Guest Post: Lauren’s Top Five Tips on How to Have the Perfect Fourth of July & Lauren has a giveaway as well!!!

Lauren Hauser, from How to Bake the Perfect Apple Pie, is here to share her top five tips for the perfect Fourth of July.

One: Bake an apple pie, after all what says the Fourth of July more than a delicious apple pie?

Two: The Fourth of July is the perfect opportunity for getting together with your friends and family and enjoying the holiday.

Three: Food…in order to have the perfect holiday with your friends and family you’ve got to have lots of tasty food…and don’t forget to have that apple pie!
 

Four: Play some games while you let your food settle…but just remember not to get too intense,

when playing Cards Against Humanity or Trivial Pursuit…keep it light.

Five: The perfect way to spend the last moments of the Fourth of July are watching a gorgeous display of fireworks.

Happy Fourth of July!
~Lauren
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Love at First Flight Book Review and Giveaway!!!!

SUMMARY
Looking back on it now, I can see it was instant. The second we locked eyes. Boom. Just like that. The me I had spent a lifetime perfecting began its disintegration from that moment. And despite the carnage it brought to all our lives, I still don't regret it.

What would you risk to be with the love of your life? And what if your soul mate is the one who will destroy you?

Mel is living the dream. She's a successful GP, married to a charming anaesthetist and raising a beautiful family in their plush home in Perth. But when she boards a flight to Melbourne, she meets Matt and her picture perfect Stepford life unravels as she falls in love for the first time ever.

What begins as a flirty conversation between strangers quickly develops into a hot and obsessive affair with disastrous consequences neither Mel nor Matt could have ever seen coming. Mel's dream life turns into her worst nightmare.

Love at First Flight will take everything you believe about what true love is and spin it on its head.

MY REVIEW 
Wow, where do I begin?
These two individuals seemed to have the perfect lives.  Matt a Physio and Mel a GP.  Mel is married and has two great teenagers.  Matt is engaged to Lydia and is trying to constantly make her happy.  

They get to talking on a flight one morning and the talking turns quite flirtatious.  Matt seems to be the one that keeps pushing for more and more while Mel has to keep reminding him (and herself) that she is married and that this "situation" can't work.  

While Mel makes a trip to the ladies room, Matt slips his number into her book and hopes that she may happen upon one day and call him.  

Mel begins thinking about her relationship with Adam and how he and Matt are completely different.  She is sidetracked as she meets up with Sarah but can't bring herself to tell her what just took placed.  That's when things start to happen - Mel locates Matt's office and sees his partner Tom.  She continues to question herself, what is she doing?  She's a married women!

As the story progresses Mel explains to Sarah that she's not happy, she wants more.  Sarah thinks that she's ruining her life and I would have to agree with her!  What is she thinking?

The she finds the surprise in her book and she decides to use it...

Her life will never be the same and she may have just ruined her life for good...her marriage...her children's lives...

From Matt's perspective, he's starting to see his fiance as boring, less in common then previously imagined and his friend thinks he's being absurd.

Steamy twists and turns are ahead from beginning to end...you won't know what will happen till you reach the very end.

What will happen to Mel's marriage?  To Matt's engagement?  A must read for your TBR pile this summer!

WINE SELECTION 
To pair with this affair, I would chose a dark red, dry wine.  It seems to fit the book perfectly.

MY RATING
I would give this affair to remember 4 - a very thought provoking read and it kept me turning the pages!

GIVEAWAY

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Q & A with Gail Ward Olmsted, author of Guessing at Normal

On this slightly overcast Tuesday afternoon, I have the honor of interviewing Gail Ward Olmsted!  She is the author of a Rock and Roll love story, Guessing at Normal. 

Another book written by Gail:

Gail thank you so much for taking some time to sit down with me!  I am so excited to interview you for my new blog, One Book At A Time!  Welcome!
I would love to begin by asking what made you decide to become a writer? Was there an aha moment? A special event in your life? 
A family trip to Sedona, AZ inspired me to write my first novel- JEEP TOUR. Although I always knew I would eventually get around to finishing a novel, it wasn’t until I spent time among the beautiful red rocks and blue skies, that I began to imagine just how easy it would be to chuck everything and start over in a place like that. I began to hear the main character Jackie’s voice in my head and I knew I had to start writing.

Guessing at Normal, a Rock and Roll Romance, where did you come up with the concept?  
I love how it’s not perfect by any means, they truly have struggles. Was it modeled after anyone in particular? I worked nights at a motel during my college years and I learned a lot standing behind the front desk. It was a great place to people watch!! If I didn’t have the drive to finish my education, I imagine it would have been pretty easy to fall under the spell of a larger than life rock star. Jill is a more naïve and less motivated girl than I was and James is a combination of every bad boy, hard partying rock and roller that I ever crushed on. And there were a lot!!
 


