Friday, May 24, 2013

"Undeniably Yours" Winner

A big thank you to everyone who visited this blog yesterday and to those of you who participated in the Q&A session. Becky is so wonderful to take time out of her busy schedule to interact with readers.

Without any further rambling from me, the winner of the free copy of Undeniably Yours is (drum roll, please)...
 
Patty!
 
 
 
Congratulations, Patty! Send me an email at candicesuepattersonbooks@yahoo.com with your mailing address, and I'll get the book to you right away!
 
 
 
*Undeniably Yours is available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble.com, Christianbooks.com, and many local Christian bookstores.


Thursday, May 23, 2013

Q&A with Author Becky Wade + Giveaway!

Becky Wade
Today we'll be joined by Bethany House author Becky Wade!Amid her busy schedule with her new release Undeniably Yours, Becky has graciously offered to stop by a few different times today to chat with readers about her new book and answer any questions you may have.
Also, I'll be giving away a free copy of Undeniably Yours. To enter, leave a comment on this blog--a question for Becky, a quick note letting her know how much you love her books--anything at all. A name will be drawn Friday, May 24th, and announced on this blog, so make sure you visit again to see if you're a winner!


To begin, I'd like to get you acquainted with Becky and her work in case you're not already. Her debut novel My Stubborn Heart released in May 2012 and has recently been named as a finalist for the 2013 RITA award, given for excellence in romantic fiction.




One gorgeous ex-hockey player with a broken heart.
One single, Christian girl full of determination.
One house that they're both committed to renovate.
One God who has bigger plans.

Visit my blog post My Stubborn Heart by Becky Wade for a description of the book and review.
For great behind-the-scenes extras of My Stubborn Heart, visit Becky's "fun extras" page by clicking here!




Soft-spoken Meg is more interested in art than in business, but when her father dies she inherits his oil company, his fortune, and his Thoroughbred horse ranch. She asks the ranch's caretaker, Bo, to shut the place down. But will Bo prove the only part of her father's empire worth keeping?


Becky's new release Undeniably Yours is available now. It's the first book in the Porter Family Series. Visit my blog post Undeniably Yours by Becky Wade for a description of the book and review.


Becky's web page has great extras for Undeniably Yours, including a book trailer, character interviews, the story synopsis she turned into her publisher, and a fun interview with the real-life couple who graces this beautiful cover, Jess and Scott! Click here!


*My Stubborn Heart and Undeniably Yours is available now at Amazon and Barnes and Noble.com as well as in most Christian bookstores.




About Becky Wade:
During her childhood in California, Becky frequently produced homemade plays starring her sisters, friends, and cousins. These plays almost always featured a heroine, a prince, and a love story with a happy ending. She's been a fan of all things romantic ever since.
Becky and her husband lived overseas in the Caribbean and Australia before settling in Dallas, Texas. It was during her years abroad that Becky's passion for reading turned into a passion for writing. She published three historical romances for the general market, put her career on hold for many years to care for her kids, and eventually returned to writing sheerly for the love of it.
These days Becky can be found failing but trying to keep up with her housework, sweating at the gym, carting her kids around town, playing tennis, hunched over her computer, eating chocolate, or collapsed on the sofa watching TV with her husband.


Check out Becky's webpage at www.beckywade.com
Interview with Becky Wade
(This interview was taken, with permission, from her website.)
1.  What inspired you to write Undeniably Yours?
I was inspired by Regency-era love stories I read growing up that featured wealthy and aristocratic heroines paired with brave-hearted, common-born heroes. I write contemporary romance and so it was great fun for me to bring these character types into a modern Texas setting and give their storyline my own unique twist.

2. What is the book's theme?
Undeniably Yours is about a woman's journey from weakness to strength. She's able to find that strength, little by little, as she trusts in God's power and plan.

3.  How would you describe your writer's voice?
My voice is funny, authentic, and modern. I write love stories about imperfect people redeemed by a perfect God. It's my hope that my books will charm and entertain my readers, while simultaneously stirring their emotions and encouraging their faith.

4. Is Undeniably Yours part of a series?
All of my books stand alone. They each tell a complete story in and of themselves. At the same time, I've long wanted to write a group of books about members of the same family, and starting with Undeniably Yours, I'll have that chance! Undeniably Yours is the first of four books about the Porter family from Holley, Texas. Each book will detail the story of a different sibling.

5.  What was your reaction when your CBA debut novel, My Stubborn Heart, was recently named a finalist for the RITA award?
Joy! I was so conscious, when I received the news, that God is the one worthy of recognition for the creation of My Stubborn Heart. I believe that it's not me who writes, so much as it's me who steps out of the way and seeks to let God write books through me. 
The nomination also filled me with gratitude for the people responsible for bringing the book to publication. My agent believed in it from the beginning. My editor, Sarah Long, championed and improved the manuscript. Everyone at Bethany House -- from the editorial staff, to the cover designer, to the marketing and sales teams -- lent it amazing support.

