Blog Archives
Release Day! HAUNTED EVER AFTER is here
Today is the official release day for HAUNTED EVER AFTER, my new full length romantic comedy novel with a touch of magic. And over the next two weeks I’m running a special competition to win a beautiful silver bracelet from Mantraband of the winner’s choice (Open Worldwide, free shipping). See below.
HAUNTED EVER AFTER
Mixing romance, humour and a sparkle of magic, Juliet Madison is back with a new full-length novel about a bride-to-be, a mystery and the stripper next door.
When bride-to-be Sally Marsh attends a weekend away with her bridesmaids, the last thing she expects is an uninvited guest: the ghost of her fiancé’s ex-girlfriend.
Red is quirky, loud and distracting, and Sally is soon desperate to find the reason behind her presence, so she can rid herself of her embarrassing shadow before the wedding day. Unfortunately, the ghost is reluctant to share the reason for her existence, but very enthusiastic about Ty, the surprise hen’s night stripper who keeps showing up at awkward moments.
Time is running out for Sally, but it’s also running out for Red. By the time all is revealed, Sally will be tested to the limits, and go above and beyond everything she’s ever believed in order to ensure not only her own happy-ever-after – but Red’s as well.
>> BUY NOW from Escape Publishing or via the links below:
Amazon.com / Amazon AU / Amazon UK / iBooks / Kobo / B&N / Google Play / Booktopia / Ebooks.com / JB HiFi / AllRomanceEbooks / Big W Ebooks /
If you enjoyed FAST FORWARD, be sure to check out Haunted Ever After which has lots of funny moments as well as emotional and heartwarming moments. This one also has a touch of mystery, and what romcom novel of mine wouldn’t be complete without a wacky underwear scene? There’s one in here too. Two, in fact. 😉
And to celebrate the release, I’m joining forces with two fellow authors from Escape Publishing who also write Magic Realism Romance; Sarah Belle and Jacquie Underdown, in a fun Facebook party with lots of giveaways! It starts tonight (Sep 1st) and will run for 24 hours (the party – not us, we will hopefully get some sleep at some point). Join the event HERE!
GIVEAWAY!
WIN a beautiful silver inspirational bracelet from Mantraband with your choice of affirmation engraved on it, plus an ebook of your choice written by me (6 to choose from). Open WORLDWIDE and free shipping for the bracelet. The bracelet prize will be delivered as an email gift voucher which you can use to order the bracelet of your choice free of charge. Winner drawn 15th September.
To enter click the following rafflecopter link:
Good luck! And i hope you enjoy HAUNTED EVER AFTER! 🙂
FEBRUARY OR FOREVER on special for 99 cents
If you haven’t yet got a copy of my heartwarming women’s fiction and coastal romance novel FEBRUARY OR FOREVER, or would like to send an inexpensive gift copy to a friend to give them a boost, now is the time! It is on special for only 99 cents on Amazon. The deal may not be available in all countries though, so please check the relevant links below:
Amazon.com link: http://www.amazon.com/February-Forever-Juliet-Madison-ebook/dp/B00HQ5ZEHQ/
Amazon.com.au link: http://www.amazon.com.au/February-Or-Forever-Juliet-Madison-ebook/dp/B00HQ5ZEHQ/
Amazon.co.uk: http://www.amazon.co.uk/February-Or-Forever-Juliet-Madison-ebook/dp/B00HQ5ZEHQ/
This book is the second in my linked Tarrin’s Bay series, but is a complete stand alone so you don’t need to have read the first book, The January Wish, beforehand (though you can if you choose!).
FEBRUARY OR FOREVER is set in a small Australian coastal country town and has romance, friendship, family dramas, and secrets, and revolves around the premise – what if your favourite celebrity fell in love with you? Think about your favourite singer, actor, or celebrity, or your fave from long ago… can you imagine what it would feel like if you met them and romance blossomed? That was what I tried to capture in this story. Chrissie is a hardworking single mother with a challenging six year old son, and has loved Drew Williams’ music (and um, his ‘personality’) for eighteen years, ever since he won a television talent show and shot to international stardom. Now he’s back in The Bay where he grew up, with plans to escape his busy life for just one month. But can one month become forever when he and his private yoga teacher Chrissie fall in love?
Discover the beautiful and enticing Tarrin’s Bay… join Chrissie and Drew at Serendipity beachside health retreat, the enchanting rural property of Honeydew House, the quaint Miracle Park, and the secluded part of the beach on a starry moonlit night…
Here’s what people are saying about FEBRUARY OR FOREVER:
- “Brilliant! … February or Forever is a fun, heartwarming story that will stay with me for a long time to come. It left me smiling at my eReader, making “woop” sounds all the way through and of course, made me cry. It’s a modern day fairy tale about a girl meeting her celebrity crush.. except that it’s nothing like that. And it’s why I loved this book so much.” ~ Maryline VP
- “This book brought out all of my emotions from laughing to crying. Highly recommend read.” ~ Sbart61
- “I totally loved this book! … Honestly, I’m not the one to drool over fictional heroes, but man..Drew really won my heart. He’s gorgeous, successful, yet such a friendly, kind, family guy. It was really nice to read about a normal celebrity for a change.” ~ Ananda
And here’s a little snippet from the book:
Motherhood had taught Chrissie to be a great multi-tasker. She could cook dinner, answer Kai’s ridiculously difficult questions about outer space, and do her one hundred bi-weekly calf raises while writing the next day’s shopping list. ‘Good, that’s better,’ she said, taking her hands off Drew and letting him sustain the pose. ‘I don’t want to see any more of those spaghetti arms.’
‘You going all Dirty Dancing on me?’
‘Whatever works.’
