Book Spotlight and Giveaway: The Forgotten Ones by Laura Howard

Title: The Forgotten Ones
Author: Laura Howard
Genre: New Adult Fantasy
Series: The Danaan Trilogy #1
Published: April 28, 2013

Allison O'Malley's plan is to go to grad school so she can get a good job and take care of her schizophrenic mother. She has carefully closed herself off from everything else, including a relationship with Ethan, who she's been in love with for as long as she can remember.

What is definitely not part of the plan is the return of her long-lost father, who claims he can bring Allison's mother back from the dark place her mind has gone. Allison doesn't trust her father, so why would she believe his stories about a long forgotten Irish people, the Tuatha de Danaan? But truths have a way of revealing themselves. Secrets will eventually surface. And Allison must learn to set aside her plan and work with her father if there is even a small chance it could restore her mother's sanity.

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Laura Howard lives in New Hampshire with her husband and four children. Her obsession with books began at the age of 6 when she got her first library card. Nancy Drew, Sweet Valley High and other girly novels were routinely devoured in single sittings. Books took a backseat to diapers when she had her first child. It wasn’t until the release of a little novel called Twilight, 8 years later, that she rediscovered her love of fiction. Soon after, her own characters began to make themselves known. The Forgotten Ones is her first published novel.

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Print Release Day Blitz and Giveaway: Just Beneath the Surface II: Landon's Story by RH Ramsey

Blurb

Landon seems like the perfect man, handsome, charming, generous, with the right words for every occasion .. like a robot. And like a robot, he has learned to control everything from his memories, to his smile, to the tone of his voice. Seven is a wayward beauty whose temper, harsh tongue and violent tendencies often get her into trouble. After meeting Landon, Seven finds her way into unchartered territory: his heart. Soon, Seven’s perception of herself is challenged. She is frequently urged to step away and reevaluate herself, as the handsome young man, who is wise beyond his years, gently coaches her into finding her best self.

As secrets are revealed, and an unspoken bond is formed, Landon and Seven grow to be inseparable.

But what happens when the horrors of the past bring Landon full circle? As his soft, stoic surface is pierced by paranoia, Landon's entire world is threatened by the recurring nightmare he thought he had left behind.

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Author Info

RH Ramsey is a military wife, mother of two and author with Inknbeans Press. Over the course of nine years, RH has diligently researched topics ranging from but not limited to: relationships, addiction, abuse and mental illness.

RH has written several novels, many short stories with many works in progress. Just recently, her novel, Just Beneath the Surface, found its way into her local library catalog.

With a passion for people, helping and learning, she hopes to continue in her quest of learning from and inspiring others.

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RH has been kind enough to offer a signed paperback of her collection of short story's called  Undone.    Read on for more info on Undone and to enter to win!

Samples from the pen of R. H. Ramsey. Short stories, excerpts from new and upcoming works, poetry and monologues address the array of emotions which make up the human condition. Pain, regret, frustration, anger, release, joy, and hope -- all these things come out of a soul Undone. 

Undone is a collection of short stories, essays, monologues and excerpts from novels, both released and soon-to-be released. I think of this book as a way for me to introduce myself. It is a way to sort of shake my hand, look into my eyes, get to know me as a storyteller. I am not one to force myself, my opinions or my thoughts on another individual, and a two hundred page novel is a lot for some people to commit to – especially from a new author.

I thought to myself: Expecting you to download an entire novel, before you have an idea of what you are getting into, is sort of like a road trip – with a blind date. Not everyone wants to waste an entire week, on the awkward silence, finding out they have nothing in common, or complete lack of chemistry. For this reason, I wondered if there was a way to offer a piece of me, without forcing readers to commit to something that may not be for them.

I think it is only fair that I offer something that represents me, and gives a glimpse into the worlds that I create – see things through my characters’ eyes. Read the short stories – take this short, intense ride. Then, see if you want to go around the world, and read the novels.

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Pretty in Pink will also have reviews of both books in the Beneath the Surface series coming up in the next couple of months, as well as more giveaways!   

