Announcing the cover reveal for my friend and fellow BookEnds author, Stacey Kennedy's MYSTICALLY BOUND COMING FALL 2012 Tess Jennings' life is in chaos. Not only has her ghost lover, Kipp McGowen, crossed into the Netherworld, but she’s the newest member of a secret society. And they want her to start work immediately. Upon arriving at the Temple in New Orleans, she is presented with an offer she cannot refuse. The Grand Master has been murdered and Tess must solve the crime by locating his ghost. The reward—a magical spell to save Kipp. But as Tess dives deeper into the case, the more ... Read More
My 10 Guilty Pleasures…
We all have them. Those things that suck us in, keep us from doing the productive things we are SUPPOSED to be doing, and sometimes literally pull-the-money-out-of-our-pocket... So being a firm believer in both guilt and pleasure... :-) ...I thought I'd pay homage to my top ten. In no particular order. 1) DVR. Honestly, I don't know how we managed before it. We are a major TV family, and now, there's this magic box that records all our favorite shows, and all I have to do is turn on the TV and there they all are...in a list...waiting for me. Love! 2) Twitter / Facebook. I'm ... Read More
Adding to your To-Read pile…
Yesterday I threw a question out to the webby world, asking for book recommendations. The best stories that people had read recently, that they would recommend to others. And since we all have nothing to read right now... (cough cough...) Yeah, I know. My Nook, alone has 20-something new books in it, waiting for me. But you never know where that next gem will come from, so here you go. There is quite the mix here, which is how it should be...we all come from different places and love different types of stories. THE BOOK THIEF by Markus Zusak (teen historical fiction) THE SOLDIER'S ... Read More
Friday Linky Love…Brenda Novak’s Diabetes Online Auction
This week's Friday link up is for a great cause. Yes, it also highlights my giveaway, but all proceeds for these donations go to the fight against Diabetes. I'm talking about an author who goes above and beyond every year to help find a cure. This is the Brenda Novak For The Cure of Diabetes Online Auction. It runs each year for the month of May... and May 31 is coming up next week, so go check it out. There are SO many things to look at. She's a bestselling author, so yes, a large category is authors giving away books, but there is also jewelry, crafts, novelty items, people giving ... Read More
A trip that changed you…
I’m not a big traveler. I mean, I’d like to be, I’d like to be toodling around in a giant Winnebago or flying off to exotic locales like ones I read about. But my very blue collar world doesn’t include scenarios like that. I’ve only really been on a few big trips in my life. A big vacation when I was in the fourth grade brought me to the Grand Canyon and all up the West Coast. I’ve been scuba diving in Grand Cayman and Cozumel and Honduras. I’ve been to London. I’ve been skiing in Taos, NM. All of those things were in my twenties. And I went to Vegas for my honeymoon. That about ... Read More
The Tease… :-)
I'm at Fresh Fiction today, talking about something that all women love... :-) besides chocolate and a foot massage... The tease! The push and pull of the romance, the foreplay, the dance of almost touches. The tease. Go over and talk with us, and comment for a chance to win a signed copy of THE REASON IS YOU! And the timing is awesome, because at 9am Central time today, Fresh Fiction is being featured on Good Morning Texas right after Good Morning America! Woot! Go!! ... Read More
Friday Linky Love… What Women Write…
Today's link up is with some Texas girls that are near and dear to me. The girls of What Women Write! Go see what they have to say today! And have a great weekend! ... Read More
Dear Reader…
Dear Reader, Remember the movie “Hope Floats” with Sandra Bullock? That was me. Well, except for the cheating husband outing himself on a talk show. But coming home, a single mom, starting over in a small town that remembers the high school version of you—that was me. And somehow, it’s the stories that draw on those things—starting over, dealing with a past, reinventing yourself—those are the ones that suck me in like no other. I’m a sucker for a story about returning home to face your past, and even more so if there’s an old love still knocking around, waiting to reignite sparks. ... Read More
Friday Linky Love ~~ with Author, Jody Hedlund
Today's link-up is with a phenomenal author who also spends a gi-normous amount of time helping other authors. If you aren't already following her blog, following her on Twitter, and liking her on Facebook, go do all of those things now. She's a one-woman plethora of information. And I just used plethora in a sentence...so I'm feeling kinda proud. :-) Oh, who am I talking about? Sorry... I'm talking about Jody Hedlund. Otherwise known as Superwoman. Her latest book THE DOCTOR'S LADY is out now... So show Jody some love and follow her, like her, subscribe to her, and buy her book! ... Read More