Drew’s posture loosened slightly as he chuckled. ‘Just don’t put me in the corner if I do things wrong.’
Chrissie laughed. ‘Don’t worry, nobody puts Drew in the corner.’
Drew eased out of the pose and turned to face her. ‘My puns are rubbing off on you.’
‘If only it was your singing ability.’
A smile formed on his lips.
‘How do you know Dirty Dancing so well, anyway? I thought it was a chick flick.’
‘I’ve seen it. I have a good memory.’ He shrugged. ‘And anyway, Sarah was obsessed with it as a young teenager, she had it on VHS and watched it over and over again on the only television set in the house. The script and songs are ingrained into my subconscious memory.’
Chrissie found herself swaying playfully side to side. ‘Are you a good dancer?’
He held his arms out to the side. ‘Am I a good dancer?’ he asked confidently as though he was Johnny Castle himself. ‘I’ll let you be the judge of that.’ He waltzed over to her in a sexy swagger and grabbed her, tipping her torso backwards.
‘Whoa!’ Chrissie straightened up. ‘Wasn’t expecting that.’
‘Expect the unexpected,’ Drew said dramatically, placing one hand on her waist and the other on her hand, in dance position. He stepped forwards and she moved with him, he turned and changed direction and she followed, trusting his lead, until she stepped on his foot.
‘Ouch! Lucky you weren’t in heels.’
‘If I was in heels I would have fallen over back there.’ She pointed to the direction they’d come from. ‘How those ballroom dancers do it I have no idea.’ She broke away from his grasp. ‘Anyway, this isn’t exactly yoga now is it? You, Mister, should behave.’ She jabbed her finger towards his chest.
‘You were the one who asked if I could dance. And besides, what’s wrong with mixing up the classes a little?’
‘So you want to…dance with me?’
‘Why not?’ He shot her a cheeky grin.
She matched it with one of her own. ‘Then there’s only one thing that’s missing.’ She walked over to the corner table and plucked her phone from her bag. She went to scroll through the iPod playlists but opted for YouTube instead. When she found what she was looking for she placed her iPhone in the speaker dock on the table, pressed play, then turned to look at Drew.
His face lit up in recognition when the music began. The unmistakeable song, The Time of my Life, filled the room, its slow, breezy start encouraging her to saunter across the room towards him. Drew eyed her with anticipation, curling his finger to entice her closer, then her body was against his, captivated by a playful eagerness in his eyes.
>>To read more, get your copy here…
To share this post, copy & paste any of the following:
What if your favourite celebrity fell in love with you? FEBRUARY OR FOREVER by @Juliet_Madison on special #99c! http://amzn.com/B00HQ5ZEHQ
#WeekendReads! FEBRUARY OR FOREVER special deal – only #99c! Limited Time offer http://amzn.com/B00HQ5ZEHQ @Juliet_Madison #bookworm #books
At Home With RITA Award Winning Author Fiona Lowe (& Giveaway!)
To celebrate my new release, THE JANUARY WISH, the first book in my small coastal town series set in Tarrin’s Bay; The Town of New Beginnings, I’m running a new interview segment called ‘At Home With…’
Today, I’m excited to be paying a visit to award-winning author, Fiona Lowe! Read on to see how you could win a copy of Runaway groom.
1. Hi Fiona, where are you from and how long have you lived there?
I’m from all over the place. I was born in country NSW, raised for a bit in Papua New Guinea, lived my twenties in Melbourne, my thirties in the USA and now I’m in coastal Victoria.
2. What do you love about the place you call home?
The sea, the size of the town and the fact if I have to drive more than 15 minutes to get anywhere, it’s a long way out of town.
3. Do you have a favourite local cafe, restaurant, bar, club, business, or store? Give them a plug here!
I am the world’s worst shopper. Seriously, I would do anything to avoid going shopping so I’m not great at helping the retail economy at all.
4. Do you have any pets? If so, what are their names? (Feel free to share a photo)
I have Pekoe, the feisty cat. She plays soccer with all balls and she is an excellent goalie. NOTHING gets past her.
5. What is your favourite room in the house and why?
I have two fave rooms. My office because it has a view of the sea and my living room because it is the only place I ever sit down!
[Juliet ~ An office with a sea view – lovely!)
6. If you had to evacuate your house, what three items (apart from people and pets!) would you take?
My external hard-drive because it has all the family photos on it.
The moustache cup that came from England with my grandmother.
My Rita statue!
[Juliet ~ And with that heavy Rita statue it would be hard to carry anything else! — See the pic below of me with Fiona, I’m helping her carry it because it’s so heavy. Nah, I just wanted to touch it! 😉 ]
7. If you had a magic wand, what’s one thing you would change about your home or your town?
I’d have a north-facing back garden instead of a south-facing one and a lovely deck to go with it.
8. It’s movie night at your place, the popcorn’s out, and everyone’s nabbed their favourite couch corner or armchair… what movie/s will we watch?
Anything directed by Richard Curtis. I think his latest film, About Time is up there with Love Actually and Four Weddings and a Funeral.
[Juliet ~ I agree. About Time is definitely one of my new favourite movies!]
9. Imagine you have the luxury of a chef for a night and you’ve invited people over for a dinner party, what would you have the chef cook?
It really wouldn’t matter what it was because the fact I did not have to cook it would mean it would taste fantastic.
10. Name three books on your To Be Read bookshelf or e-reader:
A Question of Travel by Michelle de Krester
Love A Little Sideways by Shannon Stacey
Holding out for a Hero by Amy Andrews
11. Name something unique or uncommon that you have in your pantry or fridge:
Lemon Myrtle. It’s great on chicken and fish.
