Tag Archive | Romance

Goodreads Book Giveaway! A Golden Life

In celebration of A Golden Life’s beautiful new cover, I’m giving away five signed copies through a Goodreads Book Giveaway.

This contemporary novel is set in the gorgeous mountains of Gatlinburg, Tennessee. I received some wonderful feedback from the judge who scored my entry in the 24th Annual Writer’s Digest Self-Published Book Awards!
Here’s what they said about “A Golden Life.”

Judge’s Commentary*:

A GOLDEN LIFE is a kind of Night Before Christmas tale, where celebrated romance writer Traci Oliver is having writer’s block while trying to write her fiftieth (golden) book in the aftermath of her husband’s death a year previous. She is late delivering this fiftieth book but is unable to start writing. On the one-year anniversary of his death she is visited, much like the ghosts of Christmas past present and future, by some of the characters in her books, who help her move on in her grief and think of something to write that will be perfect. The book is charming, and Traci has a wonderful voice, full of grief and delicacy, and her friendship with her agent is believable. The feeling you get from her is that she loved her husband very much and misses him greatly, and that that love was tied up deeply in her writing ability. The plot is somewhat predictable, but the characters from her books are endearing.

Enter to win one of five signed copies!

Goodreads Book Giveaway

A Golden Life

by Jeanne Hardt

Giveaway ends February 19, 2017.

See the giveaway details
at Goodreads.

Enter Giveaway

Free Download Dec. 8th-10th!

Dec8

For a limited time, Deceptions, Southern Secrets Saga, book 1, is available to download for free! This is your chance to step into the lives of five families who are learning to live and love again after a war that tore apart our nation. I hope they’ll touch your heart.

Those of you who are already fans of this series know that it takes you on a roller coaster ride of emotions, with many unexpected twists and turns. True to life, things aren’t always pretty. However, I always strive for happy endings.

https://www.amazon.com/Deceptions-Southern-Secrets-Saga-Book-ebook/dp/B0139LASFS

Deceptions2_1400

Wonderful Holiday Reads!

Nov29

It’s that time of year, when it’s fun to cozy up with a good book and something hot to drink. So, I decided to recommend a few books that will help warm you up from the inside out.

From ‘sweet’ romance writer, Darcy Flynn, Seven Days in December.

seven-daysin-december

Elementary school teacher, Nikki Carpenter, packs her bags and heads to a friend’s cabin in the Rocky Mountains for the holidays. Not only does she need an escape from her busy work schedule, it’s time to start healing. Time to say goodbye to her late husband and begin living again.

Traynor Michaels needs time to think. Between his current girlfriend pressuring him to get married, and his sister’s constant matchmaking efforts, he’s more than ready for a few days alone in his family’s one-room mountain cabin.

Double booked and trapped together during a blizzard, frustration sets them both on edge. Traynor is immediately attracted to the gorgeous Nikki. But her affinity for lists and the habitual twisting of her wedding band proves beyond annoying, until he realizes something deeper is going on. As for Nikki, the handsome man sleeping on the sofa just messed up her plans, yet he may hold the key to her finding Christmas again.

You can purchase Seven Days in December here: https://amzn.com/B019O2LVIO E-book is just $1.99!

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Now, if you want to go from sweet to spicy, here are a couple books from author, Cynthia Gail, that will warm you all the way to your toes!

First, a romance set in Nashville, Tennessee, Winter’s Magic.

Owner of La Bella Vita, a five-star day spa nestled in the affluent suburbs of Nashville, Tennessee, Beth winters-magic Sergeant knows her elite clientele first hand. She attended their private schools. She was even engaged, although briefly, to one of their most recognized bachelors. But she never fit in to their social-elite world.

After losing his parents to a car accident at a young age, Nick Chester was raised by his grandfather, the wealthiest man in Nashville. When he chooses to socialize, he has a never-ending list of exclusive events and beautiful women vying for his attention. Yet he never lets himself forget that everyone has an agenda.

Beth can’t resist Nick’s charm and accepts an invitation to dinner, despite her deep-seated insecurities. She proves she’s nothing like other women Nick’s dated and learns to trust him in return. But just as the last of their resistance crumbles and true love is within reach, challenges from Nick’s past threaten to destroy everything and force Beth to reveal her most guarded secret.

