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January… A Perfect Time To Make A Wish
Happy New Year!
January, 2018, here we are. Are you ready?
It’s been four years since THE JANUARY WISH, the first book in my Tarrin’s Bay series, was released. I’ve made a few wishes myself since then, many of which have come true. đ
January is a perfect time to not only look back on how far you’ve come, but also look forward to where you want to be, what you want to experience, how you want to feel.
I love the new feeling of January, the ideas that inspire me from within, and knowing that it’s a fresh start.
When I wrote THE JANUARY WISH I not only wanted to make a great story, but show readers that anything is possible. That no matter what has happened in your past… grief, loss, regret, illness… you can rise above it all and become the best version of yourself and find happiness and peace in your life.
Some of the story mirrors my own journey, and as I’ve risen above many challenges and made a few wishes, I’m grateful to what has manifested in my life, both personally and professionally, including my rewarding creative career.
I love inspiring others to do the same with their own life, through the pleasure of reading fiction that entertains and empowers, or through direct guidance and support with my coaching and online courses that I run. I’m holding a special 2 week online course just for the new year, called New Year Mojo! – The Secret Letters System for Releasing the Past and Manifesting the Future, based on my book The Secret Letters Project and on the techniques I’ve used myself to overcome challenges and create the life I want to live. If you’d like to take part in this small supportive group and be guided directly by me to step forward into an amazing new year and new life, I’d love to have you on board! You can find out all the details and register right now by clicking onto this page HERE. đÂ
And if you haven’t yet read the bestselling and award-shortlisted book THE JANUARY WISH, it is available in ebook from all online ebook retailers, and also in large print, and in print as part of the Time For The Beach anthology.
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 Tarrinâs 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 preparationâŠof 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.
Published by Escape Publishing.
Have an amazing new year!
~ Juliet xo
P.S. – Connect with me on Facebook here:Â https://www.facebook.com/JulietMadisonAuthor/Â
Cover Reveal, & Tarrin’s Bay Gift Pack to WIN!
The cover fairies at Harlequin Australia have done their magic again, this time with the third book in my Tarrin’s Bay series, MIRACLE IN MARCH. What do you think?
Here is the blurb for this story, due for release March 8th 2015.
A new Tarrinâs Bay novel from best-selling author Juliet Madison. She took a break from real life, and found what she didnât know she was looking for.
Emma had plans, travel plans, going-far-away plans, but her family means everything to her, so when they needed help, she was there to deliver it. Running the family business of beachside cabins in Tarrinâs Bay might not be the same as the French Riviera, but Emma finds a certain level of peace in the beautiful setting and small town community.
But when she finds that her ex-boyfriend, a man she left behind without explanation, staying in one of the cabins, her peace is ruined. She knows the only way to get it back is to share the secret sheâs been hiding for five years, and admit to him the limitations that she now carries. But James has his own truths to share, and heâs not the man that Emma once knew.
They are both in very different places than before, but itâs a time for renewal and second chances when their reunion brings secrets to the surface, dreams to be remembered, and the realisation that they are both in need of a little miracle.
So now that the March book is gearing up for release, I guess I better start planning the April book! Luckily, the characters and story are already taking shape in my mind. All I’ll tell you for now is that the hero and heroine will be next door neighbours. One is a social butterfly, the other is a bit of a hermit. One has a physical disability, the other has emotional scars. But despite their clashing personalities they may just find something amazing that bonds them together. There will be a candle shop, feuding pet cats, and tattoos. Which means skin. And muscles. đ And of course, as with all my small town stories, there will be secrets. And this will be the first TB book in which neither of the characters are parents. More later!
Giveaway time!
Tis the season for giving, so I am giving! I have a fabulous Tarrin’s Bay gift pack to send to one lucky reader anywhere in the world (because don’t you just hate it when there’s a fab giveaway and you’re not in the right country to be eligible?!). No probs here, I’ll wear the postage costs, because I want to reward my readers for supporting this series (I have to get all the way to the December book, so please keep buying and reading them and telling your friends!) đ
The only catch? You must be a member of my Tarrin’s Bay Series Readers Group on Facebook. And the winner can’t be one of my family members (sorry Mum).
So here is WHAT you could win:
- Two signed, lined notebooks featuring The January Wish and February or Forever on the front. Fill them with your ideas, musings, study notes, recipes, goals and dreams, or whatever you ‘wish’! I hope you will cherish them ‘forever’. đ Sorry, if you’ve read the February book you might remember that Drew likes puns.
- A 2015 calendar featuring beautiful photos of the Australian NSW South Coast, where I live, and also the inspiration for the setting of the Tarrin’s Bay series. This is from south coast photographer Andy Hutchinson.
- A framed postcard of one of our local beaches. I can just see my characters walking along the shore… đ
- A message in a bottle! A mini-bottle, with real sand and a shell from one of our beaches! And, I will write you a secret message inside.