Unconditional Love…
I'm over at Women Unplugged today with a post about our furry family members, and honoring the passing of a very special one...my best friend's dog, Roxie. Come share your pet stories! ... Read More
It takes a village…or just some really cool people…
WANT TO HELP ME? It takes a village! LOL! No, I don't need you to raise my kids. :-) Just maybe raise a little awareness of a certain book... You can help a debut author breathe a little easier and spread the word! The best way for an unknown book to become known is by word of mouth. So share the news with your friends, family, that chatty chick at work... Facebook it, Tweet it, blog it, put a review on Amazon or Barnes and Noble... and know you have my undying gratitude. I'll even send you chocolate. :) And if you want me to do a video chat on your blog telling ... Read More
Friday Linky Love
Today's quick link is for my friend and fellow BookEnds author, Melissa Cutler! Her first book, THE TROUBLE WITH COWBOYS, comes out in November!! Go check it out! Hot, right? :-) And she and I are both in the Brenda Novak Diabetes Auction this month, helping to raise money for the cure. Melissa is giving away an advanced reading copy of THE TROUBLE WITH COWBOYS, and I am giving away a goodie basket including a signed copy of THE REASON IS YOU and a $25 Amazon gift card. You can click on those links to be brought to our auction pages! Everyone have a fabulous Friday and an awesome ... Read More
Meeting with The Book Club Babes… :-)
First ever author event was Monday night, and I was nervous. I even knew most of the ladies attending, but still, I'd never had to be in the spotlight with them, and I was....NERVOUS. It's just my hometown, after all. This town has known me my whole life--I'm nobody special. Why on earth would they want to come see me. :-) But the Book Club Babes of Port Neches were so gracious and wonderful and such a hoot!!! What a wonderful experience, and what a creative host! There was banana pudding and sopapilla cheesecake, straight from the book. I got to sign books and even sign some of ... Read More
A church, a donkey, and a little girl…
That picture doesn't do justice to the spectacle that was real life. I drove the three hours there-three hours back trip to pick up my daughter yesterday. We do this every couple of months when she goes to her dad's. But today, I decided to take a different route home. Something to kick up the scenery a little bit. I told her when we made the exit, and yet she stayed focused on her phone and texting her friend. I told her to get out of her phone and experience the adventure with me, to which I got a raised eyebrow and a good amount of groaning before she just laughed at me and went with ... Read More
A much needed few days away…and linky love
Hello my peeps! I know you didn't hear from me this week...after the blog tour ended last Friday, I decided to take a few days off from blogging and focus on some other things. The tour was wonderful! But it did take its toll on my brain and my eyeballs, and I needed some non-blogging activity. LOL! In that same vein of thought, I've decided to set a more reasonable schedule and NOT feel like I need to be here posting every day, since that is counterproductive to that whole "writing books" thing. Therefore, unless something happens to beat me away from the computer, I will be here ... Read More
Shout it out!! :-)
Whew!! It was a whirlwind few weeks there during the blog tour, and I met some fantastic people and new readers. Now it's time to focus on getting the word out about THE REASON IS YOU so that my editor will be happy and want to sign me up for more books! LOL! It's also time to crack down on writing again, because with BEFORE AND EVER SINCE only seven months away from release, promo is about to start on it as well. Crazy, huh? :-) So please help me out if you can...spread the word...check your bookstores for REASON and if it's not there (probably shelved in Fiction), then ask them to ... Read More
It’s the Last Day… (cue music)
It's the last day of the Blog Tour, and the last chance to enter to win an Amazon or B&N gift card and some goodies. And for a last laugh and some fun and a fabulous way to go out, I'm at Long And Short Reviews today, fessing up to 10 things you'd never guess about me. Are you curious? Like maybe did I run naked through a park? Or jump out of a plane? Or climb into a rabbit hole? >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>You'll have to come see! :-) <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<< ... Read More
I Just Wanna Sit Here and Read…
And I do! But actually, that is the name of the site I'm visiting today. :-) I'm at I Just Wanna Sit Here and Read talking about what makes a good romance novel. If you have an opinion on that, and would like a chance to win some goodies, please come by!! ... Read More
Why is April 16th significant?