You can purchase Winter’s Magic here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009WEFVLI

Perhaps you’d rather escape to another country for a bit of Christmas-time romance. How about Paris?

Cynthia Gail’s, A Paris Christmas, will take you there.

a-paris-christmas Billionaire Nicholas Adrien Rousseau works seven days a week. He lives on a schedule, doesn’t like surprises, plans his days, and outlines his goals. Until an irresistible blonde slides into the backseat of his Mercedes, mistaking him for the driver of the car service provided by his company, Bridal Bliss.

Bella Rose is late for the airport. The opportunity to turn Creative Couture into an International marketing firm is a dream come true, but if she doesn’t catch the last flight home to the states, she’ll miss Christmas Eve with her family.

Two strangers with an attraction that could melt an iceberg, are stranded in the heart of Paris, the city of light and love. When Bella throws caution to the wind, deciding to accept the spontaneity life has thrown her and enjoy the journey, she never imagines it will lead to the man of her dreams. Adrien realizes too late that by hiding his identity, he could lose the one woman who loves the man and not the money.

E-book is just .99 cents! You can purchase it here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B018LGRH32

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As for my own books, both of my series have Christmas chapters, so if you want some lengthy reads, start with book one of my Southern Secrets Saga, Deceptions, or perhaps book one of the River Romance Series, Marked. Buy links for all my books are found by clicking the books tab above and scrolling down to the book you’re interested in.

For this special blog, I’m featuring my slightly unusual, yet magical tale, A Golden Life. Not only does it take place over Thanksgiving and Christmas, it, too, is a bit on the spicy side, and will take you on emotional roller coaster. You’re sure to laugh, and likely cry. But like all my books, it has a happy ending.

In the beautiful mountain setting of Gatlinburg, Tennessee, something unusual is about to happen… agoldenlifenew_850

Traci Oliver may be a best-selling romance author, but for the first time in her writing career, she can’t type a word on the blank page. Book number fifty is supposed to be her best ever—her golden book—but inspiration joined her husband in the grave. How can she write about love with a shattered heart?

At the precise moment of the anniversary of his death, a knock on her door changes everything.

Characters from her books take on human form and tell her they’ve come to help her. Of course, she doubts her sanity. Are they real, or has she lost her mind? When she lands smack dab in the middle of one of her own love scenes, she assumes the latter.

Her doctor says grieving is a process, but she never dreamed that part of the process would bring her heroes to life. She wonders if all people experience this kind of thing, or is it a weird phenomenon reserved solely for romance writers? Truthfully, the only hero she wants is her husband, and she can never be with him again.

Or maybe she can…

You can purchase A Golden Life by clicking here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B017Z6CREI

I wish you all happy holidays, and very soon, a more-than-merry Christmas!

Joyful reading!

Getting to Know Victoria O’Malley

Aug25

Victoria O’Malley is by far the most complex character I’ve ever written. Beautiful, bratty, bold, and believe or not, she does have a heart. This gorgeous redhead is featured on more of my covers than any other characters.

Consequences Cover

For those of you who’ve followed her journey in my Southern Secrets Saga, don’t worry, I’m not going to reveal any spoilers! But, I thought I’d give you a chance to get to know her better. Find out what makes her tick.

Raised as only child by some of the wealthiest people in Mobile, Alabama, she led a life of leisure. As a ‘Daddy’s girl,’ she was given anything and everything she wanted, and rarely told ‘no.’ As she grew into a woman, she used her beauty to entice people outside her family to accommodate all her pleasures.

Unfortunately, her striking looks lead her into the arms of a man who’s abusive and self-absorbed. Handsome and wealthy in his own right, she believes he’ll be her perfect mate. Passion and lust drive their relationship. She mistakes it for love and eventually pays the price.

Desires cover 850

Raised as a Catholic, Victoria attended St. Mary’s parish in Mobile, Alabama. She faithfully went to Sunday Mass and weekly confession. The priest’s concern grew, the older she got. Things she revealed in the confessional remained with him and God, but weighed heavy. He did all he could to guide her, but Victoria’s headstrong ways took her down her own path. Besides, as she frequently reminded people, no matter what she did, she’d be forgiven once she confessed. In her mind, that made her as clean and pure as snow.

