IT’S HERE!!!!!
The Authors On Parade week has begun! A full week of giveaways before the release of THE REASON IS YOU, as each awesome author hands over a signed book to a random commenter.
And today, kicking off the parade, is the amazing and talented Kristina McMorris, giving away a copy of her latest release, BRIDGE OF SCARLET LEAVES.
*much clapping!*
Kristina McMorris is a graduate of Pepperdine University and the recipient of nearly twenty national literary awards. A host of weekly TV shows since age nine, including an Emmy® Award-winning program, she penned her debut novel, Letters from Home (Kensington Books, Avon/HarperCollins UK), based on inspiration from her grandparents’ wartime courtship. This critically praised book was declared a must-read by Woman’s Day magazine and achieved additional acclaim as a Reader’s Digest Select Editions feature, a Doubleday/Literary Guild selection, and a 2011 Goodreads Choice Awards semifinalist for Best Historical Fiction. Her second novel, Bridge of Scarlet Leaves (March 2012), has already received glowing reviews from Publishers Weekly and Kirkus Reviews, among many others. Named one of Portland’s “40 Under 40” by The Business Journal, Kristina lives with her husband and two sons in the Pacific Northwest, where she refuses to own an umbrella.
For a little fun, I asked Kristina to answer the same questions I posed the last three weeks for the contests. Here are her answers:
Los Angeles, 1941. Violinist Maddie Kern’s life seemed destined to unfold with the predictable elegance of a Bach concerto. Then she fell in love with Lane Moritomo. Her brother’s best friend, Lane is the handsome, ambitious son of Japanese immigrants. Maddie was prepared for disapproval from their families, but when Pearl Harbor is bombed the day after she and Lane elope, the full force of their decision becomes apparent. In the eyes of a fearful nation, Lane is no longer just an outsider, but an enemy.
When her husband is interned at a war relocation camp, Maddie follows, sacrificing her Juilliard ambitions. Behind barbed wire, tension simmers and the line between patriot and traitor blurs. As Maddie strives for the hard-won acceptance of her new family, Lane risks everything to prove his allegiance to America, at tremendous cost.
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Doesn’t that sound amazing? Oh my goodness… And that cover is just to die for. Well, it could be yours. 🙂
Leave a comment below for Kristina, letting her know what you think, just saying hello, maybe offer to cook her some hashbrown casserole or play some Nat King Cole! LOL! Comment before 10pm CST (because I need my sleep…lol) and a random commenter will be chosen to win a signed copy of Kristina’s book, BRIDGE OF SCARLET LEAVES. Be sure to leave your email address so we can contact you!
For more information on Kristina and her books go to www.KristinaMcMorris.com
Award winning author of sassy, sexy love stories. Texas girl. Wife of Superman. Frequently speak of coffee, dogs, TV shows & men with sexy eyes. {
That is a beautiful cover and intriguing synopsis!- and good luck to the winner of this book!
Thanks so much! I was definitely fortunate with that cover art. 🙂
*smiling* . . .
Sounds like a must-read!
I keep trying to reply to this comment, but I’m not having much luck. Just wanted to say thank you!
The synopsis sounds GREAT..I didn’t want it to end! I can’t wait to read this book!!!
Yay! I love hearing that. Hope you enjoy the rest just as much.
I’d love to win a copy as I so enjoyed her debut. christy@christyhayes.com. I also love cheesy hashbrown casserole!
I’m thrilled you enjoyed Letters from Home!! AND that we have the same taste in yummy brunch food, ha.
Sounds like another great book!! PICK ME PICK ME!!!!
LOL. Thanks for all the enthusiasm, Kayla!
Sounds like a wonderful story – I do so love historical romances. 🙂
So glad you’re a fan of historicals too!
Hello Kristina from a fellow Oregonian. I moved to the south two years ago (military), will you give Portland some love for me (I miss Bread and Ink..yummy)?
BRIDGE OF SCARLET LEAVES sounds like it’s going to be a moving read and the cover is breathtaking!
Yay for another Oregonian! And especially for the military. 🙂
Thanks for the kind words, Candie!
Love the cover — count me in!! dianne@diannevenetta.com
Dianne, you won! Woot! Kristina will be in touch with you to get your mailing address!! Congrats!!
Congratulations, Dianne! I’ll be in touch asap. 🙂
I love the premise of this novel. I grew up with a close family friend who was interned in a “relocation camp” as a young child. His family lost their thriving business in San Francisco and never quite recovered. Despite his experience growing up this way, he went on to become a decorated veteran of Viet Nam and a career officer in the Air Force. I am looking forward to reading it!
Wow, Tracy, thanks so much for sharing. I’m constantly in awe of how patriotic people like your friend continued to be despite what they and their families had endured. I hope you enjoy the book, and that you’ll let me know what you think!
Beautiful cover, Kristina, and the description of the book sounds oh so great – to add to the books I want to read. I already own your first book, so it’s just a matter of time before your second is mine as well.