6.  What does a normal writing week look like for you?
I'm the mother of three (12, 9, 4). I write in and around taking care of my children and house. Typically, I block off three big chunks of quiet (thus kid-free!) writing time every week. Some moms may listen to music or talk on their cell phones while driving carpool or pushing their preschooler on a swing at the park. Not me! I spend those moments dreaming up dialogue, scenes, character traits.
***NOW IT'S YOUR TURN!!!***
Here's your chance to "meet" Becky. As I said before, she'll be stopping by a few different times today to chat and answer any question you have. Thanks to everyone who stops by and participates. Like me on Facebook to stay abreast of future author interviews, giveaways, book reviews, and more. 

And a HUGE thanks to Becky Wade for agreeing to do this! You rock, Becky!







Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Undeniably Yours by Becky Wade

SHE WAS TOO SOFTHEARTED TO BE AN OIL TYCOON.


When Meg Cole's father dies unexpectedly, she's forced to return home to Texas and to Whispering Creek Ranch to take up the reins of his empire. The last thing she has the patience or the sanity to deal with? Her father's Thoroughbred racehorse farm. She gives its manager, Bo Porter, six months to close the place down.

Bo knows he ought to resent the woman who's determined to take from him the only job he ever wanted. But instead of anger, Meg evokes within him a profound desire to protect. The more time he spends with her, the more he longs to overcome every obstacle that separates them and earn her love.

Just when Meg realizes she can no longer deny the depth of her feelings for Bo, their fragile bond is broken by a force from Meg's past. Can their relationship--and their belief that God can work through every circumstance--survive?



Author: Becky Wade
Publisher: Bethany House, 2013
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Theme Verse: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who
                        have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28



About the Author
Becky makes her home in Dallas, Texas with her husband, three children, and one adoring (and adored) cavalier spaniel. Her CBA debut, My Stubborn Heart, has been named a finalist for Romance Writers of America's RITA award.

 Visit www.beckywade.com for more about Becky, her books, great info for book clubs, fun extras, and to sign up for her e-newsletter.


My thoughts
Send me to Texas! These strong, unforgettable characters had me turning the pages as fast as I could read. Meg and her nervous quirks are so adorable you want her to be your new bestfriend and Bo . . . what a guy!
Makes a girl want to start a horse farm. LOL
Becky made me a fan with My Stubborn Heart (click here for my review of My Stubborn Heart) and didn't disappoint with Undeniably Yours. I can't wait to see what lies in the futures of the rest of the Porter brothers!



*** DON'T MISS THIS ANNOUNCEMENT!
This Thursday, May 23, 2013, Becky will be stopping by to answer reader questions! Plus, catch a short interview and other extras behind the novel and enter to win a free copy of Undeniably Yours!
See you Thursday!!




Thursday, May 16, 2013

Book Trailers

I've recently discovered a fascinating dimension of the publishing world: book trailers. Their like movie trailers--only for books. Fresh from the publisher, straight to you. Music and action are laced with just enough description of the book to make you want to go out and buy it. Now!

I have no idea how long these have been around, but they're new to me.

Book trailers are a great marketing tool for authors. It gets the word out about their book, drawing in new readers and loyal fans, and is easy to share through blogs, Facebook, and Twitter.


Here are some of the newest book trailers from a few of my favorite authors. Check them out!!


Stealing the Preacher by Karen Witemeyer

Undeniably Yours by Becky Wade

Once Upon a Prince by Rachel Hauck




Thursday, May 2, 2013

What's In a Song?

I've always loved music.
I grew up listening to my dad (who has a wonderful voice) sing in church. And around the house, and in the car, and along with the radio, TV... Lol. I'm sure that's where my love for music stems from. Though I personally can't declare a talent for singing or writing music, or playing an instrument, I'm fascinated by those who can. A songwriter has a very special job--inspiring others with notes and lyrics. Their ability to do this amazes me.

What's in a song that connects to a person? For some, it's the notes, the beat, the way the instruments blend together makes them feel. For some, it's the lyrics--the story the song tells. That story can be either uplifting or depressing. And my own personal opinion is that some songs are just too loud and crazy for me to enjoy at all. :)   If a songwriter can move people with the music and the lyrics, that's what defines a hit.
I enjoy many different styles of music, but what I love the most, and get the most out of, are old-fashioned church hymns. I'd rather sing these in church over contemporary any day (again, my personal opinion). I've often wondered about the lives of these songwriters themselves, how long it took them to write the hymn, what inspired them, etc. But ultimately, for me, it's the lyrics in these songs I love the most. When life throws a curve ball and hits me in the face with it--which happened recently, as it does everyone from time to time--these hymns bring me comfort, uplift me, and give me that kick in the pants I need to keep going.
Alan Jackson's Precious Memories CD is one I enjoy. Nothing fancy. Just his voice, the old hymns, and a piano.
Does music inspire you? Is there a particular song you go to when you need a boost? Do you sing, write music, or play an instrument? What do you love the most about a song: the lyrics or the notes?