Book Monday: Notes on Swept to Sea

I didn't get a chance to write a review for you today because all of last week I was reading my own Swept to Sea.


Now, I know that could sound weird. Why would I be reading my own book? Well, I was reading it to take notes. See, I don't want to mess anything up in the sequel! So, I went through the entire book and took notes on the characteristics and traits and statements of the main characters in the next book, Ivy and Gage.

Today I will give you some of the notes I took! I thought it would be fun for you to see how I'm doing this.

Ivy

• cares about Rutger's status as earl.
• is the "mother" of the trio
• likes to weigh possibilities before acting
• face turns red when she lies
• very prone to seasickness
• has reoccurring nightmares

Gage

• uses slang like "cap'n."
• always has something to be joyful for
• reliable
• likes to joke
• likes to talk
• sometimes feels like an idiot around women

These are just some notes I took. If you have read Swept to Sea, what did you think of these characters?

Catch Up Friday: Signed Copies of Swept to Sea Are Available and I Am Expanding My Street Team!

Hey everyone! I am super excited to tell you that I am now offering signed copies of Swept to Sea.

These will cost $18...this includes shipping, handling, and envelope cost.

I am really excited for this! To learn more about this, click the tab at the top of this page or look here.

Second, I am expanding my street team and I want you to join!



What will you do?
As a member of my street team, you will be asked to do (at least) three of these things every six months: write a review of my book, share reviews of my book, write a blog post related to my book, interview me on a blog, share statuses, create statuses, talk to friends about my book, or hand out postcards. These are just some suggestions. There are many more things you could do.

What will you get in return?
You get to be a member of my elite team, "Heather's Book Lubbers." You will get to read some things before anybody else does, be the first to know new things related to my writing, and be part of a fun community. Also, those who complete their three tasks after six months will be entered to win a prize. Some of these include: a signed paperback of Swept to Sea, gift cards, or other books.

How do you join?
Comment here or email me at heathermanningauthor@gmail.com ! I would love for more people to join.

Music Thursday: Friendship

Hey everyone! Happy Thursday! 

Here is the song "Friendship" from Anything Goes. Did you know Mickey Mouse has sung this song before? 

Bible Verse Wednesday: He Saved Us

He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.

Titus 3:5

My Kansas City Live Interview

Hey everyone!

I was interviewed on Kansas City Live this morning, a local TV show. I had an absolutely amazing time. I'll write more about it in Friday's post, but until then, here is the video.

Book Monday: Meant to Be Mine

Hey everyone! Today I am going to be on TV! I'm so excited. :D

Anyway, I have a review for you of Meant to Be Mine by Becky Wade. I had the privilege of attending a class led by Becky via Skype a few weeks ago at my local ACFW chapter.

Here's a little about the book:

"Ty Porter has always been irresistible to Celia Park. All through high school--irresistible. When their paths cross again after college--still irresistible. This time, though, Ty seems to feel exactly the same way about Celia. Their whirlwind romance deposits them at a street-corner Las Vegas wedding chapel.
The next morning they wake to a marriage certificate and a dose of cold reality. Celia's ready to be Ty's wife, but Ty's not ready to be her husband. He's a professional bull rider, he lives on the road, and he's long planned to settle down with the hometown girl he's known since childhood.

Five and a half years pass. Celia's buried her dreams so that she can afford to raise her daughter. Ty's achieved all of his goals. Or thought he had, until he looks again into the eyes of the woman he couldn't forget and into the face of the child he never knew he had.

How much will Ty sacrifice to win back Celia's trust and prove to her that their spontaneous marriage can still become the love of a lifetime?"

 

My Thoughts:

The Idea:

Okay if you know me, you know I don't read contemporary. But Becky Wade writes contemporary, and because I love this story so much, I plan to read all her others!

I really loved this. Ty and Celia have been married for five and a half years, and they haven't seen each other in as long. Celia has hidden their daughter from Ty and fully intends to never see him again, but Ty has plans to fix their marriage.