Book Blitz: Fallen by Laury Falter

Title: Fallen

Author: Laury Falter

Series: Guardian Trilogy

Genre: YA Paranormal Romance

Publisher:  Audeamus LLC

Release Date: April 1 2009

Editions/Formats Available In: eBook & Print

 

Blurb/Synopsis:  

Fallen - the first book in the bestselling Guardian Trilogy...

Maggie is unaware of the terrifying fate that awaits her. It isn't until she lands in New Orleans for a full year at a private high school and her unknown enemies find her does she realize that her life is in danger. 

As a mystifying stranger repeatedly intervenes and blocks the attempts on her life, she begins to learn that there is more to him than his need to protect her and that he may be the key to understanding why her enemies have just now arrived.

Laury Falter is a bestselling author of young adult romantic suspense and urban fantasy. She has three series out: the Guardian Trilogy, the Residue Series, and the Apocalypse Chronicles.


Places to find Laury

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Cover Reveal: Bred by Magic by Diana Marie DuBois

Title: Bred by Magic 

Author: Diana Marie DuBois 

Series: Voodoo Vows

Genre: Paranormal

Publisher   Three Danes Publishing LLC

Release Date:  Feb 4, 2014?

Blurb/Synopsis:

What do you get when you mix magic with one of the most prestigious dogs in Germany?   You get something special and powerful.  In a time when witches were hunted down and burned a famous alchemist devised a plan to help protect them.  One particular puppy who is predestined for someone in our time learns all she can before heading on the journey of her life.

My mother always told me and my siblings that we were special. But, that’s something all mothers say.... Isn’t it? What you don’t always hear is that you’re part of the litter of Great Dane puppies destined to protect the witches and warlocks throughout time. We just have to find one another, before our time runs out….

As a young girl, Diana Marie Dubois was an avid reader and was often found in the local public library. Now you find her working in her local library. Hailing from the culture filled state of Louisiana, just outside of New Orleans; she lives with her three Great Danes and four spunky mutts.  Her biggest inspiration has always been the infamous Anne Rice and her tales of Vampires. It was those very stories that inspired Diana to take hold of her dreams and begin writing. She is now working on her first series, Voodoo Vows.



Places to find Diana

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Review and Giveaway: The Migrane Mafia

Blurb

On paper, Viive McBroome lives the perfect life—a key player in a fast-paced, technical field, one promotion away from real success—but that’s only if you ignore one little problem.

Sandwiched between one migraine and the next, Viive’s life is like those choose-your-own-adventure books you read as a kid, only less fun and with a lot more drugs. And lately, as her bosses politely march her toward a vacation that might never end, even the good days seem like a struggle for survival.

Faced with frustration from her loved ones and the dark machinations of a new coworker, Viive feels herself getting pulled under by guilt, apologies, and workplace shenanigans. But then she meets the Migraine Mafia, a quirky, vibrant support group, and her fragile camouflage begins to crumble. She discovers that a room full of strangers just might be able to change the way she views her illness—and realizes that if she doesn’t learn to ask for help, her health isn’t the only thing she stands to lose.

Sometimes painful, frequently hilarious, never dull, The Migraine Mafia is the story of one woman’s life-altering decision to thrive in the face of chronic illness.

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Author Info

Maia left the tech sector to write about sock thievery, migraines, and...the tech sector. She lives on the Danforth in Toronto with her better half, John.

The Sock Wars is her debut novel. The first chapter of The Sock Wars was published as a short story/novel excerpt titled Irish Drinking Socks, and became a Kobo bestselling short story. The Sock Wars has been a top-100 digital bestseller on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and the iBookstore, as well as a genre and Writing Life bestseller on Kobo.

Maia's next novel will be released in December 2013: The Migraine Mafia, a story about a nerdy thirtysomething's quest to come to terms with a chronic illness.

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My Review

The Migrane Mafia was a nice change of pace from my usual YA/Paranormal reads.  Viive is a great character that makes you laugh, cry for her, and celebrate her triumphs in the end.  Pretty in Pink gives The Migrane Mafia 4 stars!  