I see that you have a sequel in the works for Jeep Tour coming out soon, I can’t wait to read it! Do you have any other ideas or series in mind for future books? 
I am so in love with my JEEP TOUR sequel, which will be based in Ireland! It’s hard to imagine what will happen after that, but I can only assume that there’s another ‘romance with a starting over theme’ waiting to be written!!
 
Gail, when you’re not writing, what do you enjoy doing? 
I love to read, and travel, and read when I travel! Time with my girlfriends is very important as well and my husband and I enjoy boating whenever we can. 

Lastly, my readers would love to know more about you - college? Job? Children?  
I am a college marketing professor. I have taught for nearly 20 years, following a career in marketing in the telecommunications industry. My husband and I have been married for 31 years- we have a daughter Hayley who is 22 and a son Conor, who is 21, and three feline fur-babies- Ricky, Hope & Chloe.
 
Gail, THANK YOU so much for visiting One Book At A Time this afternoon!  I had an fun time chatting with you and helping your readers learn more about the woman behind the books!  I look forward to hearing more details about your next book when they are available!  You will have to stop by and talk some more!

You can find Gail at the following links:
Amazon
Facebook 
Twitter

HAVE AN AMAZING WEEK FRIENDS!!!

BETHANY CLARK

Game of Scones

SUMMARY
 A story of icing and flour…and how love doesn’t always go to plan!

Growing up, Pippa Pattinson’s summers were spent in the idyllic Greek island fishing village of Taxos. There she spent many long hazy days determinedly ignoring thoughts of the life her parents had mapped out for her (a dreary-but-secure banking job and obligatory sensible husband!) Instead she daydreamed of running her own tea shop – serving the perfect scones –with mocha-eyed childhood friend Niko by her side…

Arriving back in Taxos for the first time in years, with suave boyfriend Henrik, Pippa barely recognizes the tired little town – but is relieved to catch glimpses of the quaint, charming village she’s always loved. Together Niko and Pippa put together a proposal to save Taxos from tourist-tastic ruin, and at the heart of their plan is Pippa’s dream project - The Tastiest Little Tea Shop in Taxos. It’s time for Pippa to leave her London life behind and dust off her scone recipe that’s guaranteed to win over both locals and visitors. And amidst the rolling pins and raisins, it seems romance is blossoming where she’s least expecting it…

If you’re a fan of Lindsey Kelk or Lucy Diamond then don’t hesitate to step into Samantha Tonge’s truly delightful tea shop.

MY REVIEW 

Sassy and sexy romance with a side mystery along the way!  Pippa leaves to go on vacation with her amazing boyfriend Henrik, to her families summer vacation getaway, Taxos.  She had always loved her time there, daydreaming of what her future would entail.  Her presence was also enjoyed by close friend Niko, who called the Greek Island of Taxos home year round.  

Pippa had not been back to the island in years, she was a little saddened by the appearance of the town, a little run down and somewhat forgotten by tourists.  Then she sees him...it's been quite some time but she could never forgot that face...Niko.

Niko, Pippa and the rest of the town are on a mission to save their beloved Taxos.  Pippa would like to revitalize the businesses as well as start her dream job - A little teashop that serves what else, scones!  Pippa entices everyone with her tasty creations in so many different mouth watering varieties!  Heaven in every bite!

Then word spreads that the town might take a turn for the worst and become a tourist trap!  Pippa and Niko are bound and determined to not let that happen!  Can they save their little slice of heaven or is it too late for Taxos?

Romance and mystery awaits you at every corner!  Samantha will not let you down! 


 WINE SELECTION
I would pair this piece with Greek Muscat.  What better way to eat scones and an enjoy the view?  

MY RATING 
I would rate this lovely story - 5 glasses of wine ( I never wanted the story to end or the wine for that matter!)

Guessing at Normal

SUMMARY

Is life with a rock star ever normal?

Small town girl Jill Griffin has mastered the art of being invisible, so when she falls in love with sexy rocker James Sheridan, at first she is content to live in his larger than life shadow. Building a life together under the glare of the media is challenging, and further complicated by constant touring, James’ partying and the mixed signals she gets from James’ twin brother Alex. What is that guy’s problem?

When her poems and journal ramblings become the songs on James’ best-selling album, Jill has to step out of her comfort zone and figure out how to live her life in a spotlight all her own. As her professional success as a songwriter threatens her relationship with James, Jill begins to wonder if she can write love songs without the love of her life.