Incivilities_300

She attended Catholic school, and it was there that she attained her sophisticated southern drawl. Though her parents were Irish, with heavy brogues, she displayed no trace of it. She wanted to sound like the other girls in her class, so she mimicked them. Besides, she found that men preferred hearing the lilt of a true Southern Belle. Drawing their attention was by far her greatest pleasure, and her ultimate purpose in life.

Her mother was another major influence. Beautiful like her daughter, Shannon O’Malley passed her wisdom on to Victoria. When she advised Victoria to judge a man by the size of his wallet, Victoria took it to heart. Genuine love and respect was never considered.

Here’s a little secret some of you may not know …

Victoria made her first appearance in a different series. In book three of my River Romance series, you’ll meet her as a pre-teen.

Here’s a teaser from “Forgotten.”

“Be with you in a minute, Miss O’Malley,” Jake yelled. He scratched at his full beard, then bent low over the counter. “Banker’s daughter,” he whispered. “One a my best customers.”

Brian chuckled, then glanced at the girl. She could easily have been Margaret Mitchell’s daughter. Same red hair and striking features. “She’s very pretty.”

“Just turned eleven.” Jake shook his head. “She’ll break hearts one day.”

Brian agreed. To be that young and already well put together indicated she’d blossom into something extraordinary.

He wanted to get down to business, but Jake seemed more interested in gossip. “That dress,” he said through the side of his mouth. “Twelve dollars. Came from overseas.”

Brian gasped. Twelve dollars for one dress? Silk and lace. Not something any ordinary girl would put on for casual daywear. Even Hannah’s attire wasn’t this expensive-looking. Impractical during a war.

As if she knew they were talking about her, the girl came to the counter. She tipped her head coyly and batted her eyes. “Who’s the new boy?” Her southern drawl was thick but refined, and though she posed the question to Jake, her eyes were on Brian.

Boy? I’m no boy.

Now that she’d moved closer, she was even more beautiful. Her eyes were deeper green than his.

“Miss O’Malley,” Jake said. “This here’s Brian. He works for Mr. Bradley over at that new hotel they’re buildin’.”

Brian nodded at her and smiled. Forgotten 850

“A carpenter?” She stuck her nose in the air and grunted.

“Yes.” He pulled his shoulders back. Her beauty rapidly diminished.

“Victoria!”

Brian faced the shrieking woman. This redhead was a grownup version of the girl. Dress and attitude. For all the women he’d met in Mobile who had his features, surely a relative had to be in the city.

“What, Mama?” Victoria rolled her eyes.

“Your father is waitin’.” Mrs. O’Malley’s Irish brogue caught Brian off guard.

“But I haven’t had time to buy something,” Victoria pouted.

Mrs. O’Malley took the girl by the hand. “There’s always a first time.” She smiled at Brian, then nodded to Jake. “Good day, Mr. Parker.”

I hope this little snippet has piqued your curiosity. Unlike my saga, which sometimes leaves you hanging at the end of a volume, the River Romance books can be read as single titles. Each book comes to a conclusion. Still, I’d highly recommend that you start with book one, “Marked.” The series follows a family in Tennessee, and you’ll get to know each family member a bit better by starting at the beginning.

I enjoy linking characters in my books. Even if they skip over to a different series. There’s a surprising brief ‘cameo’ from one of my Southern Secrets characters in my single title, “From the Ashes of Atlanta.”

I hope you’ve enjoyed this insight into Victoria. She’s the girl you love to hate, but she worked her way into my heart and hopefully yours, too. I’ve shed many tears for her. And that’s another story . . .

They Seem So Real!

Jun9

I’m suffering from a chapped nose. No, I don’t have a cold. Yes, I sometimes have allergies, but that’s not the reason either.

I just finished writing a difficult chapter. I can usually knock out a chapter a day, but this one took three. Along with half a box of tissues.