The Characters:

I really loved the characters! They were so well done. Celia is a single mother, working hard to make a comfortable life for her daughter. She long ago gave up her dreams of owning a bakery/ coffee house. She was spunky and very relatable. 

Ty has seen much success as a bull rider. But when he finds out about his long-lost daughter, he is determined to become the father he has never been.

The Plot:

This plot definitely kept moving! This book is actually pretty long, but it kept me reading and it never felt long as I was reading.

The Setting:

It was set in Oregon and Texas, and I really loved the feel of the small Texas town the second half was set in. Loved it.

Overall:

A very good read! 

About the Author:

Becky Wade is a graduate of Baylor University. As a newlywed, she lived for three years in a home overlooking the turquoise waters of the Caribbean, as well as in Australia, before returning to the States. A mom of three young children, Becky and her family now live in Dallas, Texas. Learn more at www.beckywade.com.

Catch-Up Saturday: I'm going to be on TV!

So I may or may not have repeatedly forgotten that yesterday was Friday. I guess that's what happens when it is summer. ;)

Anyway, here's what I have been up to this week.

First of all, I finished my first draft of Carried Home, the sequel to Swept to Sea. Now, I am going to let that sit for four weeks before I start editing it.

Currently, I am reading through Swept to Sea and taking notes to make sure I didn't mix anything up while writing the sequel .

But, besides, this, I have HUGE news! I recently discovered that on Monday, I will be interviewed on local TV show Kansas City Live! So, if you are in the area, tune in to channel 41 from 10-11 AM and see me! I absolutely cannot wait.

Music Thursday: Aladdin on Broadway

Hey everyone! Lately I have really been wanting to see Aladdin on Broadway, so I thought I would share a medley of songs from it with you.

These are performed by the completely awesome Nick Pitera.

Bible Verse Wednesday: Good Seed

Jesus told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field."

Matthew 13:24

Heather's World Blog Tour

I was invited by my friend, Natalie Monk, to join her in this world blog tour!

Here are some questions I had to answer. 

1. What am I working on?

I am working on Carried Home, sequel to Swept to Sea. I am still in the first draft stage, but I plan to get it mostly done by the end of this summer! 

2. How does my work differ from others of its genre?

I am a young author, but I write in the adult inspirational genre. I think that I have a different world view from many other authors, and that makes my work unique.

3. Why do I write what I do?

I write inspirational historical romance because it is what I read. I love it, and I wouldn't want anything else. It is just what I love.

4. How does my writing process work?

I try to write at least 100 words a day, but that doesn't usually work. So, a few times every week, I will put myself away in my room and write. I'll play music and ignore the outside world by keeping my phone in another room and only checking anything on the internet after I write at least 200 words. :)

Here's a little bit about my friend Natalie, who nominated me.

Bio:

Natalie Monk writes inspirational historical romance spiced with southern humor and small-town oddities. Her writing has won several awards in pre-published contests. A country girl from the time she could shimmy under a string of barbed wire, Natalie makes her home in North Mississippi. She proudly wears the label of “preacher’s kid,” and is a homeschool graduate, piano instructor, part-time portrait photographer, and certified wedding-planner. She loves sweet tea, girl talk (usually about books), porch swings, and watching old movies with her family. Natalie is a proud member of the American Christian Fiction Writers. Her goal in writing, and in living, is to bring glory to Jesus Christ. She loves meeting new authors and readers. Come chat with her at: http://sweetsouthblog.blogspot.com

Catch-Up Friday: A Week of Writing

Hello, everyone!
Sorry about not having a post up yesterday.
What have I been doing this week?