Have you read REASON yet? If so, you know what April 16th was.... But do you the rest of the little personal details meshed into the story? I'm at Writerspace today (starting at noon) talking about that and giving away a signed copy! Come comment for a chance to win! I'm also discussing the writing process as part of my blog tour at The Paranormal Romance Party ... Read More
Down the road…
Is there a trip you've taken that's changed your life? I am at Once Upon A Time today talking about one that changed mine. Come share your thoughts and enter to win prizes for the blog tour! ... Read More
Where does your inner reader live?
What is it like in the town where you live? Quiet? Buzzing busy? Quaint? Grassy? Concrete and efficient? Now, which of those settings draws you in as a reader? I'm at Words of Wisdom from the Scarf Princess talking about this. Come join in to win prizes! ... Read More
What are you doing today?
Good morning!! Today I'm chatting about books at Kindling the Fire...come chat with us and enter for a giveaway!! What are YOU doing today? ... Read More
Blog tour…and cover reveal of BEFORE AND EVER SINCE…
Today we are back on track with the Blog Tour, but today is a two-fold thing. First, I'll be over at Asian Cocoa's Secret Garden today talking about how Dani and Alex met in THE REASON IS YOU and my version of ghosts... :-) . Please come comment on the post to enter to win prizes! >>>>>>>>>Now...<<<<<<<<< I've been holding back on announcing anything on my second book, wanting to give REASON it's day in the sun, and it still has a long sunny road ahead. But it's now time to reveal the book that will sit next to it on the shelf, coming ... Read More
Growing up with BOOKS and the first week down!
Blog tour kicks back up on Monday, so today I'm taking it a little easy. :-) THE REASON IS YOU has been out in the world for one week now, and I couldn't be happier. It's everything I hoped it would be like, seeing it out there, hearing from readers. Of course I'm told this is Week One Euphoria (see Roni Loren's post in January about the stages of a book release...it's hysterical...lol). And that's okay. I'm aware that there won't always be people loving my book--right now that's all I'm hearing from--but it will come. The bad reviews and negativity. I know. And I'm prepared with my ... Read More
Rolling along…
Realmantic Moments has me over at their place today. Come visit and comment for a chance to win prizes! ... Read More
A New Day!
And that's a good thing!!! Having another new day every day is better than the alternative!! Well today's new day, at least in my world, brings me to two special places today. One is part of my blog tour, over at The ParaRomance Club, where we are talking about the characters of REASON and what makes them tick. (They are in the UK, and it posted a little late...but go see now and comment to win prizes!) The second is the popular Happy Ever After (HEA) Blog at USA Today, with fellow Berkley author, Joyce Lamb. *clapping and cartwheeling commence* (or if it's still early...just a ... Read More
Survived the first day!! :-)
Whew! Yesterday was a whirlwind! Today should be a little calmer. Should...maybe... LOL. I got to sign stock at Barnes and Noble, after a little inventory drama, and a few people took pictures of my book in other bookstores. Very surreal! I received verification that I have the world's best friends and family. I sent out a newsletter, with a book giveaway and a trivia contest with a QR code to scan. The free book went quickly, but the trivia question prize is still up for grabs! Today I am interviewed at Novel Reflections. Come visit for a chance at prizes!! ... Read More
A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood…
And a crazy one!!! Let's see... you can find me chatting with the nice people of Forever Book Lover, where I do believe they are reviewing my book as well... Dear God, I hope they liked it! It's the first one. I'm also at Addicted To Words with Candie Campbell, where she is doing a giveaway. My very first monthly newsletter came out TODAY (squee for me figuring out how to do it!) with a couple of cool surprises in it for my first brave mailing list souls. LOL! And...what else? Oh yeah! MY BOOK CAME OUT TODAY!!!!! There's a little bit of happy dancing going on. I won't lie. And a ... Read More
Blog Tour kicks off today!