I tell myself all the time that I’m not crazy. Maybe that in itself is a little nuts. Then, I’m reminded of one of my favorite movie scenes from “Romancing the Stone.” Author, Joan Wilder, is hunting for tissues. Sobbing over what she’s written.

When I first saw that film over thirty years ago, I wasn’t a writer. At least, not an author of novels. But now that I am, I get it! When my characters hurt, I hurt. Thus, the tears.

I’ll never forget the first time someone told me that my characters seemed real. Probably one of the best compliments I’ve ever received. They’re certainly real to me. Otherwise, why would I cry for them? Why would I care so much?

I recently had a great conversation with a reader who’s on Book 3 of my Southern Secrets Saga. She talked to me about things that were happening in the story and asked a few questions. But mostly, we talked about the characters and how much we love them. I felt like we were discussing long-time mutual friends. At one point, she apologized for going on so long about the books. Oh, my goodness! There definitely had been no need for that, and I told her so. It was fun! I doubt she realized how she’d made my day.

I’m glad the imaginary people I bring to life feel real. I’m afraid that if they weren’t relatable, the story would fall flat. A reader should be able to walk hand in hand with the characters and experience what they’re going through. Good and bad. Emotion is healthy. I just wish I could spare my nose!

Desires cover 850

Goodreads Giveaway! He’s In My Dreams

May5

I’m excited to announce another upcoming Goodreads Giveaway! The giveaway starts on May 6th and runs through the 31st. Winners of the five, signed copies will be selected at random by Goodreads. Though listed as a young adult novel, I highly recommend it for readers age thirteen and up. I hope it will prompt some deep conversations. I put a big piece of my heart in this story. It’s set in one of my favorite places in the country, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.

Check out the details below!

Goodreads Book Giveaway

He’s In My Dreams

by Jeanne Hardt

Giveaway ends May 31, 2016.

See the giveaway details
at Goodreads.

Enter Giveaway

https://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/widget/185561

Branching Out

Mar29

I’ve always been told to write what’s in my heart. I stand by that 100%!

I may not be writing the thing that’s popular in the industry, or the books that meet industry standards, but I enjoy being unique.

I don’t have time to read as much as I’d like to, because I’m spending so much of my time writing. But sometimes I think I’m shooting myself in the foot. It’s important to know what’s out there, even if I’m not trying to be trendy.

Why am I telling you all this?

Well …

A year ago I was inspired to write a young adult novel. Up until then, all of my work had been geared toward the women’s fiction and/or romance market. The idea for my young adult novel came after I finished writing “A Golden Life” and wanted to write another contemporary novel with magical realism.

Because my new book, “He’s in My Dreams,” is about a seventeen-year-old girl with terminal leukemia, I decided to write it for the young adult market. Little did I know that another book with similar subject matter had recently hit the bookstores and movie theaters. You now understand why I mentioned shooting myself in the foot. I’m sure any of you reading this know what book/movie I’m referring to without my even stating the title. You’re probably asking yourself if I’d been living in a closet the last few years. Nope. Just glued to my desk, writing where my heart led.

I wasn’t made aware of the book until one of my Beta readers told me about it. I’d given her “Dreams” to test read. She’d read the other book and told me that my timing might be a little off. BUT, the good thing is that she also told me that my book is nothing like the other story. Better still, she said she liked it! Her encouragement helped me so much. (Thank you, Melissa!)

And though my timing might be bad, I’m pushing forward. I want to share Amber’s story with the world. The industry might be screaming, ‘no, not another one,’ but it doesn’t matter. Like I said at the beginning of this post, I’m not the industry sort of author. I write what’s in my heart. And boy, oh, boy, did it get wrenched writing Amber’s story. I cry every time I do a read-through. But I’m happy to say that my book ends with hope.

I can’t begin to imagine what it would be like facing a terminal illness with your child. And for those of you who have, God bless you. I pray that my story will do justice to the difficulties you faced, and honor the love you’ll always have for the precious life you lost.

HE’S IN MY DREAMS

HesinmyDreams2_300 Amber’s just seventeen, but wants to die. With no chance of remission, she’s tired of pain.

Regret makes her even more miserable. She’s never been in love. Never had that first kiss. She wants to know what it feels like.