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Release Day, Sale and Cover Reveal: Monsters in the Dark Series by Pepper Winters

 

We are thrilled to present to you International Best Selling Author Pepper Winters and the Monsters in the Dark series.

Hosted by Love Between the Sheets Promotions

Tears of Tess (Monsters in the Dark #1)

 

DARK AND HAUNTINGLY BEAUTIFUL....IT WILL LEAVE YOU BREATHLESS!!!! ~Lorie, Goodreads 

Words CAN.NOT describe what a beautiful, emotional, gut-wrenching, soul-searching kind of read Tears of Tess was for me. ~ Jacqueline's Reads

 “My life was complete. Happy, content, everything neat and perfect. Then it all changed. I was sold.” Tess Snow has everything she ever wanted: one more semester before a career in property development, a loving boyfriend, and a future dazzling bright with possibility. For their two year anniversary, Brax surprises Tess with a romantic trip to Mexico. Sandy beaches, delicious cocktails, and soul- connecting sex set the mood for a wonderful holiday. With a full heart, and looking forward to a passion filled week, Tess is on top of the world. But lusty paradise is shattered. Kidnapped. Drugged. Stolen. Tess is forced into a world full of darkness and terror. Captive and alone with no savior, no lover, no faith, no future, Tess evolves from terrified girl to fierce fighter. But no matter her strength, it can’t save her from the horror of being sold. Can Brax find Tess before she’s broken and ruined, or will Tess’s new owner change her life forever?  

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Book trailer - https:// www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZI1azW2ydUo#t=0

On Sale Now for 99¢

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Quintessentially Q (Monsters in the Dark #2)

Wrenching,emotional,terrifying and triumphant...a dark and suspenseful page turner! ~Jona, Goodreads

I have simply fallen in love with these characters, and their beautifully tragic story. ~Lauren, Goodreads

 “All my life, I battled with the knowledge I was twisted… fucked up to want something so deliciously dark—wrong on so many levels. But then slave fifty-eight entered my world. Hissing, fighting, with a core of iron, she showed me an existence where two wrongs make a right." Tess is Q’s completely. Q is Tess’s irrevocably. But now, they must learn the boundaries of their unconventional relationship, while Tess seeks vengeance on the men who sold her. Q made a blood-oath to deliver their corpses at Tess’s feet, and that’s just what he’ll do. He may be a monster, but he’s Tess’s monster. 

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Fan made book trailers -

https:// www.youtube.com/watch?v=lLbQeZcKj7A&feature=youtu.be

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KVCy8Y59dd4

   
Now Available!

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Coming Soon in early 2014 - The conclusion to Quincy and Tess' Story

Twisted Together (Monsters in the Dark #3)

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 “After battling through hell, I brought my esclave back from the brink of ruin. I sacrificed everything—my heart, my mind, my very desires to bring her back to life. And for a while, I thought it broke me, that I’d never be the same. But slowly the beast is growing bolder, and it’s finally time to show Tess how beautiful the dark can be.” Q gave everything to bring Tess back. In return, he expects nothing less. Tess may have leashed and tamed him, but he’s still a monster inside.

About the Author

 

Pepper Winters wears many roles. Some of them include writer, reader, sometimes wife. She loves dark, taboo stories that twist with your head. The more tortured the hero, the better, and she constantly thinks up ways to break and fix her characters. Oh, and sex… her books have sex. She loves to travel and has an amazing, fabulous hubby who puts up with her love affair with her book boyfriends. Her debut book Tears of Tess is followed by Quintessentially Q and Twisted Together. You didn’t think Q could stop so soon, did you? Her other two titles, Last Shadow and Broken Chance will be coming soon.

Connect with Pepper

Blog | Twitter: @pepperwinters | Facebook | Email: pepperwinters@gmail.com | Goodreads

Release Blitz: Moonbow by Sheila Hollinghead

Happy Release Day to Sheila Hollinghead for her Inspirational Romantic Suspense Novel, Moonbow!! 