I'm happy to announce that the blog tour has started! Fifteen days of different stops to kick off THE REASON IS YOU, which takes flight tomorrow! Today I am at Paranormal Romantics, talking about what inspired me to write THE REASON IS YOU. You might like my inspiration... :-) Come visit and leave a comment! A random commenter will be chosen at the end of the tour to win a gift basket of prizes! Also, my first newsletter goes out tomorrow, with a giveaway and fun little prize game only for those receiving it. Sign up for it and get the skinny! :-) In the meantime, I must go find ... Read More
Three Days… and squiggly lines…
What an amazing few weeks this has been!!! The contests and then this last week of book giveaways...has just been SO much fun! I can't imagine a better way to launch THE REASON IS YOU off into the world. And into the world it is! I've had two people tell me they received it in the mail already...EARLY!!! I had to sit down on that one, and focus on my breathing. Already out there...people reading it....breathe in ...breathe out... LOL!! I know it's time for the book to jump out there on its on and sink or swim, but there's been something comforting all along about knowing it was still ... Read More
Today’s Author Spotlight: Angel Betrayed by Cynthia Eden!
It's the last day!!!!! But it's not over! First of all a big hug and thank you to Kat Magendie yesterday for giving away a copy of FAMILY GRACES to Evie Clifton! Congrats Evie!! FOUR DAYS TILL THE REASON IS YOU IS OFFICIALLY LAUNCHED! I say "officially" because some are already receiving it in the mail, which makes my insides quiver a bit...lol! ***** Okay... Putting the perfect finishing touch on an amazing week of authors, is superstar writer, Cynthia Eden, with her paranormal romance, ANGEL BETRAYED. Cynthia Eden is a national best-selling author of paranormal romance and romantic ... Read More
Today’s Author Spotlight: Family Graces by Kathryn Magendie!
JUST 5 MORE DAYS! (not that I'm counting....nope...) And before I get to the meat of today's giveaway, I want to mention that my book is being reviewed over at Dawn Alexander's blog today. :) tiny squee!! So if you're so moved, after stopping here, maybe you can stop over there. Thanks!! LOL. I want to thank Donna Grant for giving away a signed copy of DARKEST HIGHLANDER to Denise Ellis yesterday! Congrats Denise !! ***** Today's spotlight is on an author I hold dear to my heart, Kathryn Magendie. She is a sweet and funny friend and one of the peeps that graciously quoted for my ... Read More
Today’s Author Spotlight: Darkest Highlander by Donna Grant!
I'M LOVING THIS WEEK!!!!! SO much fun. And a huge thanks to Roni Loren yesterday for giving away a copy of CRASH INTO YOU to Jean Jones ! Congrats Jean !! ***** Today's spotlight is on another Texas-based author, Donna Grant, with her paranormal romance, DARKEST HIGHLANDER. Donna Grant has been praised for her “totally addictive” and “unique and sensual” stories. She's the bestselling author of more than twenty novels spanning multiple genres of romance—Scottish Medieval, dark fantasy, time travel, paranormal, and erotic. Her latest acclaimed series, Dark Sword, features a ... Read More
Today’s Author Spotlight: Crash Into You by Roni Loren!
YESTERDAY WAS FANTASTIC!!!!! And thank you to Kristina McMorris yesterday for giving away a copy of BRIDGE OF SCARLET LEAVES to Dianne Venetta! Congrats Dianne!! ***** Today's spotlight is on a fellow debut author and friend of mine, Roni Loren, with her sizzling romance, CRASH INTO YOU. And because Roni is shouting out about my book today as well, you can catch my post on her weekly Boyfriend Of The Week today, where I talk about the sexy inspiration for "Alex Stone", the hot and mysterious ghost in my book. Roni wrote her first romance novel at age fifteen when she discovered writing ... Read More
Today’s Author Spotlight: Bridge of Scarlet Leaves by Kristina McMorris!