When she asks her mom, she’s so bitter about her own past, she refuses to answer Amber’s questions. About men. About sex. And most importantly, about what it’s like to fall in love.

Then Amber meets Ryder, and everything changes. He’s exactly what she’d hoped for in a guy. Funny, smart, kind, and better looking than any actor she’s seen on TV. When she’s with him, she forgets her pain. He makes her want to live again.

There’s just one problem with her newfound love. He exists only in her dreams.

He’s in My Dreams is a young adult novel set in the beautiful city of Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho. It will be available on Amazon in both e-book format as well as paperback. Release is planned for mid-to-late April.

Darcy Flynn – Double Trouble

Mar9

I’m so excited to welcome Darcy Flynn to my blog!

Darcy Flynn

Darcy writes sweet romance, and I can honestly say, she’s a very sweet and kind person. Her stories reflect her genuine personality.

I had the privilege to read her newest release, Double Trouble, and I absolutely loved it! I was honored to have a sneak peek before the actual release date.

Darcy writes with a warm unique voice and pulls you right into her characters. She makes them real. I hope you all will give her books a read!

I could go on and on, but I want to share the information about her book, then I have some questions for her!

Double Trouble From the first moment coffee mogul, Will Carrington, gazed into the fiery, green eyes of Clare Sullivan, he’s hit with the feeling she does not like him. Not. One. Little. Bit. Used to being the proverbial prize by some gorgeous gold digging fortune hunter, he’s learned to be careful. But with his hunter instincts now on high alert, he’s determined to find out the why behind her stormy-eyed glances.

Top home designer, Clare Sullivan wants absolutely nothing to do with arrogant, self-assured Will Carrington, especially after he called her half-sister a gold digger. When she gets the opportunity to design his multi-million dollar Miami penthouse, she arrives at his office ready to decline his offer, and to tell him exactly what she thinks of his cruel and un-warranted comments.

While there, she overhears his one-sided phone conversation, which seems to further insult her sister. Assuming the worse, Clare makes the rash decision to accept the job and charge him a fortune in the process. Someone needs to teach him a lesson and what better way then with a swift kick in his wallet.

Since she and her sister have different surnames, Clare conveniently hides the connection to her sister. But while she works with Will, she discovers another side to this self-assured, woman-hater. A Jekyll to his Hyde. Charming and professional, he’s nothing like the man she’s heard about. What she doesn’t know is Will Carrington has a few secrets of his own.

Darcy, what inspired you to start writing novels?

I’d been writing non-fiction for the Christian and Home School market for years and after my son went to college, I found a box of 70’s Harlequin Romances in my attic. It was like Christmas. I’d forgotten I’d kept them and since I was officially an ‘empty-nester’, I decided to re-read some of them. As I did, I’d think…I could write one of these. So I did and wrote Keeper of My Heart.

What makes your work different from other books in your genre?

My novels are so much fun! Romps for the most part. They’re similar to the vintage 70 stories, like the clean, Hollywood romantic comedies from years ago or the sweet Harlequin Romances, without the omniscient POV of course! Some of my readers have even told me my novels should be Hallmark Channel Movies! Yeah! I so agree with that!

What are the most interesting character traits of your hero and heroine?

Well…all of my heroines seem to be rule breakers. As much as I try to make them otherwise. I’m not a rule breaker – much to my own loss I might add. So, I love it when my heroine throws caution to the wind and does something she’d never do under normal circumstances. I really like that about my heroines! And if it happens to drive my heroes just a little bit crazy, then so be it.

As for my heroes, well, they don’t take a lot from these feisty gals. They’re no-nonsense kind of men and always up for any challenge my heroines toss their way. They’re quite dreamy and delicious. Okay, I know that’s not a character trait, but I couldn’t resist sharing that with you.

Will there be a sequel?

Oh, yes. The sequel is Wes’s story. It’s called, Double Take. More to come about that one later.

Excerpt:

Clare leaned against the white painted railing and soaked up the view. The Gulf waters spanned in front of them for miles, its waves beckoned as it broke against the shoreline. “Why would you ever want to leave this for the penthouse? You’ve got the sand at your feet and the ocean just yards away.”

“Who says I’m giving it up?”