12. If you could live anywhere for one year, where would you go?
Well, as I’ve seen a lot of the world, I would go someplace I’ve never been so that would be either Africa or South America.
13. You’ve just received a phone call from a friend or relative, and they’ll be arriving in five minutes for a visit. What do you do?
a) Relax on the couch until they arrive.
b) Put the kettle on; place some (probably homemade) snacks onto a tray; set the table; put flowers into a vase; and light a candle (and maybe even make some place cards with your super calligraphy skills).
Seriously? A person can do all that in five minutes? 😉
c) Put the kettle on; tip out a few cookies onto a plate; check your reflection in the mirror, and wait.
d) Freak out; shove excess household clutter under beds, in cupboards, drawers, and the garage; trip over something in the process; hold an ice pack to your bruised forehead while swearing profusely; check the mirror to see if you’re still in pyjamas; frantically change into suitable clothing whilst simultaneously holding ice pack to your head; fall over again; alternate ice pack between head and location of new injury; then shove ice pack under bed and greet visitors with the fakest smile of pure calm you can muster.
‘C’ sounds like me. Everyone is welcome but they need to take me as they find me which is usually in trackies or shorts depending on the season, and a white T-shirt; my writing uniform.
>> Even though Fiona would probably love you to pay a visit, why not visit her online right now?
Website : Blog : Facebook : Twitter : Goodreads : Pinterest
>> And help her pay for that in-house chef (or housekeeper) by buying a copy of her book here:
Amazon Kindle, Barnes and Noble, Carina Press, Kobo, iBooks, Booktopia
Runaway Groom. Book three of Wedding Fever trilogy
Amy Sagar’s life is in ruins. Fired from her fast-track job and dumped by her double-crossing boyfriend, she retreats to Whitetail, Wisconsin, to lick her wounds and regroup. Meeting an impossible, sexy Australian isn’t part of her strategy for getting back on track.
Aussie, Ben Armytage is running away. After being left at the altar and publicly humiliated, he’s taking his vintage motorcycle on an extended road trip from Argentina to Alaska. Having his journey interrupted by a breakdown and sharing a house with a curvy, redheaded lawyer in a town obsessed with weddings was never on his itinerary.
Though being stuck in a luxury log cabin isn’t really a hardship, living together with their broken hearts isn’t easy. When the attraction between Amy and Ben proves unstoppable, they’ll both begin rethinking their plans…
For more weddings in Whitetail, check out Saved by the Bride and Picture Perfect Wedding, available now!
>> WIN! Fiona would love to give away an ecopy of Runaway Groom. To be in with a chance, please tell me which cover out of the Wedding Fever trilogy (below) you like best and why. Open worldwide. Winner will be drawn 22nd Jan so get in quick!
A New Year, A New Book! THE JANUARY WISH is here… [Plus Giveaway]
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Well, 2014, here we are! And what better way to kickstart the new year than by relaxing with a good book? Don’t know what to read? Problem solved: my new novel releases today, 1st Jan, THE JANUARY WISH. 🙂
Here’s what the book is about:
From Escape’s queen of ro-magic comedy comes a sweet, emotional contemporary romance about the pleasures of making a wish and seeing it come true.
When Dr Sylvia Greene makes an impromptu wish at the Tarrin’s Bay Wishing Festival, it’s the most out of character action she can think of. Hers is not a life of wishes. Hers is a controlled life of order, plans and preparation…of science and research and diagnosis and treatment. But her past has been weighing on her mind, and decisions made long ago have far-reaching consequences.
A week later, the daughter she secretly gave up for adoption at sixteen arrives in Sylvia’s small coastal town with secrets that can’t be shared. Between feelings of guilt, gossip, and a growing attraction to an emotionally unavailable colleague, Sylvia’s well-ordered life is soon thrown into chaos. She is no longer alone, and for the first time she feels as if her world is open to possibilities.
They say be careful what you wish for, but, for Sylvia, the unexpected consequences may be just what the doctor ordered.
THE JANUARY WISH is perfect for fans of Susan Wiggs and Sherryl Woods, and those who like small town books like Susan Mallery’s ‘Fools Gold‘ series. The (then unpublished) manuscript of The January Wish was also a finalist in the Choc Lit Search for an Australian Star contest in 2012. It is the first in the Tarrin’s Bay series, and the second book FEBRUARY OR FOREVER is releasing soon, on 1st Feb 2014.
>>Buy THE JANUARY WISH from all good ebook retailers:
Amazon – Amazon UK – Amazon Aus – iTunes/iBookstore – Kobo – B&N/Nook – GooglePlay – BigW ebooks – Booktopia – JB HiFi – ebooks.com – All Romance ebooks
WIN STUFF! I’m running a giveaway for the whole month of January. You could win:
1. A $25 Amazon Gift Card to spend on anything at Amazon (you can get quite a few ebooks for that!)
2. A beautiful coastal photographic print of the setting of the novel (South Coast of NSW Australia). The print is unframed so you can put it in a frame of your choice, and measures approximately 30 x 21cm (12 x 8 inches). I’ll also throw in some autographed book cover cards for you too. I will send this anywhere in the world.
>>Enter via rafflecopter here: a Rafflecopter giveaway
There are several ways to enter and if you like you can tweet about the giveaway each day and get extra entries, just visit any of the posts during my tour schedule and click the rafflecopter link to ‘tweet about the giveaway’ on as many days in January as you choose. All other entry options in the rafflecopter form are once only. The winner will be drawn on 1st Feb and will be notified via email.
THE JANUARY WISH BLOG TOUR SCHEDULE
Read more about The January Wish, myself, and my writing life during my blog tour. Here are the blogs and dates in January I’ll be visiting:
1st: ARRA blog.
