Giving Thanks

One of the sweetest, most intangible pleasures of writing a novel is getting to read the reactions of wonderful readers around the world who connected with the story and its characters. Of course, not everyone will love every book...but that makes the times when everything comes together all the more magical.

In the past 24 hours, I had the delight of reading several brand new reviews for THE ROAD TO YOU that brought a smile to my face and made me glad I'd spent those three long years writing this story!

One lovely reviewer, Charlene/Chucha from the Book Freak blog, not only wrote a review I adored (it's here), which included this line -- "I fell in love with the plot, the clues, the suspense, the thrill, the car chase, and not to mention – the twist" -- but she also made these two beautiful quote posters for the novel!! (I *love* them. :)

Kimber Leigh of Once Upon a YA Book shared her kind review online, too (it's here), and she wrote: "I loved the way Ms. Brant included the handwritten pictures of the journal entry pages; seeing them helped me draw deeper into the mystery. This novel is full of intrigue and suspense, making it a real page turner. Aurora and Donovan travel along Route 66, unraveling the mystery bit by bit from pieces they discover in each town. In some ways it reminds me of a treasure hunt, the map being Gideon's journal."

Finally, I came across Sydney's review from The Peasants Revolt (it's here), and got a thrill from reading her thoughts on the story as well: "One thing I love about romance novels is feeling the tension built between the two main characters over the course of the book. One of the things I love about mystery novels is discovering the clues along with the characters as they progress through their journey. The Road to You is a romantic mystery novel that captures the best elements of both genres perfectly."

So, I wanted to say a BIG thank you to these three awesome reviewers for brightening my week and, also, extend my deepest appreciation to ALL of the amazing, thoughtful people who've taken the time to read and review my stories. I can't even begin to express how much that's meant to me over these past four years!!

To everyone celebrating Thanksgiving this Thursday, may you have a very happy one. And to everybody who reads this post, here's hoping the start of the Holiday Season will bring you only peace, abundance and joy. Thank you for being a part of my life -- I'm truly grateful for each of you!

New Book Coming: All I Ever Wanted!

I have a fun announcement to make, and I'm really excited about it! A novella of mine is part of a new adult romance anthology that's coming out early in 2014 called ALL I EVER WANTED. I've been working on it throughout the fall with three wonderful writing friends -- Lexi Ryan, Rhonda Helms and Caisey Quinn -- and, on December 6th, our cover will be revealed! (That'll happen through Expresso Book Tours, btw, so if anyone would like to be a part of it, the signup for the reveal is here. :) For now, though, we've got the titles of the individual stories in our collection and the blurbs for each... Take a peek: 

All I Ever Wanted 
Caisey Quinn, Lexi Ryan, Marilyn Brant, Rhonda Helms 
Publication date: January 13th, 2014
Genres: Contemporary, New Adult

Winterfest is heating up in Abbott Springs…

As the town’s yearly festival kicks off, cold days turn into steamy nights, new flames will be ignited, and old romances will be rekindled.

All About Us by Marilyn Brant—All Sami Abbott ever wanted was permission to be herself. At home, she aims to be the perfect daughter but never measures up. At college, she’s the bold girl who had a one-night stand with sexy musician, Alex Hamilton. When he arrives unexpectedly in Abbott Springs, her worlds collide and she must reconcile the girl she tries to be with the person she really is.

All I Need by Caisey Quinn–All pink-haired rocker chick Everly Abbott thought she wanted was acceptance in her straight-laced hometown. But her best friend and bandmate Justin Cohen is about to show her that what she thinks she wants isn’t necessarily what she needs.

All for Love by Rhonda Helms–All Maya Monterey ever wanted was to belong. Happiest with the Abbott family, Maya’s been secretly in love with sexy pastry chef Oliver Abbott for years. With a flirty new look, she’ll pull out all the stops to get him to notice her. And if her plan fails, she’ll walk away from the only home she’s ever known–and Oliver–for good.

All or Nothing by Lexi Ryan—After years of placing the wrong bets, all Aubree Baxter wanted was someone to take a chance on her. Golden boy Kennedy Hale plays it safe in life and love, but to keep Bree in Abbott Springs, he’ll have to go all in.

~*~*~

Looking forward to sharing more news about our "Abbott Springs" anthology soon!! I've loved getting to write Sami and Alex's story, and the Winterfest celebration is just pure fun. Wishing you all a fabulous November, and here's hoping we can keep the snow away this month. I don't mind a white Christmas, but I'd really like to avoid a white Thankgiving!