- Sterling silver beaded earrings featuring the colours from the book covers, handmade locally.
And here is HOW you could win:
1. Join my Tarrin’s Bay Series Readers Group on Facebook HERE (if you’re not already a member). Once I’ve approved your request to join, you’ll be able to see the post about the giveaway.
2. Read the instructions in the giveaway post in the Facebook group, and comment on the post with your entry.
3. Winner announced December 9th.Â
So get cracking, only one week to win! Good luck đ
Exciting Announcement!
I am thrilled to be able to share some news I’ve been sitting on for a while…
As a digitally published author, I am excited to announce that one of my books, THE JANUARY WISH, will be put into print as part of a limited edition compilation of 3 Australian coastal bestsellers! This will be my first print release. đ đ
The book is called TIME FOR THE BEACH, and will be officially released on 1st January 2015 but should be in stores about a week before Christmas, making a perfect Christmas gift! This is an Australian release published by Harlequin Australia and will be available in BigW stores and Target. If you see it in the wild please take a photo for me!
I’m sharing this exciting book with two wonderful authors: Victoria Purman and Eliza Redgold.
Here is the summery cover!
And here is what each story is about:
NOBODY BUT HIM by Victoria Purman
She didnât 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 didnât include her home town of Middle Point â a main street with a pub â or Ryan Blackburn.
But fifteen years â and a lifetime later â sheâs forced to put her big city life on hold when she heads home to finalise her motherâs estate. Which is where she runs smack bang into the townâs 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 doesnât realise is that tomorrow has a way of sneaking up, and that saying goodbye to her home town â and to Ryan â is much harder the second time around.
THE JANUARY WISH by Juliet Madison
When Dr Sylvia Greene makes an impromptu wish at the Tarrinâs 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 preparationâŠof 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.Â
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.Â
They say be careful what you wish for, but, for Sylvia, the unexpected consequences may be just what the doctor ordered.
HIDE & SEEK by Eliza Redgold
He thought he knew all there was to know about the birds and the bees, but heâs about to get schooled.
A little birdie tells Hope Buchanan that American hotel developer Sullivan OâDare isnât just in town for a holiday. As the manager of Hot Tropics Bird Sanctuary, Hope has more than a vested interest in protecting natural habitats.
Hope pulls out all the stops to convince Sullivan to come out with her to the WA bush, with its beautiful trees and unique wildlife. Surely the stunning scenery and a dose of âBroome timeâ will show him what is at stake. But what is initially about saving the Sanctuary soon becomes about finding a connection. Could it be that Hope has finally found the bird of a feather to form her own flock?
Maybe you’d like to add TIME FOR THE BEACH to your Christmas wish list, and I’m sure you have some friends or family members who would love to receive a gift of three beach reads in their Christmas stocking! Remember, it will be a limited edition release so once they’re sold out they’re sold out, so get in quick before Christmas or early in the new year!
Big thanks to Harlequin Australia for putting this together, I can’t wait to see it on the shelves! đ
*The January Wish is the first book in my loosely linked Tarrin’s Bays series. February or Forever is also available as an ebook, and Miracle in March will be releasing in March 2015.Â
Special Offer for THE JANUARY WISH
My publisher has created this special offer to coincide with the RWA Australia conference which is on this weekend, simply use the code RWA14 to get THE JANUARY WISH for only 99c HERE, until 31st August.
*This will provide you with an epub copy, so you will need Adobe Digital Editions or an epub reader to read the ebook.
Happy reading đ
Mid-year already?! Start over again with THE JANUARY WISH (99c sale)
It can’t possibly be the end of June. How did that happen? Weren’t we just setting New Year’s goals a few weeks ago? Time seems to be flying faster than ever before, or maybe we’re all so busy it just seems that way.Â
When I came up with the idea of a monthly-themed series I thought it would be fun to experience the characters and events of a small town over the course of one year, and so the Tarrin’s Bay Series was born. Twelve books for twelve months, linked by the same setting. The first two books are currently available and I’ve recently started writing the third (yay!) which will release in March 2015.
If you haven’t yet read the first book, THE JANUARY WISH, now is the time, as it is currently on special on Amazon for only 99c (I think this may only be for Aus/NZ readers though – sorry international friends! It was Amazon’s decision ;))
You can grab a copy here…. I don’t know how long Amazon will keep the discounted price!
>> Amazon.Com: CLICK HERE
>> Amazon.Com.Au: CLICK HERE
>> For all other ebook stores you can find the relevant links on my publisher’s page HERE.
What’s THE JANUARY WISH ABOUT?
When Dr Sylvia Greene makes an impromptu wish at the Tarrinâs 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 preparationâŠof 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.Â
This story is close to my heart. It was the second book I wrote and I put some of my own experiences into it, and for those that don’t know, the setting is based on where I live on the NSW South Coast. I was thrilled when this story became a finalist in the Choc Lit Australian Star contest, and even more thrilled when Escape Publishing decided to publish it.