2nd: Jenn J McLeod’s blog – interview.
3rd: Jennie Jones’ blog – interview.
4th: Special Event: THE WISHING FESTIVAL day 1 – on Facebook. Join now!
5th: Special Event: THE WISHING FESTIVAL day 2 – on Facebook. Join now!
6th: Rachael Johns’ blog – guest post.
8th: The Australian Bookshelf – Author Q&A.
10th: Whitney K-E’s blog – guest post.
11th:
12th:
13th: Juanita Kees’ blog – guest post.
14th: Eva Scott’s blog – interview.
15th: RWA (Romance Writers of Australia) – Author Spotlight.
16th: a) Tea Cooper’s blog – guest post.
b) Aussie Owned & Read – guest post.
17th:
18th: Fiction Dreams – interview.
19th:
20th: Darlene Fredette’s blog – Book spotlight & excerpt.
21st:
22nd: Katherine Givens’ blog – interview.
23rd: Jenny Schwartz’s blog – guest post.
Escape Publishing blog – guest post.
24th:
25th:
26th:
27th: The Neverending Bookshelf – interview.
28th:
29th:
30th: Chick Lit Central – interview.
31st:
>> Join the Tarrin’s Bay Series Readers Group on Facebook here, for fun, discussions, competitions, sneak peeks, photos, and more.
At Home With Jenny Schwartz
To celebrate the upcoming January 1st release of THE JANUARY WISH, the first book in my small town series set in Tarrin’s Bay; The Town of New Beginnings, I’ve started a new interview segment called ‘At Home With…’
Today, we’re paying a visit to Jenny Schwartz…
1. Hi Jenny, where are you from and how long have you lived there?
Hi Juliet! Thanks for the chance to visit. I’m from Perth, Western Australia, and like a good sandgroper, apart from a few years sojourn in Canberra, I’ve always lived in the West. The sun has to set over the ocean or it just looks wrong to me!
2. What do you love about the place you call home?
My star sign is Cancer, so I really like being near water. Although I can’t afford (hello Lotto fairy, please do visit!) a house by the sea, Perth has its gorgeous coastline and amazing Swan River, and both make me feel good.
3. Do you have a favourite local cafe, restaurant, bar, club, business, or store? Give them a plug here!
I’ll confess. I love bread. Yum, yum, YUM! No carbohydrate-free diets for me! If you’re ever at the Fremantle Markets (I remember them when they were rundown and full of hippies), you must buy bread from Abhi’s Bakery. The best bread anywhere.
4. Do you have any pets? If so, what are their names?
This is Toby, affectionately known as “Fur Factory”. He loves to cuddle and share his fur – especially if I’m dressed to go out and wearing black.
[Juliet – Always the way!]
5. What is your favourite room in the house and why?
Kitchen! I did mention my bread-obsession, didn’t I? 🙂 I like cooking. I don’t much like recipes, but mostly the results are edible.
6. If you had to evacuate your house, what three items (apart from people and pets!) would you take?
I’m absurdly practical on this one: My purse because replacing cards is a nightmare, ditto my folder of important documents and probably my laptop. Photos tend to be online now, so no worries there, and clothes can be replaced. Hmm. I hate shoe shopping, so maybe I’d scoop up my shoes.
7. If you had a magic wand, what’s one thing you would change about your home or your town?
Give me that magic wand! I’d put a barrier around the suburb and not let any fruit fly in. With summer coming, it’s the time of fly traps and hassle trying to keep the critters out of the soft fruit. Although last year I did find that basil grown around the fig tree kept the fruit flies away.
8. It’s movie night at your place, the popcorn’s out, and everyone’s nabbed their favourite couch corner or armchair… what movie/s will we watch?
It’s not a movie exactly, but I am desperately waiting on the third instalment of Sherlock. Meantime re-runs of the first two are welcome.
[Juliet – I have heard it’s good!]
9. Imagine you have the luxury of a chef for a night and you’ve invited people over for a dinner party, what would you have the chef cook?
I would want to be surprised. Seriously, thinking up menus is hard work. I’ve just been doing that for my current book and it’s tough.
In case you’re wondering what my hero and heroine ate on their “this is definitely not a date” night out: chargrilled mushrooms stuffed with olive and thyme flavoured fetta, followed by roast chicken with pommes noisettes and spring greens, and Cassie insisted on a chocolate dessert. Any chocolate dessert!
10. Name three books on your To Be Read bookshelf or e-reader:
Raising Steam by Terry Pratchett – Terry Pratchett does steampunk!!!
Heart of Obsidian by Nalini Singh – It was tough waiting for this to come out in paperback.
and I’m waiting for January for Jayne Ann Krentz’s River Road. I love her books.
11. Name something unique or uncommon that you have in your pantry or fridge:
Umm. *contemplates an emergency run to the supermarket to buy something interesting*
Ripe blueberries just picked from the garden. Not unique, but definitely scrumptious.
12. If you could live anywhere for one year, where would you go?
Florence! Wouldn’t everyone?
[Juliet – well, if you’re offering ;)]
13. You’ve just received a phone call from a friend or relative, and they’ll be arriving in five minutes for a visit. What do you do?
a) Relax on the couch until they arrive.
b) Put the kettle on; place some (probably homemade) snacks onto a tray; set the table; put flowers into a vase; and light a candle (and maybe even make some place cards with your super calligraphy skills).
c) Put the kettle on; tip out a few cookies onto a plate; check your reflection in the mirror, and wait.
d) Freak out; shove excess household clutter under beds, in cupboards, drawers, and the garage; trip over something in the process; hold an ice pack to your bruised forehead while swearing profusely; check the mirror to see if you’re still in pyjamas; frantically change into suitable clothing whilst simultaneously holding ice pack to your head; fall over again; alternate ice pack between head and location of new injury; then shove ice pack under bed and greet visitors with the fakest smile of pure calm you can muster.
c) Put the kettle on; tip out a few cookies onto a plate; check your reflection in the mirror, and wait.
