author of this blog has in fact read this book, but does not actually own it, since I borrowed a friend's copy in order to do a review a few months back. As far as compensation goes, the author is always very gracious about sending thank you notes. Does that count?
Do you want to learn more about a specific blog or suggest a completely new blog topic? Have a book, movie, magazine, or product you'd like reviewed? Feel free to leave a comment in the comment trail--I read them religiously. Or email me (no junk mail please) at writenichole@gmail.com.
