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
Pages
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Tuesday, June 30, 2015
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!)
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!)
Friday, June 26, 2015
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!)
Tuesday, June 23, 2015
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
Friday, June 19, 2015
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
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/
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/
Blog: http://www.ginahenning.com/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/
Here is a great GIVEAWAY for you to enjoy as well!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Have an AMAZING weekend friends!
Bethany Lynne
Thursday, June 18, 2015
The Bookshop On The Corner
SUMMARY
Who said that only real heroes could be found in fiction?
Sarah Smith had an addiction – she was addicted to romance novels. The meet-cute, the passion, the drama and the gorgeous men! Now this wouldn’t have been such an issue if she hadn’t been the owner of the only bookshop in Ashford, Connecticut.
Ever since her close friend Lil, from The Gingerbread Café, had become engaged she had been yearning for a little love to turn up in her life. Except Sarah knew a good man was hard to find – especially in a tiny town like Ashford. That was until New York journalist, Ridge Warner stepped into her bookshop…
Love could be just around the corner for Sarah, but will she be able to truly believe that happy-ever-after can happen in real-life too!
REVIEW
What an amazing story to lose myself in last evening! I was in love from page one.
I have always had dreams of owning my own little book shop, my little corner of the world where I could mingle with lovely readers and cuddle up with a good book when my shop was empty. That would be HEAVEN.
That is exactly what Sarah Smith's store, The Bookshop On The Corner, is like. It's her little oasis where she can escape to in the early hours of the morning to enjoy a little reading before the store opens and her little peace of paradise where she sells books to like minded bookaholics as herself.
Her genre of choice is Romance, as is mine, and she loves to read about the hero's and dream what it would be like when she met her own one day. Although as of late, she has been of the mindset that won't be happening.
Then one day he walks in...she thought she was dreaming...Ridge was his name and she was falling for him...
The only problem is herself...the ups and downs of their fairytale will have you reading in one sitting...
WINE SELECTION
When reading I would suggest sipping on Rose Moscato Wine...YUM!
RATING
I rate this gem of a book 5 glasses of wine (don't judge it was just that good and I didn't want it to end!)
Wednesday, June 17, 2015
Caching In
SUMMARY
Can a compass lead you to love?
Broken-hearted Ally Couper has had enough with her ridiculous life. Her job at the bank is going nowhere, and her love life might as well be non-existent.
Determined to try something new, Ally becomes absorbed in the world of geocaching. The high-tech driven scavenger hunt introduces her to Seth, and she realizes the game isn’t the only thrilling part.
Ally’s bad luck may finally be changing, until the past threatens to halt her future with Seth. Can they find happiness together, or is love the one cache Ally can’t find?
Broken-hearted Ally Couper has had enough with her ridiculous life. Her job at the bank is going nowhere, and her love life might as well be non-existent.
Determined to try something new, Ally becomes absorbed in the world of geocaching. The high-tech driven scavenger hunt introduces her to Seth, and she realizes the game isn’t the only thrilling part.
Ally’s bad luck may finally be changing, until the past threatens to halt her future with Seth. Can they find happiness together, or is love the one cache Ally can’t find?
MY REVIEW
When I began reading Caching In I had no idea what to expect and where this story would take me. On top of the fact that I truly had NO IDEA what geocaching was.
Ally Couper has not had an easy life the past year - her father passing, a fiance who cheated on her multiple times and a dead end job that she can't seem to leave. What is a girl to do?
Then one day while working out she sees a man and a woman surveying property and then locating what looked to be a box.
She asks them what they are doing and they explained to her that they were geocaching, and this is where her life began to change...
After deciding to take on this new hobby Ally throws herself in full force and goes on her first cach. She was unsuccessful, not letting it get to her she moves on to another...Little did she know she would run into Seth and that is where their story begins...
A sexy man, unmarried, is showing interest in her? OMG! What does she do now? Well if you are Ally you ask him out right there on the spot to go geocaching with her!
From that point on this story takes many twists and turns - her relationship with Seth, her best friend Chels troubled relationship, her ex-fiance showing back up, her mother's new found love, the list is just endless!
The writing in this story is seamless, you move smoothly from one story line to the next and you are never lost in translation. Through the course of the book - I have connected with Ally, I have wanted to shake some sense into Chels, I wanted to tell Seth he's making the biggest mistake of his life just to name a few.