I have to add to c) attack hair with comb. When writing, if I’m truly stuck, I scrunch my hair as I stare at the screen. The result is a bit frightening, to be honest.
Thanks for your hospitality, Jenny!
>>Even though Jenny would probably love you to pay a visit, why not visit her online right now?
Website : Blog : Facebook : Twitter : Goodreads : Google+
>>And help her pay for that in-house chef (or housekeeper) by buying a copy of It’s Love, Dude here:
From our favourite short story writer comes a debut full-length novel about sand, sun, small towns, and surfing…
Zane Carlton is a World Champion surfer. Molly Georgiou is a shy, small-town girl. They have nothing in common except an instantaneous attraction and an impossible quest for a rare, endangered Australian marsupial. But Zane is determined to make it work, and invites Molly to take a step into his world. But Molly isn’t ready for the spotlights and attention — she loves her town, its quirks, its characters. Opposites attract, but can two such different people find both a woylie and forever?
>>WIN! A digital copy of It’s Love, Dude. Open internationally. Enter by leaving a comment. *Winner will be drawn on 27th November and notified via email and in the comments.
At Home With Victoria Purman
To celebrate the January 1st release of THE JANUARY WISH, the first book in my small town series set in Tarrin’s Bay; The Town of New Beginnings, I’ve started a new interview segment called ‘At Home With…’
Today, we’re paying a visit to coastal romance author, Victoria Purman!
1. Hi Victoria, where are you from and how long have you lived there?
Thanks for having me, Juliet! I’m an Adelaide girl through and through and have lived here my whole life. Some would say that’s pretty boring – others might say it’s lovely!
[Juliet – There’s no place like home! 😉 ]
2. What do you love about the place you call home?
Adelaide has a fantastic food and wine culture and the south coast’s beautiful beaches are only an hour away. When I worked in the city, it only took me twenty minutes to get there from home, so that’s pretty family-friendly, too.
3. Do you have a favourite local cafe, restaurant, bar, club, business, or store? Give them a plug here!
I absolutely love my hairdresser Megan Panozzo from In Awe Salon. I’ve been going to her for more than twenty years and she’s cut my three boys hair since they were were bubs! My other favourite places are those which make the things that sustain writers: Haigh’s chocolates (another South Australian classic) and the wineries Bremerton and Primo Estate.
[Juliet – A good hairdresser is worth their weight in gold!]
4. Do you have any pets? If so, what are their names? (Feel free to share a photo)
I have a very disobedient spoodle called Charlie who absolutely adores me!
[Juliet – I don’t think he’s camera shy either ;)]
5. What is your favourite room in the house and why?
My favourite place in the house is actually not a room, but the deck in the backyard. In summertime, an enormous Acer Negunda (Box Elder) tree gives us a cool canopy to sit under in Adelaide’s scorching heat.
6. If you had to evacuate your house, what three items (apart from people and pets!) would you take?
My Apple Mac – obviously! Passports and some undies!!
7. If you had a magic wand, what’s one thing you would change about your home or your town?
I would drag Adelaide a little closer to New York!
[Juliet – LOL! Not a bad idea.]
8. It’s movie night at your place, the popcorn’s out, and everyone’s nabbed their favourite couch corner or armchair… what movie/s will we watch?
BBC’s “Pride and Prejudice”. “High Fidelity” with John Cusack and “Nacho Libre” with Jack Black.
9. Imagine you have the luxury of a chef for a night and you’ve invited people over for a dinner party, what would you have the chef cook?
The best, juiciest steak… because I panic when I do it, fearing I’ll overcook.
10. Name three books on your To Be Read bookshelf or e-reader:
Nora Roberts “Dark Witch”. Cathryn Hein’s “Heartland” and everything of Amy Andrews. I’ve just finished her latest “Holding out for a Hero” and adored it.
11. Name something unique or uncommon that you have in your pantry or fridge:
Tahini. I make a mean Hommous.
12. If you could live anywhere for one year, where would you go?
New York, New York. Because I may, simply by accident you understand, bump into Ryan Gosling or George Clooney.
13. You’ve just received a phone call from a friend or relative, and they’ll be arriving in five minutes for a visit. What do you do?
a) Relax on the couch until they arrive.
b) Put the kettle on; place some (probably homemade) snacks onto a tray; set the table; put flowers into a vase; and light a candle (and maybe even make some place cards with your super calligraphy skills).
c) Put the kettle on; tip out a few cookies onto a plate; check your reflection in the mirror, and wait.
d) Freak out; shove excess household clutter under beds, in cupboards, drawers, and the garage; trip over something in the process; hold an ice pack to your bruised forehead while swearing profusely; check the mirror to see if you’re still in pyjamas; frantically change into suitable clothing whilst simultaneously holding ice pack to your head; fall over again; alternate ice pack between head and location of new injury; then shove ice pack under bed and greet visitors with the fakest smile of pure calm you can muster.
(a) Relax on the couch. With a half empty bottle of wine, of course!
Thanks for inviting us over, Victoria!
>>Even though Victoria would probably love you to pay a visit, why not visit her online right now?
Website : Facebook : Twitter : Goodreads : Pinterest
>>And help her pay for that in-house chef (or housekeeper) by buying a copy of her book here:
Kindle : Harlequin :Google Play : Ibookstore : Kobo : Booktopia
>>Victoria’s book: Nobody But Him
She didn’t expect to run into her first love… or to fall back in love with him!