“I just assumed…”

“That, Miss Sullivan, is your trouble.”

“Excuse me?”

He took her hand and led her to the end of the porch, then faced her. “You assume way too much.” He gently pulled her into his arms. “About me, anyway.”

Heart thudding, she gazed up at him. “What are you doing?”

“What do you think?”

In business, Clare had one hard and fast rule—never get involved with a client. As tempting as he was, she made a half-hearted attempt to pull away.

“No. Wait. Don’t think.” He gently tapped her chin. Her eyes locked with his mesmerizing ones. Blue, like the ocean. Dancing with the light of the late afternoon sun. For a brief moment they roamed over her face, hungry, desiring, then he lowered his head.

*********

Darcy’s Bio:

Darcy Flynn is known for her heartwarming, sweet contemporary romances. Her refreshing storylines, irritatingly handsome heroes and feisty heroines will delight and entertain you from the first page to the last. Miss Flynn’s heroes and heroines have a tangible chemistry that is entertaining, humorous and competitive.

Darcy lives with her husband, son, two English Setters and a menagerie of other living creatures on her horse farm in Franklin, Tennessee. She raises rare breed chickens, stargazes on warm summer nights and indulges daily in afternoon tea.

Pre-Order: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CIPKWJI?ref_=pe_2427780_160035660

Contact Links:

Website/Blog: http://www.darcyflynnromances.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/darcyflynn

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/DarcyFlynnAuthor

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B0077AG3ZM

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2975929.Darcy_Flynn

Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/dflynnauthor/boards/

Google+: https://plus.google.com/116563609469381811624/posts?tab=XX

A Golden Life .99 cent Promo!

Dec20

I didn’t want any of you who follow my blog on a regular basis to miss out on the .99 cent promo for “A Golden Life!”

Starting today thru midnight on December 26th, you can purchase the e-book version on Amazon for this low price. I hope you’ll give it a read!

The story is set in the beautiful mountains of Gatlinburg, TN, but nothing about the plot is typical. It will take you on an unusual journey to say the least.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B017Z6CREI

A Golden Life

Something magical is about to happen…

Traci Oliver may be a best-selling romance author, but for the first time in her writing career she can’t type a word on the blank page. Book number fifty is supposed to be her best ever—her golden book—but inspiration joined her husband in the grave. How can she write about love with a shattered heart?

At the precise moment of the anniversary of his death, a knock on her door changes everything.

When characters from her books take on human form and tell her that they’ve come to help her, she doubts her sanity. Are they real, or has she lost her mind?

Her doctor says grieving is a process, but she never dreamed that part of the process would bring her heroes to life. She wonders if all people experience this kind of thing, or is it a weird phenomenon reserved solely for romance writers? Truthfully, the only hero she wants in her life is her husband, and she can never be with him again.

Or maybe she can …

Goodreads Book Giveaway! Deceptions

Aug18

Goodreads Book Giveaway

I’m so excited to share my new release, “Deceptions.” This is the first book in the Southern Secrets Saga. I’ll be giving away four paperback copies, so be sure to click the link below and enter!

Here’s a little more about my book:

A little more than six years have passed since the end of the War Between the States, and life in Mobile, Alabama isn’t easy.

Claire Montgomery is twenty-five and unmarried. After years of listening to her mama’s caution regarding men, she’s determined to stay single. Until Dr. Andrew Fletcher arrives in her little town on the bay and she’s irresistibly smitten.

Andrew tends to the elite at Mobile City Hospital, but also cares for the poor Negroes in a less desirable part of the city. Despite criticism from the hospital administrator, he’s determined to stand by his principles and help anyone in need. Regardless of the color of their skin.

Their whirlwind romance is quickly followed by a wedding proposal. But Claire’s world crashes around her when she discovers a painful truth. With no choice but to run away, she leaves Mobile and soon realizes she’s carrying his child.

Every decision Claire makes changes the lives of those she loves. The secrets and deceptions she creates blur the line between lies and truth, until she can’t discern one from the other.

Deceptions

by Jeanne Hardt

Giveaway ends August 31, 2015.

See the giveaway details
at Goodreads.

Enter Giveaway