Moonbow

By- Sheila Hollinghead

Genre- Inspirational Romantic Suspense

A widow, a doctor, an unborn child. Three lives are at risk in this high stakes suspense. Die Auserwahlten, the Chosen Ones, have impregnated Gisa with an embryonic clone. Is it evil or just a child? It's up to Dr. Rayden Brooks to untangle the web that keeps them captive and save their lives. But will Gisa trust him?

  

Edge of Truth .99 sale!!

FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY YOU CAN GET 'EDGE OF TRUTH' FOR 99 CENTS!!!! 

Edge of Truth

By: Natasha Hanova

Published: June 6th, 2013 by Sapphire Star Publishing

Citizens who report to work on time, obey the Overlord’s laws, and stay off the Synbot’s radar, live long lives. Long, dull, monotonous lives.

It’s not a bad plan for someone with a hidden, emotion-based ability to trigger earthquakes. In a world pitted against her, sixteen-year-old Rena Moon strives for a life beyond working herself to death at the factory. Seeing an alternative, she risks selling relics from the forbidden lands at Market. It becomes the worst decision she ever made. Someone kidnaps her best friend in exchange for the one thing that would end her oppression.

Driven by loyalty, Rena and seventeen-year-old Nevan Jelani, soulful composer, green thumb extraordinaire, and the secret love of her life, plot to rescue her friend and reclaim her salvage. Still, the thought lingers whether Nevan is a true hero or another thief waiting for his chance at her loot. Events spin wildly, deepening Rena’s suspicions and pushing her limit of control. With more than her chance for freedom at stake, she must decide if she’s willing to kill to protect what’s precious to her. For once, the Overlord isn’t holding all the power, but can Rena live with being reduced to what she’s trying so hard to escape?

Book Info

Title: Ready to Fall
Author: Daisy Prescott
Genre: Contemporary Romance/Comedy
Release Date: December 17th, 2013

Synopsis:

When you fall, you fall hard...

Readers first fell in love with John Day as the hot next-door neighbor in Romantic Comedy Best Seller Geoducks Are for Lovers. Tall, dark, and handsome is an understatement. With the beard, a dog named Babe, and his ever present plaid shirt, John is a modern lumberjack in more ways than one.

Lurking beneath the flannel and beard could be the heart of a romantic. Or is John a wolf in flannel clothing?

After his favorite neighbor rents out her cabin for the winter, John finds himself playing fireman and tour guide to Diane Watson, a beautiful brunette with her own messy past and recent battle scars. When an ex shows up unexpectedly, their lives will be changed forever.

Will he be ready to fall in love? Or will he fall back into his old, flirty ways?

Hold onto your heart... and get ready to fall with John Day as he tells his story in this contemporary romance/romantic comedy told in male POV.

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About Daisy Prescott:

Daisy Prescott is a creator of online content and design blogger by day. When not writing about the world of design and pretty houses, she is busy with her first novel, Geoducks Are for Lovers, which will be published May 15, 2013.

Before writing full time as a freelance writer, Daisy worked in the world of art, auctions, antiques, and home decor. She earned her degree in Art History and endured a brief stint as a film theory graduate student. Baker, art educator, antiques dealer, blue ribbon pie baker, fangirl, content wrangler, editor, gardener, wife, and pet mom are a few of the other titles she’s acquired over the years.

Born and raised in San Diego, Daisy and her husband (aka SO) live in a real life Stars Hollow in the Boston suburbs with their dog, Hubbell, and an imaginary house goat. She is currently researching her second novel which will be set in Ghana.

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Afternoon Pizza Excerpt:

“You think I’m beautiful?”
“You are. There’s no thinking about it. It’s a fact.”
“You’re just being nice.”
“I’m not and I’ll prove it.” I flagged over our dreadlocked and Patchouli bathed waiter. “Hey, what’s your name?”

“Gabriel.”

“Nice to meet you, Gabriel. I’m John and this is Diane.”

Gabriel gaped at me like I was crazy, but said hi.