Good luck with your career.
Patti
I love your attitude, Patti. LOL. Thanks so much for the warm wishes!
Wonderful web site Kristina. And your photos are so warm and friendly. When I see your events schedule I truly believe sleep is over-rated… plus two energetic boys. Go mum!
Thanks for taking the time to visit my website, Mary! I’m so glad you enjoyed the photos. Right now, in the midst of my tour, I’m actually feeling like sleep in UNDER-rated, ha. Thanks for the cheering!
Kristina, I think you should share your grandma’s Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole. It sounds like the perfect dish to eat while one is absorbed in your latest story. 🙂
Love the cover and can’t wait to read your new book!
Great idea about the recipe! I’ll post it as a new comment below.
I should probably mention that all of my books also include recipes that tie into the novels. Can you tell I love food?? Ha. I hope you enjoy the story!
Beautiful cover, and I’m sure the story is very moving! Don’t know yet because your book’s in my TBR pile, Kristina. (already purchased 🙂 )
Anyhow, my local newspaper ran an article recently about the camps. The reporter had interviewed several local Japanese-Americans who experienced the camps first hand. I found the article that much more fascinating knowing about the stories you’d written. That era is definitely one we shouldn’t silence. The stories need to be told.
Good luck with this book. (And good luck with the launch of your’s too, Sharla. I know I’ve told you that plenty already.)
Woo-hoo! I’m so happy the book has already found its way to you. And I’m especially touched that the premise alone added meaning to the article you read. Thank you for sharing that! What a wonderful compliment.
Love the cover. That is just beautiful!
I don’t cook well, but I do collect books signed by the author! Would love to add you to the collection! 🙂
No question, my pub house spoiled me with that cover art — plus the pages even have deckled edges, which makes them look aged. If you’d ever like me to mail you a signed book plate to place in a copy of my book, don’t hesitate to email me. Needless to say, I’d love to be added to your collection. 🙂
I am alway excited to find a “new” author. I look forward to reading this intriguing story. The cover and the title is definitely one I would be drawn to pick up and explore. Thanks for sharing your story about your grandmother’s cheesy hash brown casserole…sounds like you have a recipe to pass down to your children.
What a coincidence! I’m always excited to find a “new” reader. LOL. Thanks for all your kind words, Denise. I’m especially happy you like the title, since it took me eight months to create. Ack! As for the recipe, you’re absolutely right; it will be passed down for many generations, I’m sure!
Sounds like a wonderful read and oh how I love Etta James.
“At Last” I get to add another Author to my list of favorites.
When my Italian grandmother would cook, just the smell alone made you gain weight. But along with the great food was also a lot of family and wonderful memories made to last a life time. How I miss those days.
The best of luck with your new book!
A fellow Etta James fan — yay! I have to laugh about the smell of your grandma’s food alone adding pounds to the waist line. Isn’t that the case with all of the best grandmothers who cook?? Same for the memories. 🙂
Congratulations on your new release!
Thank you, Lorrie!
Kristina, I absolutely agree with your chosen hero. Great pick! And your book cover is gorgeous. I wish you much success.
Thanks for a fun feature, Sharla!
Thanks a bunch, Janna! I appreciate the warm wishes, and I’m delighted we agree about Jacob as a hero. 🙂
Wow, You’ve got my attention! Can’t wait for this one to come out. The cover looks like it should be framed!
So glad it caught your attention, Donna! Fortunately, the book was released a few weeks ago, so I hope you’ll check it out. And I’ll definitely take your advice about framing the cover. The designer is truly amazing.
From memory, here is Grandma Jean’s Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole:
Saute 1/4 cup finely chopped onions in 2T margarine (okay, the lighter adjustments are mine, ha). Then, in a large bowl, combine the onions with a 2 lb bag of thawed, cubed hash brown potatoes, 1 can cream of chicken soup, 1 pint (light) sour cream, 1 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp pepper, and 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese. Spread evenly in a 9×13″ glass casserole dish. Sprinkle 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Bake at 350-degrees (F) for approximately 1 hour.
Hint: Prepare the night before, cover and refrigerate, then all you have to do is put it into the oven in the morning. The aroma while baking is heavenly!
Again, thanks for having me here, Sharla! And HUGE CONGRATS on your forthcoming release. I’m SO excited for you. (Speaking of gorgeous covers — you already KNOW how much I drool over yours!)
Thank you Kristina!!! Loved having you here!!
Truly my pleasure!
What a wonderful, lovely Cover, and the book sounds amazing. I adore your taste in heroes, music and (most especially) comfort food!
Thanks so much for lending your voice to this wonderful blog. Sharla always gives us something special, but she outdid herself by bringing you on.
Have a super day!
I love that we share the same taste in everything you listed! Thanks for the sweet words, Janet. Wishing you a wonderful day too!