On Sunday I went to a Tony Awards viewing party at a local theatre and had a lot of fun. (Except for when I missed the opening number because somebody very rudely changed the channel to The Simpsons. Yes, The Simpsons. Note to whoever did that: I don't like you. At all. Okay? Okay)

Anyway, I have been writing. A lot. I hit 70 thousand words the other day in Carried Home, Swept to Sea's sequel and I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. That book is almost done! If I have time to write, I am hoping that my first draft will be done within a week or so. Then, I will take a break (no matter how much I don't want to!) from that project, do some reading, maybe start on the third book (yikes! That's scary but exciting to think about!) but then after a few weeks I will start up on the editing. Believe it or not, editing is one of my favorite parts of the writing process.

What else have I been doing? Well, yesterday I found out that I won tickets to see the new movie Jersey Boys. If you aren't familiar with the movie, it was directed by Clint Eastwood. It was a film adaptation of the musical Jersey Boys, and it follows the story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. It shows how they formed, their success, their breakup, and after their breakup. 

I went to the special pre-screening viewing last night, and I really loved the show! I didn't to expect to enjoy it as much as I did, but it was really good.

So, what have you been up to? What do you think of a movie being made of the musical Jersey Boys? 

No Post Today

Sorry I don't have a post today! The internet has been out here for about 24 hours and we just got it back, but, alas, I don't have time to find a song for you today.
Sorry! Hope to talk to you tomorrow.

Bible Verse Wednesday: Love

Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.

Deuteronomy 6:5

Book Monday: Love Comes Calling Review

Hello everyone! Today I have a review of Love Comes Calling by Siri Mitchell for you.

Here's a little about the book:



"A girl with the best of intentions. A heart set on Hollywood.
An empty pocketbook.

That's all it takes for Ellis Eton to find herself working as a telephone operator for a look-alike friend. For Ellis, this job will provide not only acting practice but the funds to get her a start in the movies. She's tired of always being a disappointment to her traditional Boston family, and though she can't deny the way he makes her head spin, she knows she's not good enough for Griffin Phillips, either. It's simple: avoid Griff's attentions, work, and get paid. But in typical Ellis fashion, her simple plan spirals out of control when she overhears a menacing phone call...with her very own Griff as the target.

With an endearing heroine as her lead, Siri Mitchell takes readers on a madcap tale
of love and discovering one's true desires!"

My Thoughts:

The Idea:

This book had a very cool concept! I love the 1920s, and I love telephone operators. (When I was younger, I wanted to be one until I realized that they pretty much don't exist.)

I read this book pretty fast because it held my interest. 

Ellis can never seem to do anything right, but that doesn't stop her plans for running away to Hollywood. She takes on the job of her look-alike-friend for two weeks, but things soon go awry when she thinks she overhears a murder plot through one of the telephone lines.

The Characters:

Okay, I am going to admit this. At first, Ellis annoyed the heck out of me. But then, I got used to her scatter-brained thinking and read the author's note. Ellis is supposed to have ADHD. So, I am just warning you that her thoughts might be different than some other characters, but it was very well-written.

I really liked Griff, the star student and football player who has known Ellis their whole wife and wants nothing more than for her to be his. 

The Plot:

This book went pretty fast! It was suspenseful and there were some downright sad parts, but I really enjoyed it.

The Setting:

This was so cool! I absolutely love the 1920s and was so pleased to find a book set in this period. I loved the visits to the Speakeasies and all the other little details about Prohibition and the Jazz Age. 

Overall:

A good read!

About the Author:

Siri Mitchell has written nearly a dozen novels, three of which were named Christy Award finalists. A graduate of the University of Washington with a business degree, she has worked in many levels of government and lived on three continents. She and her family currently reside in the D.C. metro area. Learn more at www.sirimitchell.com.

Catch-Up Friday: Fun Times

Hey everyone!
Today has been a pretty busy week as always.

I haven't gotten as much writing done as I would have liked to, but at least I got some done.

On Tuesday, I held my Swept to Sea Six Month Anniversary Party! I had a great time, and it seemed to go over pretty well. Hopefully I can do another one in the future.

You can view three video interviews I recorded for the party here.

Today, I am going to mail out allll of the gifts I gave away during the party. The post office will like me! :)

I have been thinking about offering signed copies of my book....what do you think of that idea? I will have to work out the details before that happens, but it is a possibility.