At eighteen, Julia Jones left for the city with a head full of grand plans for an exciting life that certainly didn’t include her home town of Middle Point – a main street with a pub – or Ryan Blackburn.
But fifteen years – and a lifetime later – she’s forced to put her big city life on hold when she heads home to finalise her mother’s estate. Which is where she runs smack bang into the town’s new champion… the same Ryan Blackburn.
The sensible thing to do? Stay the hell away from him and head back to Melbourne as fast as her stilettos can carry her. But Julia finds his offer of a helping hand and a hot body too delicious to refuse and dives into a reckless, one-time fling.
What she doesn’t realise is that tomorrow has a way of sneaking up, and that saying goodbye to her home town – and to Ryan – is much harder the second time around.
At Home With… Annie Seaton [Plus Giveaway!]
To celebrate the January 1st release of THE JANUARY WISH, the first book in my small coastal town series set in Tarrin’s Bay; The Town of New Beginnings, I’ve started a new interview segment called ‘At Home With…’
Today, we’re paying a visit to bestselling author from Entangled Publishing, Annie Seaton!
1. Hi Annie where are you from and how long have you lived there?
I live in a small town on the mid north coast of New South Wales and have lived here for over twenty years.
2. What do you love about the place you call home?
Family around me makes it home. As well as that, the proximity to the ocean is very special to me. The water inspires my writing.
3. Do you have a favourite local cafe, restaurant, bar, club, business, or store? Give them a plug here!
LOL… the coffee machine in my kitchen. I have been so busy with deadlines, I lead a fairly cloistered life….I even grocery shop online!
4. Do you have any pets? If so, what are their names? (Feel free to share a photo)
I think most readers are familiar with Bob Dog and Boy Cat and Girl Cat… but here is a photo too!
5. What is your favourite room in the house and why?
The living room where my writing chair overlooks the ocean and my garden
6. If you had to evacuate your house, what three items (apart from people and pets!) would you take?
Laptop, iPad and my gold jewellery (All my important documents and photos are stored electronically!)
7. If you had a magic wand, what’s one thing you would change about your home or your town?
I would beautify the public areas that the local council cannot afford to look after.
8. It’s movie night at your place, the popcorn’s out, and everyone’s nabbed their favourite couch corner or armchair… what movie/s will we watch?
Love Actually or Billy Elliott.
9. Imagine you have the luxury of a chef for a night and you’ve invited people over for a dinner party, what would you have the chef cook?
Creme Brulee! Forget the main course.. . straight to the dessert for me.
[Juliet ~ why not? ;)]
10. Name three books on your To Be Read bookshelf or e-reader:
~ Books 3-10 in the Sullivans series by Bella Andre (Can we count that as one?)
~ Jackie Underdown-Beautiful Illusion
~ M J Stedman –Light Between Oceans
[Juliet ~ I have a couple of those on my list too]
11. Name something unique or uncommon that you have in your pantry or fridge:
Home made pickles… I think that is a rarity these days!
12. If you could live anywhere for one year, where would you go?
New Zealand… I love it and would love to spend a year exploring the country.
13. You’ve just received a phone call from a friend or relative, and they’ll be arriving in five minutes for a visit. What do you do?
a) Relax on the couch until they arrive.
b) Put the kettle on; place some (probably homemade) snacks onto a tray; set the table; put flowers into a vase; and light a candle (and maybe even make some place cards with your super calligraphy skills).
c) Put the kettle on; tip out a few cookies onto a plate; check your reflection in the mirror, and wait.
d) Freak out; shove excess household clutter under beds, in cupboards, drawers, and the garage; trip over something in the process; hold an ice pack to your bruised forehead while swearing profusely; check the mirror to see if you’re still in pyjamas; frantically change into suitable clothing whilst simultaneously holding ice pack to your head; fall over again; alternate ice pack between head and location of new injury; then shove ice pack under bed and greet visitors with the fakest smile of pure calm you can muster.
None of the above. Chill the wine!
[Juliet ~ it’s all about priorities, right? ;)]
Thanks Annie!
Even though Annie would probably love you to pay a visit, why not visit her online right now?
Website: http://annieseatonromance.com
Blog: http://annieseaton.blogspot.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnnieSeatonAuthor
Twitter: @annieseaton26
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5779458.Annie_Seaton
And help her pay for that in-house chef by buying a copy of her book, Outback Affair, here:
OUTBACK AFFAIR:
Jessica Trent wants to be a full-time writer for Cuisine magazine, but in order to land the gig she has to snare a one-on-one with the reclusive Alessandro Ricardo, a man hell-bent on staying out of the limelight. The last thing she expects as she heads to Crocodile Springs resort in northern Australia is to end up traveling across the Outback with a rugged and far too sexy barramundi fisherman.
Ex-lawyer Alex Richards protects his privacy and his heart in equal measure. So when a Yankee bombshell in need of a ride turns up and threatens both, he decides to teach her a lesson. As they make their way through the wild country together, the attraction between them ignites. Alex must choose between his heart or letting go of his past … and will Jessica understand why he lied once she finds out who he really is?
>>WIN! Annie’s giving away a copy of the first book in her affair series, Holiday Affair. Comment below to enter (bonus entry if you tell us where you would like to go for your ideal holiday!). Open worldwide and winner will be drawn on 15th Nov and notified by email.
Good luck!
Ten Awkward Questions with Abby Cavenaugh [Plus Giveaway!]