MY REVIEW  

Who hasn't thought, "What would it be like to date a Rock Star" ?
It always seems so exciting and glamorous, everyone would envy you and others would want to be you.

Well for Jill Griffin this was now her reality.  She goes from working in a run down motel day in and day out to meeting rock star James Sheridan the next.

It all began at what looked to be a one night stand and then...it turned into something more.

James was sweet, charming, and seemed to be in love with her...what more could she ask for?

Then the day that James asked her to come on the road with him changed her life forever...Should she go?  Can you quit her job and live her life on the road?

The rock star life is not all it's cracked up to be by any means - sex, cheating, drugs, fights, prescription pills - it's not the life for everyone.  Jill endured it day after day - doing things along the way that she wasn't proud of.  A journal became her outlet along the way and little did she know that later that would become her livelyhood.

The twists and turns, ups and downs, will have you craving more till the end!

What will come of Jill and  James?  With their love stand the test of time? Will she find somebody else?  Will he?  As the case with any rock and roll romance, you never know what may happen.

The characterizations are detailed and exciting, the writing intense, perfect for a story of this nature.  Enjoy!

WINE SELECTION

I would pair this piece with Shout It Out Chardonnay.  What better way to rock out and be classy at the same time? 

                                                                        

I would rate this rock star love story - 5 glasses of wine ( I never wanted the story to end or the wine for that matter!)

Q & A with Tracie Banister, aurthor of Twin Piques

On this picturesque Tuesday morning, I have the honor of interviewing Tracie Banister!  She is the author of one of my favorite books, Twin Piques!  

Other amazing books written by Tracie include:

Tracie thank you for taking time out of your busy book writing schedule to sit down with me!  I have wanted to interview you for quite some time and with my new blog, One Book At A Time, this was the perfect occasion!  Welcome!

Tracie I would love to begin our chat today by inquiring about your love for writing!  What sparked your interest in writing? Was there a certain event?
            I can’t remember a time when I didn’t want to be a writer. I always revered the written word. When I was a kid, I had a word-a-day calendar, enjoyed flipping through the big dictionary my grandmother had sitting on a stand in her living room, and couldn’t wait to enter every spelling bee at school! And I was always obsessed with books and reading, which led to me scribbling down my own stories, starting at the age of nine. 

Have you had any unique inspirations for any of your books? Actors? Actresses? Specific events?
            I had a few different inspirations for Twin Piques. I went to school with two sets of female twins (one fraternal/one identical). So, I was able to observe that type of sisterly dynamic up-close for several years and was always really intrigued by it. I knew I wanted to write a story about twins one day! ***Fun Fact*** Although I never met them as they were several grades ahead of me, the twins who played Tabatha on Bewitched, Diane and Erin Murphy, went to my high school.

The working title for Twin Piques was Rhyme and Reason, which was a shout-out to the twin princesses in one of my favorite reads from childhood, The Phantom Tollbooth. In my book, kindhearted, fanciful Willa is the “rhyme” part of the twin equation while logical, pragmatic Sloane is the “reason.”

While working on Twin Piques, I saw a piece on the news about the trial involving author Patricia Cornwell and the company she believed had mishandled the money she’d earned from her writing. I decided to do my own twist on that story with Sloane’s client, romance author Blythe Summers, who’s embroiled in a legal battle with her business manager in the book.

I know that there is a fourth book in the works (I can’t wait to read it!). Can you give us any hints as to what it’s about?
            I don’t like to reveal too much about my books while I’m working on them, because things are subject to change along the way. However, I can say this about Book 4 – the story is set in New York City and involves a pair of antagonistic chefs who are forced to work together in a very public venue. There’s a love triangle (actually, a quadrangle), a very colorful and unique group of supporting characters (some friend, some foe to the heroine), and lots of scrumptious food (If I could cook any of these amazing dishes myself, I would have already gained twenty pounds writing this book!). I’m about halfway through my first draft of the story and am hoping <crossing fingers> to release it in January, 2016.

When you aren’t writing, what do you do with your time? Full-time job?
            Right now, writing is my main job. I also blog, do promotion and marketing for my books, and help run the very popular Chick Lit Chat group (800+ members) on Facebook. When I’m not doing book-related work, I like to spend quality time with my three Cocker Spaniels (Hallie and Victor, my two special needs seniors, and Reggie, my six-month-old puppy who is a handful!), get caught up on all the shows on my DVR (I’m a television addict!), read (of course), and do crossword puzzles.

Lastly, I would love to end with asking, What types of genres interest you? When you’re not writing, what you are reading? Current read?
            Although Chick Lit is my favorite genre to read as well as write, I do like to genre-hop with my reading. I love Cozy Mysteries, Women’s Fiction, Classic Lit, Historical Romance, even Young Adult; it really just depends on my mood.