If you’ve already read it, I hope you enjoyed it and if so, if you’d like to write a brief review on Amazon or Goodreads, that would be awesome. đ
Where I’m at…
I’m currently writing MIRACLE IN MARCH, the third Tarrin’s Bay book (*note: these books can be read in any order, some characters reappear but there aren’t major spoilers). I’m enjoying revisiting Tarrin’s Bay and creating new characters to fall in love with. I think this one will be a bit of a tearjerker! But as always, my books have uplifting endings.
I’ve recently finished writing 12 DAVES OF CHRISTMAS, a romagic comedy novella, and this is due for release on 1st Dec 2014, but my next release is HAUNTED EVER AFTER on 1st September 2014, another romagic comedy but a full length novel.
>> I’d like to say a big warm welcome to all my new subscribers who visited the blog for my post on How I Write Fast, the response was amazing and it is my second most popular blog post of all time since I started blogging! (The most popular post is How To Choose a Pen Name … hmm, what other ‘How To’s could I do?). Thanks to everyone who shared the post, here’s some virtual Hummingbird Cake for you (which features in The January Wish, served by the dreamy Jonah).
Next month I’m off to the RWA Australia conference in Sydney and I’ll be doing my first book signing for the Australian Romance Readers Association, so if you’re not far from Sydney, make sure you book a ticket and come say hello! There will be over 70 authors there!
Well, I better get back to writing, there is still half the year left! (optimist) đ
You can also visit me online at Facebook and Twitter where I spend a bit lot of my time.
~ Juliet
Book Bundle Giveaway!
Author Jennie Jones is holding a multi-book giveaway to celebrate the first birthday of her bestselling rural romance, The House on Burra Burra Lane.
It is OPEN WORLDWIDE, and all you need to do to enter is visit my interview HERE, click the little green ‘subscribe to Jennie’s newsletter’ button on the right side of the page, then say ‘yes’ on the Rafflecopter form. Easy!
The winner will receive a special limited edition USB key from Escape Publishing, with six books loaded onto it just for you. Plus you’ll receive swag including bookmarks, postcards…etc.
CLICK HERE to enter and read an interview about my book The January Wish. Good luck, and tell your friends! đ
It’s My Birthday And I’ll Blog If I Want To
Yay, a birthday! Another year to celebrate being alive – yippee! That’s what I think on the 14th April each year (see my overjoyed expression below). Then reality hits… Oh. My birthday. Um. Hmm… another year older (see my overjoyed freaked out expression below). How does the time go so fast? Wasn’t it only recently that I was youthful and firm with skin all …dewy and stuff? What happened? Gravity and time, that’s what happened. Gravity – you suck. Except for the fact that you keep us on the ground instead of flying around in chaotic, uncontrollable astronaut fashion. Then again, that could be kinda fun. Occasionally. Except during meal preparation time… “Stay in the frypan, onions! And you naughty chicken breasts – stop floating towards the television! Don’t make me come get you!” And if I was boiling potatoes at the same time I’d also be dodging floating pellets of boiling water and looking like an uncoordinated ninja.
But seriously, a birthday is a blessing. A privilege. And although physical ageing is inevitable, the mind and heart can stay as young as you wish it to be. And when I blow out that birthday candle tonight (one candle, because who can be bothered counting them all out once you’re over a certain age? đ ), I’ll be wishing for health and happiness for myself and my loved ones. And maybe some other things but I can’t tell you because then they might not come true! đ
Sooo, I better go enjoy my day. Oh hang on, I have an idea. I’ll share a couple of snippets of birthday scenes from my books. Yes, that’s a good idea for a birthday blog post. Rightio, off to find them…
…I’m baaack!
Apparently only two of my books have birthday scenes. My other characters never age. Damn them.
Here are snippets from FAST FORWARD and THE JANUARY WISH:
Fast Forward, birthday excerpt from chapter 15:
I opened more presents, including a heat-sensing automatic temperature-adjusting blanket from Kasey and Max, along with a donation on my behalf to the Ants Have Feelings Too research foundation, and watched more amazing moving birthday cards, until only one thing remained on the present table. A white envelope.
It seemed strange that among all this technology, paper still actually existed. I slid my finger under the seal and pulled out a plastic card about the size of a book … if books still existed, I certainly hadnât seen any around the house.
âOh, whoops, that was supposed to be for later,â Will said. âAh, might as well have it now, then.â His face went slightly pink.
âWhat is it, Kel?â Elaine asked with curious eyes.
âItâs a … â I began, my cheeks becoming hot.