I would recommend this book to anyone who is truly looking for a romance that is deep in emotion and has you connecting to the characters on a personal basis. Wanting to know the next question - Where are Ally and Seth now? How is Chels in her new career and new role? So many questions, so little time!
WINE SELECTION
I would pair this piece with a Cabernet Sauvignon which has very earthy undertones. With a combination of cherry and berry aromas and earthy layers it is perfect for this geocaching romance.
I would rate this geocaching love story - 5 glasses of wine ( I never wanted the story to end or the wine for that matter!)
Monday, June 15, 2015
Twin Piques
First of all, I could not stop laughing! Such a great read from beginning to end! It's a mixture of sweet, sexy and sassy all in one!
Sloane is the very serious forensic accountant and Willa is a sweet pet psychic who loves all animals and will drop anything to help a furry friend in need! These two couldn't be anymore different if they tried...
The both seem to have terrible luck (and choices) in men. These men never treat them right. There issues with men dated back to their father who left there mom to raise them all on her own.
Willa seemed to move on from that issue, Sloane on the other hand has never gotten over their father leaving them and that has followed her into her personal life as well as professional demeanor.
Willa on the other hand, you is constantly looking for the love of her life and she believes that he is out there!
Sloane is looking to climb the corporate ladder has quickly as possible and that is where she devotes all of her time and energy. Willa is a little more care free and goes with the flow each day.
Gav has been their best friend since they were younger and has always been there for the girls whenever they needed him. He has always had a soft spot for Sloane, but the timing has never been right for the two of them, but maybe that will change?
There are many bumps along the way for the sisters, you never know what direction this story is going to take!
We all know by now, I have a love of all things wine, so why not pair this amazing book with a glass! I would pair this sassy read with Sassy Bitch Merlot! This choice is for Sloane, she may have her issues with men but she is one sassy bitch! Cheers!
MY REVIEW: Drank the Entire Bottle ~ (Don't Judge...it was that good!!) Wouldn't change a thing, and I would love to read it again!
Sloane is the very serious forensic accountant and Willa is a sweet pet psychic who loves all animals and will drop anything to help a furry friend in need! These two couldn't be anymore different if they tried...
The both seem to have terrible luck (and choices) in men. These men never treat them right. There issues with men dated back to their father who left there mom to raise them all on her own.
Willa seemed to move on from that issue, Sloane on the other hand has never gotten over their father leaving them and that has followed her into her personal life as well as professional demeanor.
Willa on the other hand, you is constantly looking for the love of her life and she believes that he is out there!
Sloane is looking to climb the corporate ladder has quickly as possible and that is where she devotes all of her time and energy. Willa is a little more care free and goes with the flow each day.
Gav has been their best friend since they were younger and has always been there for the girls whenever they needed him. He has always had a soft spot for Sloane, but the timing has never been right for the two of them, but maybe that will change?
There are many bumps along the way for the sisters, you never know what direction this story is going to take!
We all know by now, I have a love of all things wine, so why not pair this amazing book with a glass! I would pair this sassy read with Sassy Bitch Merlot! This choice is for Sloane, she may have her issues with men but she is one sassy bitch! Cheers!
MY REVIEW: Drank the Entire Bottle ~ (Don't Judge...it was that good!!) Wouldn't change a thing, and I would love to read it again!
Sunday, June 14, 2015
The Reinvention of Mimi Finnegan
I couldn't have laughed anymore if I wanted to!
This book was hilarious! There were so many levels and depths to these characters, I was always wanting to know more and Whitney delivered every time!
Mimi always felt like the ugly duckling amongst her sisters - she thought her actual quality that was admired by her family was her FEET!
She is also the only single sister in the family and that doesn't do well for one's self esteem at all! At 34 you begin to wonder, is this what my life will amount to?
Her sisters have decided that they need to set her up - her luck as of lately is one for the record books!
Then she meets Elliot Fielding...what a horrible man, he's snobbish, rude and Mimi has FALLEN IN LOVE! But he's....ENGAGED!
There will be parts that will make you laugh louder than you ever had (her conversations with her bunion, yes you read that correctly), parts that will make you furious (when Elliot seems to be leading her on) and parts that will make you cry (I can't give away all secrets!)