My current read is Blogger Girl by Meredith Schorr. It’s a lot of fun so far. I love the heroine’s snarky sense of humor and am already crushing on the male lead, Nicholas. <swoon>


Thanks so much for featuring my book on your blog today, Bethany. It’s been a blast!  
 
Tracie, THANK YOU for stopping by One Book At A Time today!  I had an amazing time speaking with you and helping your readers learn more about the woman behind such amazing books!  I look forward to hearing more details about book 4 as you get further into the process!  

You can find Tracie at the following links:

http://traciebanister.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/tracie.banister
http://www.amazon.com/Tracie-Banister/e/B006ZONWX2
https://twitter.com/traciebanister
http://www.amazon.com/Twin-Piques-Tracie-Banister-ebook/dp/B00RSEP056/ref=asap_bc?ie=UTF8


HAVE AN AMAZING WEEK FRIENDS!!!

Bethany Lynne

Q & A with Gina Henning, author of How To Bake The Perfect Apple Pie and a GIVEAWAY!

On this FABULOUS Friday afternoon (even though a tad chilly here in the NE) I am bringing you my interview with Gina Henning, author of the amazing series of books:
How to Bake the Perfect Pecan Pie 

How to Bake the Perfect Christmas Cake

How to Bake the Perfect Apple Pie 

Book Four
(Picture and title to come!)

Gina, let me begin by saying I LOVE the new covers for your books!  I had to post them today so that everyone else could enjoy them as well!  I am patiently waiting (ok, maybe not patiently) to see the last book cover in the series.  And when I say LAST, I am pained at the thought!

                 Gina, I would like to begin by asking: Was writing always your true passion?  
Who or what was your inspiration?I’ve been writing since I was very young. I began my first book over fifteen years ago. I was working in an office all alone and had quite a bit of downtime. With this “extra” time, I began my first book and let my imagination soar. I plotted out an exciting adventure and with each word, I stepped further into this completely different world. I could smell the ocean air and feel the sun on my skin. In reality, I was crammed into a cluttered space with paint that was peeling from the walls and a not so pleasant musty office smell. But, writing this story took me to paradise.

                 When writing, do you have a special writing room? Any rituals that you follow - as in you always drink a glass of wine or you can only write at night when the kids are asleep?


The majority of my writing takes place at night in my writing spot in our game room. If I’m in our backyard then it takes place on our patio table.
At night, I do like to pour myself a glass of wine and the words seem to flow much better. If I’m working on a deadline then I write during the day while my boys play in the backyard or the park. A place where they are entertained and run around, while I get a few words down.
Today, I was at an appointment and while waiting, I was writing away. I’m a pivotal point in the story where for me, it’s like reading a really good book and you don’t want to put it down. That’s where I’m at right now in the story…I don’t want to stop. I just want to keep going. I’m “in the zone”.

                 How did you come up the concept of the How To Bake series, which is truly amazing I might add!
Thank you Bethany, that is so lovely to hear. The beginning of my Home for the Holidays series was inspired by a pecan farm that I pass on the four hour long trip home to visit my mother. As the series came into fruition I knew the third book in the series would center on the Fourth of July, and the major holiday dessert is apple pie. My character Lauren is not exactly a culinary queen but she keeps getting tasked with baking desserts and this one happens to revolve around an Apple Pie contest.

                  When marketing your books, what is your favorite part of the process? Meeting the fans? Doing guest spots? Blog Tours? Little bit of everything? 
A mix of all of the above? Meeting and chatting with people that have read my books is always really exciting and makes me feel warm all over. Traveling, via a virtual tour or in real life is a fun experience and I appreciate all of the lovely bloggers that have supported me and my books. I enjoy writing guest posts, especially when I use gifs and I hope others are entertained by them.

                  Lastly, for those of us DYING to know (me of course!), do you have any future series that will be coming out? Ideas in the works that you would like to share with your fans? 
I’m currently finishing up the next book in my Home for the Holiday Series...it makes me sad to even type the word “last” as I’ve spent so much time with these characters.
After I hand that over to my editor, I will be focusing on a different series that features a tasty treat that you can only find in a freezer.

                  Gina, THANK YOU for stopping by One Book At A Time today, it was amazing talking to you and I can't wait to see what the future holds for your new series! 

                  
                   You can find Gina at the following links:
                  
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/GinaHenningAuthor
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/henningland
Blog: http://www.ginahenning.com/blog
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8034504.Gina_Henning
                  

Here is a great GIVEAWAY for you to enjoy as well!  

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Have an AMAZING weekend friends!

Bethany Lynne