Ryan came over and plucked the card from my hands. âCâmon, the suspense is killing us!â He read the card and grinned. âItâs a coupleâs intimate photo shoot at Image of Desire studios.â
âWoo-woo!â Regina said and a few cheers and whistles escaped the mouths of my guests, as Will held out his hands.
âNow calm down everyone, itâs just a makeover and photo shoot for married couples, nothing raunchy.â
âYeah right,â Ryan exclaimed. âHave you seen the portfolio on the gift card? Look.â He pressed a button on the card and a slideshow played, showing various couples wearing minimal clothing embracing in imaginative positions like strands of spaghetti clinging to a fork.
A makeover and photo shoot I could handle, but with Will? Doing…that? My stomach lurched as I attempted to steal the card back from Ryan, who was holding it up in the air for everyone to see, keeping it out of my grasp. âGive it to me, son, thatâs enough of your teasing,â I said in a motherly voice and interestingly, it worked.
âSorry, Mum. Itâs just funny, thatâs all.â He handed me the card and I shoved it back in its envelope as Will mouthed a red-faced âsorryâ at me. I flicked my hand as though it was nothing and then re-opened Dioraâs gift in an effort to distract myselfâand everyone elseâasking the nearest person to help me latch the necklace around my neck.
âThere is another present, Mum,â Ryan said in a more serious tone.
âHuh? But you already took me bungy jumping.â
âYou went bungy jumping?â Marge Simpson leapt from her seat, her beehive wig almost toppling forward.
âDidnât you know?â Homer asked. âI told you yesterday remember, when you were baking that soufflĂ©?â
âDarling, you should know by now to never talk to me when Iâm baking, especially a soufflĂ©, I wonât remember a thing for the concentration it requires.â
âYes, she sure did,â Ben said. âShe was awesome!â Ryan glanced longingly towards Ben and smiled, before turning back to me.
âThis is something extra special, Iâve been planning it for a while,â Ryan said.
Oh dear God. Donât let it be skydiving, or hang gliding, or a one-way trip to Mount Everest. Please!
The January Wish, birthday excerpt from chapter 28:
âI donât think I can fit in dessert now,â Sylvia said, as she leaned back in the chair at the dinner table and lifted her glass to her lips. She had no problem fitting in more wine.
âYou have to, itâs your birthday!â Joyce said. âAnd the waiter needs something to put a birthday candle on,â she added.
Mark nodded in agreement. âYou know youâre getting old when you only get one birthday candle. Itâs too much hassle to count out the correct amount,â he said with a charming smirk. âEither that or thereâs not enough room to fit them all on,â he added. Everyone erupted in laughter and Sylvia kicked him under the table. He simply grinned, then winked at her. âJust teasing,â he said. âYou look great for someone your age, Sylvia.â She kicked him again.
They say that one of the best signs that someone is recovering well from illness is the return of their sense of humour. Sylvia wondered if the same could be said for grief. When sheâd first met Mark, his humorous charm had attracted her, but after their discussion about his wifeâs death, heâd lost that charm. Heâd become quiet and serious. Lately though, sheâd begun to see a subtle re-emergence of his sense of humour. Tonight, it was obviously back in full force.
âLook Sylvia, thereâs lemon meringue pie.â Joyce held the menu in front of Sylvia. âAnd coconut panna cotta with raspberry coulis and almond biscotti. Or what about Death by Chocolate?â
Maybe she could fit in some chocolate. âThat sounds like a good way to go,â Sylvia replied. âI mean, in terms of dessert choice, not death,â she added with a chuckle, and hoped the mention of death wouldnât upset Mark. Sheâd tried to keep their few discussions at work lighthearted, but that was difficult considering her profession. The subject of death was bound to come up occasionally. Thankfully, Mark didnât seem rattled in the slightest, and in fact continued to mock her âold ageâ by suggesting she tuck her napkin into her shirt collar and ask for her dessert to be pureed for ease of consuming.
âIs the naturopath allowed any dessert?â Sylvia asked Mark.
âOf course. All things in moderation,â he replied. âTell you what, Iâll splurge on Death by Chocolate too.â Mark placed his menu down on the table and signalled a waiter.
As the waiter made his way towards the table, Sylvia noticed Grace outside the restaurant. Strange, she thought. Itâs a bit late to change her mind about joining them for dinner. Well, she could always just have dessert; there was room to pull up another chair. Sylvia was about to wave at Grace to come inside when a sense of dread filled her stomach. Grace looked different. Ghostly, in fact. And she was clinging to the window. A strange facial expression crossed Graceâs face as their eyes connected. Fear mixed with relief, Sylvia recognised. And within moments of their gaze locking on each other, Graceâs eyes rolled back and she slid down the window like a raindrop losing its grip on the glass.
~ Hope you enjoyed the excerpts! To check out the books or any of my others, here is my page on my publisher’s site with all the links: This one here. Go on, you know you want to. đ
Until next year… đÂ