“Do you think Diane is beautiful?” I asked, ignoring Diane’s embarrassed groans.
Gabriel scrutinized, his eyes lingering on her face before sliding down her curvy frame
highlighted by her sweater.
“Yeah, sure,” he said, not sounding exactly enthused.
“See? A neutral and unbiased opinion. Thanks, Gabriel.”
“Sure, man,” he said before wandering back toward the kitchen.
I smiled at Diane, who looked as if she wished the floor would open up and swallow her.
“Do you really think he was going to say no to my face? That completely doesn’t count!”
“Fine. We can do a wider survey and ask everyone on the ferry too.”
“Please don’t. I get it.” Her crossed arms and defensive posture disagreed with her words of
agreement.
“Somewhere in there is a confident woman. I know it. I’ve seen glimpses of her. She’s sexy
and she knows it.”
“Ugh, I feel like a loser who needs self-improvement lectures. Can we drop it?” Her tone
was light, but she’d closed up again same as she had in the bookstore.
“There’s only one way to prove it to you.”
She crossed her arms and stared at me. “Prove what exactly?”
“You are desirable and sexy and beautiful.”
“More surveys?”
“No.”
I leaned over the table and took her chin in my hand. Her mouth opened slightly with her
surprise. I studied her eyes before leaning closer, as close as we were before. “By doing what I
should have done in the bookstore.”
I kissed her. It wasn’t hard or deep. More of a soft whisper with only enough pressure I
could feel her begin to return the kiss before I pulled away and slid back in my chair.
Slowly, she opened her eyes, but remained speechless.
“You’re beautiful and deserve to be kissed.” 

Giveaways

There will be one winner of the 3pm giveaway, with a $10 Amazon giftcard and an e-book of Ready to Fall. 

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GRAND PRIZE GIVEAWAY! (Starting at 9pm)

Prize – Signed paperbacks of Geoducks Are for Lovers & Ready to Fall
o Faux-shearling plaid blanket
o Lumberjack Water Bottle
o Signed bookmarks
o Starbucks Cocoa
o Maple Syrup
o Plaid Kindle Cover
o Temporary Tattoos
o Naughty Candle
o Pine Soap
o Land's End Wine Bag
o Speedy the Geoduck  

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Cover Reveal: For Christmas' Sake by Tyffani Clark Kemp

Book Blitz: The Possess Saga by J.A. Howell

Possess

The Possess Saga # 1

By-J.A. Howell 

Stumbling off the bus in Midtown, Harley Martin thought she found an escape from her old life. 

She soon realizes it was anything but that. 

Low on cash and options, she manages to find herself a cheap but surprisingly nice apartment. The catch? The last tenant, Brody Walsh, killed himself. 

Or did he? 

As disturbing dreams and hauntings start to occur, Harley realizes there may be much more behind the previous tenant’s death than a simple suicide. She finds her life further entangled with his when she learns that her new boss, Nolan, was also his best friend. Could this handsome but evasive pub owner have something to do with Brody’s death? 

Trying to piece together the events surrounding Brody’s death proves to be a daunting task, but Harley can’t give up. Brody won’t let her. He is still in the apartment with her, trapped in limbo until she finds his killer.

But he’s not waiting for revenge.

Harley’s next.

  

The Courtlight Series by Terah Edun Review Part 2: Sworn to Transfer

If you missed yesterday's post on the first book in the series Sworn to Raise, you can check it out here. 

Book Info-

Title- Sworn to Transfer
Series- Courtlight Series # 2
By- Terah Edun
Genre- Young Adult, Fantasy, Coming of Age

Blurb-

Eighteen-year-old companion trainee Ciardis Weathervane has won the friendship of the royal heir and saved his claim to the throne. Yet her interference in the inheritance rights leaves more harm done than good. The Ameles Forest lies unprotected and its inhabitants are dying.

As humans begin to die in gruesome deaths, the Emperor dispatches the royal heir to the forests with the solution to the kith concerns.

With enemies closing ranks in Sandrin, Ciardis can little afford to leave the city’s nest of vipers to take on a new task. But she’s given no choice when her loyalty to the crown and courts are called into question.

