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Thursday, January 31, 2013

CELEBRATE

Happy Two Year Anniversary...to my Publishing Company!

There's a lot of publishing houses out there.  They range from giants of the Avon and Little Brown and Co.  variety to small ones that you've never heard of that consist on one author who wears the hat of editor and author all in one. As an author, it can be difficult to find the perfect fit, not only for your manuscript but for your personality as well.  Each company has its strengths, weaknesses and places they excel. But I want to give a huge shout out to Astraea Press, the company that has given my manuscripts a home and my face a HUGE grin.  While they aren't huge, they aren't too small either.  It reminds me of the story, "Goldilocks and the Three Bears." Everything about them is JUST right. Here's a few reasons why.

*They have standards.  Yes, you read that correctly.  There's guidelines that are defined and precise which uphold a specific moral code.  Now, don't let me loose you at that last sentence.  Let me explain.  Have you ever read a book where the detail wasn't in the story, but in selectively specific scenes? Have you ever loved a story but hated that you felt the need to flip a few pages because you're more interested in personal experience, rather than reading someone else's? Yeah.  Astraea is wonderful because the romance is alive, active and passionate. They only select stories that allow the thread of a wonderfully woven romance to weave its way into your mind till you're drawn into the whole tale, rather than specific parts or lack there of.  There's no reason to skip pages with over-shared information, and no reason to do anything but enjoy a well written story.

*They are genuinely interested in their authors and readers.  First, as an author, I can speak with the owner of the company over Facebook, or over the phone and ask questions and get a ready response.  As a reader, they love hearing from you and are truly interested in what you enjoyed about specific stories and how they can continue to provide you with amazing literature.  They host giveaways constantly and even have book club you can join where you get a free book each month.  

*Finally, its a company where you connect with other authors and are easily accessed by your readers.  There's constant interaction between author, editor, publisher, and reader.  Does it get any better than that?

I have a home with Astraea Press, and I'm thankful to be part of that AP family.  If you are an author, I encourage you to check out their submissions page (they accept everything from contemporary romance and regency to paranormal) here's the link Submissions.

To add my own little HOORAY to the celebration, my first full length release "Living London" will be  live in a few short hours!  I'll be hosting a huge giveaway shortly so check back and enter to win a some free books or maybe even a Amazon Gift Card!  

See you soon!

Monday, January 21, 2013

Claiming Mariah

Claiming Mariah by Pam Hillman

I've recently joined the Tyndale Blog network.  It's an amazing opportunity to review books through this publisher of quality Christian Fiction.  The first book I've read is Claiming Mariah, by Pam Hillman.  I was completely absorbed by her wonderful word pictures and the way she spun the story. Here's my review!


4.0 out of 5 stars Great story with vivid word picturesJanuary 21, 2013
This review is from: Claiming Mariah (Kindle Edition)
This was my first book by this author and I will be reading anything else she releases. Claiming Mariah was a wonderful and warming story on how God brings all things full circle and to benefit those who call upon his name. Mariah was faced with many choices, all of which could have left her bitter, cynical and blaming God. Slade grew up on the wrong side of the tracks and blames God for his father's drunken abuse. Together they find the beauty of redeeming love, both in each other and in God.

This is a very clean romance. The author does a wonderful job of creating emotional sparks without adding in any unnecessary detail, although I must admit, a little more detail wouldn't have hurt either. It is a great and enjoyable read and I highly recommend it.

I received this book as part of a blog network through Tyndale, the publisher. However all opinions and statements on this book are my own.
Why no voting buttons? We don't let customers vote on their own reviews, so the voting buttons appear only when you look at reviews submitted by others.



I really suggest you check out this author.  I'm going to be watching to see if she does another boom about Slade's brother, Buck!  Here's the buy link!

Friday, January 11, 2013

  Yes, I know. I move my hands...A LOT! But remember, I'm new to this and learning as I go.  Maybe next time I'll tie my hands behind my back so they are not so distracting...( but then I might stumble over my words even more seeming as I use my hands to punctuate my sentences...hmmm...)  Don't forget to leave me a comment! Have a great weekend!

Tuesday, January 8, 2013



First Video Blog!
Ok, So I'm a busy mom. I don't have a whole lot of extra time, so, in trying to keep up my blog I'm doing a little experiment. I'm going to try video blogging.  Let me know what you think...and if you see dirty clothes in the background, or hear little kids yelling...just let it add to the ambiance that is my house...