What have you done this week?

Music Thursday: Make Them Hear You

Hello everyone!  I hope you are doing well. Today, I have a song from Ragtime for you performed by Ramin Karimloo. I love Ramin and I love Ragtime, so I really like this video! Enjoy. :)

New Orleans: The Rest of the Trip

Hey everyone! I am back to posting about my trip to New Orleans...this will probably be one of the last posts about the trip. Here are some pictures!

I loved all of the masks in New Orleans!

I had to eat a "poboy" while in NOLA..this one was roast beef with sweet potato fries. YUM!

The gorgeous cathedral on an evening stroll.

The beignets and coffee at Cafe Du Monde? Amazing!

The iconic Cafe Du Monde awning.

The next morning I went to the "How Sweet It Is!" Inspy breakfast and ran into Lenora Worth. She is so nice!

I then went to a workshop where one of the panelists was none other than FRANCINE RIVERS.

That night, I went to the Heather Graham Ball....the food was amazing!

The next day, I had lunch again at the amazing Ruby Slipper Cafe... bananas foster french toast.

And I went to a build-your-own tiara thing....I got carried away with the glitter glue...found a lot of it in my hair the next day....

That night, I was an author appearing at the Fantastic Day Party! It was so fun! I got to sign books for people and sit at the same table as authors Deeanne Gist and Wanda Brunstetter! So cool.

The next day, I made the flight back home. It is amazing to fly over the swamps of Louisiana!

And....I came home with ALL of these books!

Bible Verse Wednesday: Be Joyful

Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

Romans 12:12

Author Spotlight: Angie Brashear

Hey everyone!
First of all, please note that my Swept to Sea Facebook Party starts TONIGHT! So please check it out and hit "Going" so I know to expect you!

So, I have something special for you today! An author spotlight on Angie Brashear.

Here's a little guest post from Angie herself:

“Tha-Reee!” 

In recent weeks my sons have spent their evenings watching the NBA Finals, energetically cheering on the San Antonio Spurs. Most game nights, their animated antics interrupted me as I attempted to prepare for the release of my debut novel, Of the Persecuted. But it was difficult to get irritated with my handsome, blond blessings. This held especially true when they jumped off the couch screaming "Tha-Reee!" every time the San Antonio Spurs hit a long shot. 

My boys love basketball. They appreciate fundamentals. Dribbling. Pivoting. Passing. Well-executed shots. Not traveling. Not double-dribbling. Not two-handed shots. Not selfish shots. They admire players who’ve gone down in history as executors of such fundamentals—Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Tim Duncan, and my own personal favorite, John Stockton. 

Their love for basketball, and for three-pointers led me to think about the best "Tha-Reee!" of all time—the Trinity. One God, three distinct persons. God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. Like time, God represents past, present, and future. One is not separate from the other. He is a Father to the fatherless. He is a Savior for the lost. He is a Guide in prayer and truth. God’s plan for us is the best well-executed shot of all time, guided by His fundamentals outlined in scripture. 

To non-believers, the Trinity may be a difficult concept to grasp. It certainly was for me before the Lord saved me in my early twenties. But it makes perfect sense when you open your heart to the One True God. Believe me. Seek Him and you will seek no more. 

So while the NBA Finals are in full swing, the best "Tha-Reee!" of all time dominates all of our seasons. And we are grateful.

Now, a little about her book, Of the Persecuted.

Laila Pennedy awaits death by hanging. For the Rendow Clan rules the Woodlands Region, aiming to slaughter the Faithful. And she deserves to die. But Lars Landre, the man destined to lead the Faithful out of persecution, has other plans hidden behind his rare and mysterious blue eyes. Rescue.

Following the daring escape, Laila seeks the path of a warrior and vows revenge against the Rendow Clan. She embarks on a dangerous journey with Lars, one in which they endeavor to reach the promised safety of a magical village, to train for battle, and to ultimately assure freedom for those with faith in the Maker.