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 ... Read More
Authors On Parade starts tomorrow! See the line-up!
STARTING TOMORROW!!! A whole week of Authors on Parade!! Yay! I've been so excited about this next week's contests, you just don't know. LOL! Each day of this week will be a different amazing author giving away a signed copy of one of their books! A random commenter will be chosen each day to win fabulous books, and I can't wait to get started!! So, are you ready? Here's the star-studded line up.... * * * * * * * * * Mon 3/26: Kristina McMorris's women's fiction, BRIDGE OF SCARLET LEAVES Tue 3/27: Roni Loren's erotic romance CRASH INTO YOU Wed 3/28: Donna ... Read More
Reminder…Last day to enter the Comfort Food Contest!!
A quick reminder today that it is the last day to enter the Mmm...All Comfort Food Welcome Contest to win a $15 Amazon or B&N gift card of your choice, and a $15 CafePress gift certificate! All you have to do is tell me about your favorite comfort food! A winner will be chosen early Saturday morning, and announced....because next week is the BIG BANANAS! I'm so excited about next week's Authors On Parade! Five fabulous authors giving away their books each day!! Click HERE to be taken directly to the Comfort Food contest entry. Good luck and have fun!! 11 days...it's getting close!! ... Read More
Don’t Forget!!
Couple of things... My first newsletter will be going out on April 3rd, the day REASON hits shelves. It's going to talk about lots of good juicy stuff...like free books and giveaways and secret contests that only people on my mailing list will get the skinny on! So come sign up! It's free...it's only once a month...and it comes floating in effortlessly (I hope) to your inbox with no work on your part. Click here to do the deed. I'll love you forever if you do. I might even send you candy...you never know with me. ;-) ALSO! It's mid-week and you need to go enter your little comfort ... Read More
Looky looky…. :-)
Just in case you aren't sick of hearing about this yet.... look what came yesterday. So. Much. Squealing. And then I sat down to start signing the obligatory family/friend copies....you know, the ones who will give you the raised eyebrow if they don't get a free copy because they've seen you looking like Swamp Girl or brought you comfort food when you were sick. The ones you'd feel like a tool if you didn't, because they've listened to you babble about this book for a year...lol! And that was weird. Signing. So so so weird. On another note, I'm at Dawn Alexander's blog today, talking ... Read More
Another new contest! All Comfort Food is welcome…
Last week's winner was.... Kim Samsin from Canada!!! Woot! Congratulations Kim! She chose the B&N card, and it will be traveling north shortly! ~~~~~~~~~~~ Now. Down to the serious stuff. Because when it comes to food, I don't play around. LOL. Week of 3/19-23: All Comfort Food welcome... When someone says "comfort food" what comes to mind? A decadent dessert to sweeten up a sad heart? Nachos drowned in cheese, sitting on your couch in sweats and a tee shirt? What's your signature comfort food? Click HERE to go to the entry page, and tell me about your favorite guilty ... Read More
Holy Cow…it’s a book!
Squeeeee!! As you may have noticed...because I shouted it from every social media site in my arsenal...I got an advance copy of THE REASON IS YOU on Thursday. There are hardly words to express it. Seriously, how do you? I keep staring at it...and yes it comes with me everywhere, like a Linus blanket. LOL. To put into words the feelings I get when I flip through the pages and see my story in there. In a real book, not just printed out pages or even page proofs....which I have to say I thought was pretty cool when I got THEM. The real deal...with my name on it. It's ... Read More
Reminder…Last chance to enter the Love Song Contest!!