To keep the Companions’ Guild happy and the favor of the Imperial Court, Ciardis will be tested in frightening new ways, especially when she’s faced with an obstacle that could risk the lives of her friends and the family she never thought she had.

This second novel continues the story of Ciardis Weathervane from Sworn To Raise.

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About the Author-

Terah Edun is a young adult fantasy writer born and raised in the Atlanta metropolitan area, who transplanted to the Northeast region for college, and has spent years living abroad in South Sudan and Morocco. She writes the stories that she always loved to read as a young girl.

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My Review

As I said yesterday in my review of the first book in the series Sworn to Raise, once I started this series I could not put it down.  The intricacies of the plot and the depth of the characters sucked me in.  Not only are they well written, awesome books, but they are not the same old vampire, werewolf, shapeshifter, faery story's that EVERYONE is writing now.  Pretty in Pink gives book 2 another 5 star review! 

Also, don't forget to enter the awesome giveaway, and check out the facebook event!  PIP will be reviewing book 3 Sworn to Conflict on 12/31 as well, so stay tuned for that! 

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The Courtlight Series by Terah Edun Review Part 1: Sworn to Raise

Pretty in Pink will be bringing you reviews and spotlights on all the books in this series so far, over the next couple of weeks.  Look for the review of the second book Sworn to Transfer tomorrow, and the third book Sworn to Conflict on 12/31. 

Book Info-

Title- Sworn to Raise
Series- Courtlight Series #1
By- Terah Edun
Genre- Young Adult, Fantasy, Coming of Age

Blurb-

Seventeen-year-old Ciardis has grown up in poverty, a cleaner in a small vale on the outskirts of the empire. But beneath her empire’s seemingly idyllic surface lies a hidden secret. Whispers of an inept crown Prince are growing ever louder—intensified by the five year anniversary of the soulbond initiations.

Amidst scandalous whispers, Ciardis finds herself chosen to train for the Companion’s Guild. She leaves her home and sets off on a personal journey to become a Court Companion. A position she’d never thought possible for a lowly servant to obtain, she must prove that she has the skills to attract a Patron.

But she must master those skills quickly. If the legends are true, only Ciardis can harness the power to raise a Prince in an Imperial Court sworn to bring him down.

This sensational series debut melds intricate storylines with remarkable characters and unforgettable magic. Sworn To Raise is ideal for fans of Kristin Cashore, Michelle Sagara, and Maria Snyder.

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About the Author-

Terah Edun is a young adult fantasy writer born and raised in the Atlanta metropolitan area, who transplanted to the Northeast region for college, and has spent years living abroad in South Sudan and Morocco. She writes the stories that she always loved to read as a young girl.

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My Review

I loved this series from the moment I started reading!!   It is another one of those series that once I started reading I could not stop.  The twists, turns, and intrigue of the plot leave you breathless.  Nice change from the typical YA/Paranormal books already out there as well.  There is so much I want to say but can't, as this is a spoiler free site.  Pretty in Pink gives this book 5 stars!

Come back tomorrow for the next book in the series Sworn to Transfer, and don't forget to enter the giveaway and join in the facebook event.  

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Release Day Review: A Christmas Melody by Roberta Capizzi

 Blurb

Valerie and Ryan have been living the American dream in Boston for more than ten years. Best friends since adolescence, their feelings changed when Ryan nearly lost his life. Now they're engaged and can't wait to break the news to their families and get married. Valerie has been dreaming of getting married on Christmas eve since she was a child, and a Christmas wedding back home in Dublin seems like a very romantic way of celebrating the most important day of their lives. Back on home soil Valerie and Ryan are surrounded by the love of their families and things start to change as homesickness creeps into their hearts. Can seven days erase a decade of hard work and life-long dreams? Or is it only a little nostalgia caused by the festive season. Doubts fill their minds as they start questioning their choices, until an unexpected complication, only days before the wedding, makes Valerie and Ryan realize it's time they decided where they really belong. A sweet Christmas romance that will warm your heart this yuletide season and all year long, A Christmas Melody is a novella and a short sequel to The Melody In Our Hearts, but can also be read as a standalone. 