In this segment, authors will be subjected to a list of awkward questions that may reveal more about themselves than they really wish to share, and they will receive a score on the ‘Braveometer’. If they choose to answer only five questions, they are a ‘Brave Author’, if they answer 6 to 9 questions they are a ‘Mega-Brave Author’, and if they answer all 10 questions they are an ‘Ultra-Brave Author’!
Please welcome Swoon Romance author, Abby Cavenaugh!
1. If only one of your books could have been / could be published, which one would you choose? (C’mon, I don’t want to hear ‘Oh, I love them all, there’s no way I could choose.’ Time to be ruthless, these are the Ten Awkward Questions after all!)
Since I am a debut author, I’m afraid I get the easy way out of this question. I always wanted GOING HOME AGAIN to be published first, and it was. I have another work-in-progress romance novel I’m working on, and also a YA that I’ve finished but I’m considering rewriting it. If I had to choose between the three of these manuscripts, I’d still choose GOING HOME AGAIN, because I worked on the story for four years and it was so wonderful to finally see all my work pay off.
2. Okay, now which one of your children/family members would you… nah, just kidding! Which of the following words most accurately describes your best personality trait (you must pick only one!):
Punctual. Good listener. Neat. Graceful. Generous. Cheerful.
Since I am none of the above, except a good listener and generous, I’d say my best personality trait is probably that I’m a good listener, although I am very generous too. Since I’m not a bestselling author (yet), I can’t afford to give to charities the way I wish I could or buy things for my family and friends that I would love to, so I’m going with good listener. Yup. Hopefully my friends would agree! I try to be there for them whenever they need me.
3. Which of the following words most accurately describes your worst most challenging personality trait (even if you’re perfect, you must pick one):
Always late. Blabbermouth. Slob. Complete klutz. Scrooge. Grumpy pants.
I’ll go ahead and say it is my worst personality trait—I can totally be a Grumpy Pants sometimes. I’m really working on that and trying not to be so grumpy anymore, but at certain times, I just can’t help it and I must be cranky!!!!
4. Have you ever had a romantic crush on one of your characters? Who and why?
Yes. I have a crush on Michael Day in GOING HOME AGAIN. He has his flaws, but since I created him, he’s pretty much the man of my dreams. Gorgeous, funny, smart, talented… he’s got it all. *Le sigh*
5. When writing an important scene, do you act it out to allow you to better describe what’s happening?
Yes, I totally acted out my love scenes with the inspiration for Michael Day. Haha, I wish! No, I really don’t act out my scenes, but many of the things that happen in my novels have happened to me, so I know what it feels like. Or at least I can imagine. 🙂
6. Do you talk to yourself when writing or coming up with plot ideas?
I look in the mirror and say, “Abby Cavenaugh, you evil genius!”
7. Who would be ideal to play YOU in a movie of your life?
If I had my choice, Kate Winslet circa “Titanic” when she was curvy and redheaded. I’m brunette but my hair has a hint of red, and I think she’d be perfect to play me. Of course, she’s far more beautiful than me, but let’s face it. No one’s ever going to make a movie of my life anyway.
8. If you could be any book character for one day, who would you be and why?
I would be Alyssa Jones in GOING HOME AGAIN (not trying to pimp out my book, really… I’m being honest!) because as I said, Michael Day is the man of my dreams, and it’d be fantastic to actually know what it’s like to be with a wonderful man!
9. You’re about to be left on a deserted island for a year, and while your basic food and water needs will be met, you can only bring one extra thing from the following. Which would you choose?
a) A pen and notepad that never runs out
b) An unlimited supply of books
c) An unlimited supply of chocolate, coffee, or alcohol (your choice)
d) A gorgeous man/woman depending on your preference
Oh man, that’s a tough one. I would definitely love an unlimited supply of chocolate, but I might go nuts if I didn’t have any way to write down ideas, thoughts and feelings! So I guess I would have to say a pen and notepad that never runs out. That way, at least I could write myself new stories so I have something to read! Haha.
10. If you had the attention of the whole world for two minutes what would you say?
I’d say, “Listen, people. We’d all be a whole lot better off if we did less judging, had more compassion and realized that the most important thing in life is love, not money or power or guns or anything stupid like that. Everyone needs love. Not romantic love but love for your friends and family and your fellow human beings. On the inside, we’re all the same. The sooner we all realize that, the better all of us will be.”
Thanks for taking part, Abby! You have been awarded Ultra Brave Author on the Braveometer!
Visit Abby online at her website/blog, twitter, and facebook.
>>WIN! You could win a copy of Abby’s novel, GOING HOME AGAIN, or a Swoon Romance title of your choice. Simply leave a comment to be entered in the draw! Winner will be drawn on 1st November and notified via email.
More about GOING HOME AGAIN…
In high school, it was doubtful Michael Day knew Alyssa Jones existed.
Twenty years later, when the now-famous pop star returns home to coastal North Carolina, Alyssa gets a second chance to make a first impression on Michael.
On sabbatical from his failing marriage, Michael agrees to an interview with Alyssa, a journalist for the local tourist magazine.
When the chemistry between them ignites, Alyssa and Michael are hit with the harsh reality that he isn’t yet free to love her.
With Michael’s wife and son still very much in the picture, can Alyssa hold out until he ends his marriage for good? Or will she risk it all for a second chance with the one who got away?
Add it to Goodreads.
Buy now on Amazon, Amazon UK, Barnes & Noble.
RELEASE DAY! Starstruck in Seattle [plus bumper giveaway!]
Wow, what a month! Last month my novella I Dream of Johnny was released, and this month, today, sees the release of another novella, STARSTRUCK IN SEATTLE!