You will be engaged from beginning to end and left wanting more!
We all know I LOVE wine and with such a great romantic comedy as this I would have to pair it with a sexy red wine... Sexy Wine Bomb (sexy red wine).
My review in terms of wine (obviously) -
Drank the whole bottle in just one sitting (Don't Judge...it was that good!)
This book was hilarious! There were so many levels and depths to these characters, I was always wanting to know more and Whitney delivered every time!
Mimi always felt like the ugly duckling amongst her sisters - she thought her actual quality that was admired by her family was her FEET!
She is also the only single sister in the family and that doesn't do well for one's self esteem at all! At 34 you begin to wonder, is this what my life will amount to?
Her sisters have decided that they need to set her up - her luck as of lately is one for the record books!
Then she meets Elliot Fielding...what a horrible man, he's snobbish, rude and Mimi has FALLEN IN LOVE! But he's....ENGAGED!
There will be parts that will make you laugh louder than you ever had (her conversations with her bunion, yes you read that correctly), parts that will make you furious (when Elliot seems to be leading her on) and parts that will make you cry (I can't give away all secrets!)
You will be engaged from beginning to end and left wanting more!
We all know I LOVE wine and with such a great romantic comedy as this I would have to pair it with a sexy red wine... Sexy Wine Bomb (sexy red wine).
My review in terms of wine (obviously) -
Drank the whole bottle in just one sitting (Don't Judge...it was that good!)
Fairytale Beginnings
Do you truly believe in fairytales?
Are you looking for your happily ever after?
We have all fallen in love with Disney and their amazing way of showing us that the girl will find her prince and live happily ever after. Is that truly the case though in real life?
And that brings me to our present day love story between Cameron and Milly...
Both have not had it easy when it comes to love.
Milly has always found the wrong guys and the one man whom she thought she would be with the rest of her life, her prince, was killed in an accident and she was left alone.
Cameron is the super sexy guy who has no troubles getting the ladies, he wines and dines them and moves on. He is afraid to truly commit and trust until one day...
Milly arrives in Clovers Rest for a work meeting, she investigates historical buildings, castles more specifically for Castle Heritage. Cameron has asked them to help in restoring Clover Castle, which has been passed down through his family for many generations.
From the first moment their eyes meet there is some sort of connection. Is it fate? Is it love at first sight?
As the secrets of Clover Castle unfold and their chemistry intensifies will they give in to the passion or will it just be another fleeting romance?
Are you looking for your happily ever after?
We have all fallen in love with Disney and their amazing way of showing us that the girl will find her prince and live happily ever after. Is that truly the case though in real life?
And that brings me to our present day love story between Cameron and Milly...
Both have not had it easy when it comes to love.
Milly has always found the wrong guys and the one man whom she thought she would be with the rest of her life, her prince, was killed in an accident and she was left alone.
Cameron is the super sexy guy who has no troubles getting the ladies, he wines and dines them and moves on. He is afraid to truly commit and trust until one day...
Milly arrives in Clovers Rest for a work meeting, she investigates historical buildings, castles more specifically for Castle Heritage. Cameron has asked them to help in restoring Clover Castle, which has been passed down through his family for many generations.
From the first moment their eyes meet there is some sort of connection. Is it fate? Is it love at first sight?
As the secrets of Clover Castle unfold and their chemistry intensifies will they give in to the passion or will it just be another fleeting romance?
Will they find their fairytale ending?
This book is full of love, ghosts, a crazy community of characters and a truly amazing story that will grab you from the very beginning! When you believe that you finally have the story figured out, another curve ball is thrown into the mix! Simply amazing story telling Holly!
This book is full of love, ghosts, a crazy community of characters and a truly amazing story that will grab you from the very beginning! When you believe that you finally have the story figured out, another curve ball is thrown into the mix! Simply amazing story telling Holly!
And because I love wine, when your reading this amazing fairytale, I would pair it with a great glass of Once Upon a Vine - the Fairest Chardonnay. What better way to enjoy the perfect romantic fairytale..
My review in terms of wine (obviously) -
Drank the whole bottle in just one sitting (Don't Judge...it was that good)
Saturday, June 13, 2015
Dangled Carat
Have you ever been in love with a man who is afraid to commit? Did you think to yourself "What am I still doing here"?