 Excerpt

Valerie had been nervous since the moment she’d woken that morning. She’d blamed it on the hangover and on the stress of the last week, but she knew it was because this was the day she’d dreamed of all her life, and she was afraid she’d screw it up. It wasn’t until the moment she’d walked down the aisle and her eyes had locked with Ryan’s that she’d finally known everything would be fine. When he’d taken her hand and kissed it, she’d felt her heart fill with pure joy, and every doubt and fear had melted away like snow in spring. He was her safe haven, he’d always been, and she knew she’d never have to worry because he’d always be there to love and care for her. And, God help her, he looked so amazing in that white suit that she had to keep reminding herself she was in a church, and should concentrate on strictly pure thoughts. The ceremony passed by in a blur; she didn’t pay much attention to anything else but the warmth of Ryan’s hand in hers. When it was time for them to say their vows, her heart rate picked up just like it did every time she had to speak in public. Luckily, it was Ryan’s turn first, so she let him take her hands in his and looked at him with a smile. Ryan cleared his throat a little, and smiled, as he looked her straight in the eye. “I’ve loved you as a sister, and as a best friend, ever since the day we met; every time I’ve imagined my future since that day, you’ve always been one of the main characters in it. I knew, long before I realized you were my soul mate, that we would always be together, no matter where life would take us or whom we would end up marrying. Which sounds a little ironic now, as we stand here together at this altar.” Valerie smiled and he rubbed the back of her hands with his thumbs; as usual, the gesture gave her goosebumps. “It wasn’t until you held my heart in your hands that I realized you were the love of my life; now, I can’t even try to imagine living without you. You’re the missing piece in my heart that I’ve been looking for and now that you’re here, standing before me, looking like an angel, I finally understand the meaning of true bliss. With our families and God as our witnesses, I promise you eternal and unconditional love; I promise to be there for you, whenever you need a shoulder to cry on or someone to listen to your rants. I promise to lift you up whenever you fall, and to carry you in my arms whenever the road gets too bumpy; I promise to look after you and our children, and make sure you have everything you need. Most of all, I promise to love you until my very last breath and, even after I’m gone, I know my love will remain with you always, until the day we meet again to spend eternity together.” Valerie’s eyes filled with tears. She tried to swallow a sob that had crawled up her throat. Ryan smiled. “So, you see, it seems you’re stuck with me for a very long time, my love. You’d better not try to get rid of me ‘cause I’ll come back and haunt you even after I’m dead. Just so you know.” He winked and Valerie chuckled, along with most of the guests. Once again, just like every single time she’d been sad, nervous or on the verge of tears, Ryan had managed to bring the smile back to her face and she loved him for it. She would always love him for caring so much about her. 

About the Author

An avid reader since her childhood years and being an only child, Roberta always enjoyed the company of her fictional friends from the children’s books she loved reading, while she dreamed of writing her own stories one day. It was when she discovered novels by authors Rosamunde Pilcher and Maeve Binchy in her teenage years that she realized it was time she put down in words the stories she had kept well hidden in her mind until then. What started as a hobby, soon turned into a real passion and a way of life, until she could no longer keep the stories to herself, and decided to get over her fears and share them with the world. Roberta lives in Italy, but her dream is to move out of her country and live either in a thatched cottage in the Irish countryside or in a country house with a swing on the back porch, somewhere in the United States, where she would love to spend her days writing novels as a full-time job, and maybe one day even get as far as writing a screenplay for a movie.  

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My Review

Roberta is a special author for me, as she is a very good friend of mine, and I have had the pleasure of accompanying her on her journey this last year with her books.  While I enjoyed reading The Melody in our Hearts, Roberta's love for Ireland and Christmas make this her best book yet!  Her love of both really show through in her writing in this story making it a sweet, magical, Christmas read.  Pretty in Pink gives 5 stars to A Christmas Melody.

  

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