A quick reminder today that it is the last day to enter the Ohhh those Love Songs contest to win a $15 Amazon or B&N gift card of your choice, and a $10 Starbucks card! All you have to do is tell me about your favorite love song! A winner will be chosen early Saturday morning, and announced on Monday....when the next contest starts! Click on the above link to be taken directly to the contest entry. Good luck and have fun!! In other news...I got an early copy of my book in the mail yesterday!!!! SO cool to hold it in my hand... I'll post on that tomorrow. :-) 18 days...it's getting ... Read More
Where’s the cake?
At Women Unplugged today talking about my birthday and remembering all the milestones in life! And by the way, according to that countdown clock over there, it's just 20 days now!! eeek!!! :) ... Read More
New week…new contest! Sing me a love song…
Okay, not really. LOL. You don't have to sing me one...just tell me about one. This week, 3/12-16, is all about those love songs we all have drowned ourselves in at some time or another. Don't say you never have, because there's a 15 year old version of you inside your head who will tell you differently. LOL! Just like last week, all you have to do is click HERE to go to the entry form, and tell me about your favorite love song, along with your email address so I can find you again. This week's prize is a $15 Amazon gift card or $15 Barnes & Noble gift card, AND a $10 Starbucks ... Read More
Last day to enter for $10 Gift Card!!
A quick reminder today that it is the last day to enter the Love Story Hero Contest to win a $10 Amazon or B&N gift card! All you have to do is tell me about your favorite story hero! A winner will be chosen early Saturday morning, and announced on Monday....when the next contest starts! Click on the above link to see the original post, or click here to be taken directly to the contest entry link. Good luck and have fun!! ... Read More
America’s Store
You know, I remember the moment last year when I found my book on Amazon. Yeah...it was amazing. It didn't have cover art with it yet, or a description, but there it was. My title and my name. On Amazon. Of course that sent me on a mad Google hunt to find it at B&N and Powell's and anywhere else in the universe it might be. I even found it on Amazon Japan. In Japanese. That was quite the discovery. And while I've grown accustomed to that now, there was one place I never saw on Google, and for some reason thought to look up today. After all, it's America's store. And there it ... Read More
Linkin’ up and a reminder…
Over at Women Unplugged today, Sheila Seabrook talks about the call of old manuscripts, how they wave to us from those dark drawers. On Kat Magendie's blog, she's having her "consumer report" day where she gives great product reviews on lots of cool stuff! I bought some hair product a couple of weeks ago on her recommendation! At Writers In The Storm, Jenny Hansen talks about writing the 12 Stages of Intimacy...aka making hot and tension filled sex scenes. Yay!! :) Gotta go see that. And lastly...don't forget the contest right here at that CONTEST tab up there! Enter your favorite ... Read More
Kicking off a month of Contests!
To bring THE REASON IS YOU into the world with flair in less than a month, I decided to give away presents each week to all you wonderful peeps. Sound like a plan? Yep, I thought so. Nooooo, I'm not giving away candy. Although that might not be a bad idea... :-) You can click on the CONTESTS tab up there to see what the month will bring, (and I'm still working on it) but basically you'll have a different thing to enter for each week, and the winners will be drawn randomly (by bots, not me) at the end of each week. The last week is the most awesome, as it involves some free signed books ... Read More
Another Shameless Saturday!! And a month countdown…
Okay, since no one signed for today's Shameless Saturday...I'm using it myself. Because today...is exactly one month till THE REASON IS YOU releases. Let the hyperventilating commence. So, here you go. With an updated cover that has a cool tagline: Sometimes falling into the past is the way forward... (squeee!) THE REASON IS YOU by Sharla Lovelace Romantic Women's Fiction w/a paranormal twist Amazon / B&N Now, because we all adore FREE, you can be next!! All you have to do is click that button to the right to follow the blog. And ... Read More
It’s Leap Day at Women Unplugged!
Talking about Leap Year / Leap Day / whatever you want to call this day that only comes every four years....over at Women Unplugged today. Come see! Tell us what you're doing with your free day!! ... Read More
Award winning author of sassy, sexy love stories. Texas girl. Wife of Superman. Frequently speak of coffee, dogs, TV shows & men with sexy eyes. {