I really enjoyed this book from beginning to end, I couldn't put it down!
So many questions that I have had in the past came up in this book! Is this relationship really going somewhere? My friends are telling me to run, what am I not seeing? The list could go on and on...
Hilary has been dating Marc, a man that is 13 years older than her and has been a anti-commitment from the beginning. He was always putting the breaks on. This took place over a 4 year period, and eventually her patience was wearing thin. I give Hilary all the credit in the world! I would have ran a lot sooner I am afraid.
There are so many signs telling her she's wasting her time, but I think the fact that her mother was able to wait for her father for 6 years gave her the stamina to stick through it.
There are so many twists and turns throughout their relationship which makes this story exciting and fun!
Faux engagement party...I will jut leave it right there.
This is such a fun read and I can't wait for you to see how it ends!
And because I love wine, when your reading this amazing story, I would pair it with a great glass of champagne! After all that effort a girl needs a little bubbly!
My review in terms of wine (obviously) -
Drank the whole bottle in just one sitting (Don't Judge...it was that good)
Review of : How to Bake the Perfect Apple Pie by Gina Henning!
SUMMARY
A scrumptious pie. A long distance guy. 4th of July fireworks guaranteed.
Lauren Hauser has it all…nearly. With a shiny new job and sparkly new engagement ring on her finger, the only thing she’s missing is her gorgeous new fiancé by her side. Should she be worried? Jack’s kisses are as sizzling as always and, sure, long distance is hard but, she and Jack are solid, right?
Of course the stress of planning a wedding—or not—is nothing compared to the stress of baking an apple pie. Because it’s not just any apple pie that Lauren must bake for the 4th of July contest; it’s her grandmother’s famous, award-winning apple pie! Yet Lauren is determined to make this pie her own and a little apple pie should be no problem for the Hauser clan dessert queen…!
But with her new job taking up so much time, a prize pie to perfect and the growing distance between her and Jack, Lauren begins to wonder if she can really have it all… Only one things for sure, there’ll be fireworks this 4th of July!
MY REVIEW
I couldn't be more excited to introduce my first official review today! I am reviewing How to Bake the Perfect Apple Pie by Gina Henning - What better way to celebrate this amazing weather then by reading a book about romance and apple pie!
I have been waiting so long to read about the awesome Lauren and the hot, sexy Jack! I fell in love with this cute couple back in How to Bake the Perfect Pecan Pie, then with How to make the Perfect Christmas Cake and now How to Bake the Perfect Apple Pie! Perfection! Just enough spice and excitement to make you truly wonder what the end will surprise us with!
What more could a girl truly ask for? A HOT guy, Yummy food and a holiday that does not fail to bring the best out in everyone, the 4th of July!
What more could a girl truly ask for? A HOT guy, Yummy food and a holiday that does not fail to bring the best out in everyone, the 4th of July!
Oh but then there is Lauren's new promotion! She has worked hard all of her life to get where she is and now she has been given her own team, well after she selects them that is. You could never imagine the backstabbing, scandalous actions of co-workers that this girl has to endure. I give her credit! I probably would have quit.
Add to that the fact that her Jack and in a long distance relationship and she barely has time to see him and her life could not get any more complicated at this point.
Lauren needs to get a co-worker/stalker off her back, really try to figure out Corrine and make Jack commit to a date! What's a girl to do?
She learns to make a great Apple Pie! She can not disappoint her grandmother who has every faith in her!
This book will NOT disappoint and I highly recommend the entire set! I can't wait for Book 4!!!
HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS
Book 1 - How to Bake the Perfect Pecan Pie
Book 2 - How to Bake the Perfect Christmas Cake
Book 3 - How to Bake the Perfect Apple Pie
Book 4 - Coming soon
Book 1 - How to Bake the Perfect Pecan Pie
Book 2 - How to Bake the Perfect Christmas Cake
Book 3 - How to Bake the Perfect Apple Pie
Book 4 - Coming soon
And because I love wine, when your reading this amazing story, I would pair it with a great glass of Riesling! Yum!
I rate it 5 glasses of wine - absolutely loved it and can't wait for the next book!!!
You can following Gina at the following links ;
Blog
Goodreads
Amazon