I’m so excited for this one as it was written quite a while ago, and is my first story not set in Australia, so it’s good to see it finally out in the world. And if enough readers like it, I’ll write more in the series, each with a new stand-alone story set in different cities but linked by the reappearance of the quirky and loveable character of Lulu and her dog, Spark (see pic below). Lulu has a very important job in bringing soulmates together, so the story possibilities are endless.
Here’s the blurb:
Aspiring actress Anna Hilford might only have a small role in a leading television drama, but she longs to be dreamboat Karl Drake’s leading lady. Sick of being loveless and overlooked, Anna seeks the help of intuitive love coach, Lulu, from LuluTheLoveAngel.com to give her the courage and determination to follow her destiny. But fate has different ideas, Lulu has undisclosed power, and Anna is about to realise that life happens while you’re busy making plans…
I got the idea for this story when Sleepless in Seattle was on TV. I thought, instead of a call-in-radio show where people ask for advice, what if there was a website that specialised in helping people anonymously with their love dilemmas (and there might be, I just haven’t looked!). So I thought up the idea for a Love Coach, but as I like to do in many of my stories, I decided to give it a slight magical twist. That’s right, Lulu, known as Lulu the Love Angel, might just have more power than people know. 😉
This story is slightly different from my previous two books, in that it’s a bit more ‘romancey’ and not as much of a giggle-fest, though it does have some humorous moments.
I hope you’ll enjoy reading about Anna’s search for love and how, unknowingly, Lulu helps her along the way.
BUY NOW: >> STARSTRUCK IN SEATTLE is available worldwide and you can buy it from all ebook retailers, including:
Amazon / Amazon UK / iTunes iBookstore / B&N Nook / Kobo / Booktopia / JB Hi-Fi / Google Play / ebooks.com / All Romance ebooks
GIVEAWAY: >> And now, I have a fantastic giveaway for you all! You could win four Escape Publishing ebook packs, using the rafflecopter links below and following the instructions. Competition closes midnight on 10th October and is open worldwide.
Here’s what you could win. Enter one or all of them!
#1 Fun, Fast, & Fabulous novella pack:
Christmas Wishes, New year’s Kisses, and Valentine’s Dates by Rhian Cahill; I Dream of Johnny by Juliet Madison; The Virginity Mission by Cate Ellink; and Bonjour Cherie by Robin Thomas.
Enter prize #1 here >> a Rafflecopter giveaway
#2 Escape from Reality pack:
Fast Forward by Juliet Madison; Red Moon by M.A. Grant; Fish Out of Water by Ros Baxter; King Hall by Scarlett Dawn.
Enter prize #2 here >> a Rafflecopter giveaway
#3 Out and About pack:
Matilda’s Freedom by Téa Cooper; Getting Wild by Sarah Barrie; Swift Runs The Heart by Mary Brock Jones; Riding on Air by Maggie Gilbert; Dark Oil by Nora James.
Enter prize #3 here >> a Rafflecopter giveaway
#4 Emotional Rollercoaster pack:
Forget Me Not by Nina Blake; Bound By Her Ring by Nicole Flockton; Her Man from Shilo by Robyn Richards; Finding Home by Lauren McKellar; Under The Hood by Juanita Kees.
Enter prize #4 here >> a Rafflecopter giveaway
Good luck, and happy reading! 🙂
Click here to visit the STARSTRUCK IN SEATTLE page at Escape Publishing.
Click here to add STARSTRUCK IN SEATTLE to your Goodreads shelf.
RELEASE DAY! … I Dream of Johnny
It’s here! The release of my second book! It was not that long ago I was celebrating the release of my debut novel, Fast Forward, and now, seven months later I’m celebrating the release of I DREAM OF JOHNNY, my romantic comedy novella with a magical twist, out now with Escape Publishing.
If you like stories that make you giggle and leave you feeling uplifted and positive, then I hope you’ll check out ‘Johnny’. I love writing stories that are both humorous and heartwarming, and I hope you’ll enjoy reading them.
As with Fast Forward (which contained time travel 25 years into the future), this book has a slight magical twist, and a new sub-genre is emerging called ‘Romagic Comedy‘ which captures this type of story perfectly… set in every day life, but with a hint of something supernatural, yet not enough to be a true paranormal or fantasy book. In this case, think of a mix of the TV shows The Big Bang Theory and I Dream of Jeannie (yes – it has a magic lamp, AND geeks) 😉
>>Getting three wishes isn’t all it’s cracked up to be when an unfortunate spelling error in Mandy’s high-tech magic lamp changes her wish for a Greek God into a Geek God. His fashion IQ is in the negatives, he’s clingier than cling wrap, and he has a penchant for breaking into song at inappropriate moments. Before Mandy can request a replacement wish, she has to put up with him for twenty four hours, and the timing couldn’t be worse – – it’s her friend’s wedding day, her ex will be there, and the God of Geeks insists on coming along for the ride.
Here is what people are saying about the story so far…
“Pure, absolute fun!” ~ Maria
“If you’re looking for a light and quick read, pick this one up!” ~ Deanna
“Ms Madison is a brilliant author and I can seriously see her rocking the chick lit charts.” ~ Ananda
“Super adorable … A light, sweet read (like cotton candy).” ~ Cynthia
I DREAM OF JOHNNY is available worldwide and you can buy it from all ebook retailers, including:
Amazon, Amazon UK, iTunes, B&N/Nook, Kobo, Google Play, JB Hi-Fi, Booktopia, ebooks.com,Escape Publishing.
…Come back to the blog on 2nd Sept at 12pm Sydney, AU time for a huge event I’m holding to celebrate this release, called the Three Wishes Blog Blitz! Over 35 blogs are participating and giving away great prizes, so make sure you stop b y and enter the prize draws. It will run until the 6th September.
Happy reading, and be careful what you wish for! 😉