Clashes of weapons and souls. Brutal loss of lives. Unrequited love. How in all the Woodlands will Laila survive?

Order Of the Persecuted at:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/0692214712

Author Bio:

When Angie Brashear isn’t working or taking care of her family, she writes. Usually at night after her kids fall asleep. She’s a fan of speculative fiction and an avid runner, both of which perplex her nonfiction-reading, football-loving husband. Saved in her early twenties, Angie is grateful for the Lord’s presence in all aspects of her life. She is originally from Rockland, Maine and currently resides in Cameron, Texas with her husband and three children. Follow her at http://facebook.com/AngieBrashearAuthor, https://twitter.com/AngieBrashear, and http://angiebrashear.com.

Be sure to check this book out! I can't wait to read it. :) 

Book Monday: Fair Play Review

Hello everyone!
*FIRST OF ALL*
I wanted to let you know I have a Facebook Party scheduled to celebrate Swept to Sea's Six Month Anniversary!
It is tomorrow night and you are all invited! There will be prizes, giveaways, and fun, so don't miss it.
Also, I'll ask everyone who told them about the party. Whoever's name gets mentioned the most gets a prize, so be sure to invite your friends.
You can join here.

Deeanne Gist and I. :)

While I was in New Orleans, I met the fabulous Deeanne Gist!
 I had met her last year, but is was great to be able to see her again. She also did a really cool workshop explaining how book covers are made.
Anyway, on the plane ride I was reading her latest release, Fair Play, which is what I am going to review for you today.
About the Book:

"From the bestselling author of It Happened at the Fair comes a historical love story about a lady doctor and a Texas Ranger who meet at the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair.
Saddled with a man’s name, the captivating Billy Jack Tate makes no apologies for taking on a man’s profession. As a doctor at the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair, she is one step closer to having her very own medical practice—until Hunter Scott asks her to give it all up to become his wife.
Hunter is one of the elite. A Texas Ranger and World’s Fair guard specifically chosen for his height, physique, character, and skill. Hailed as the toughest man west of any place east, he has no patience for big cities and women who think they belong anywhere but home…
Despite their difference of opinion on the role of women, Hunter and Billy find a growing attraction between them—until Hunter discovers an abandoned baby in the corner of a White City exhibit. He and Billy team up to make sure this foundling isn’t left in the slums of Chicago with only the flea-riddled, garbage-infested streets for a playground. As they fight for the underprivileged children in the Nineteenth Ward, an entire Playground Movement is birthed. But when the Fair comes to an end, one of them will have to give up their dream.
Will Billy exchange her doctor’s shingle for the domesticated role of a southern wife, or will Hunter abandon the wide open spaces of home for a life in the “gray city,” a woman who insists on being the wage earner, and a group of ragamuffins who need more than a playground for breathing space?"

My Thoughts:

The Idea:

I expected nothing less from a Deeanne Gist Book. I have read all of her novels and plan to always do so. she is up there with my other two favorite authors: Mary Connealy and MaryLu Tyndall. These three have been my favorites ever since I discovered this genre.

Now, about the book. 

I. Loved. Everything. About. This. Book. First of all, look at the cover. It is breathtaking. 

Now, on to the idea. This is about a female doctor working at the Chicago World's Fair in a time where female doctors rarely existed. Also, it just so happens that she has a male name. Billy Jack Tate. Hunter is a Texas Ranger working as a guard at the fair. Eventually, they must work together when they find an abandoned baby. They work to create a playground in West Side Chicago for the less fortunate children that live there. 

The Characters:

 THEY WERE AWESOME. Billy Jack Tate is a female doctor struggling to keep her business running. Hunter Scott is a Texas Ranger working as a guard at the World's Fair. He was charming. She was talented. I loved them together.

The Plot:
Okay. Some parts of this book were incredibly sad and I just wasn't quite prepared for it. But I won't give them away. Just don't expect all fun swinging on swings like the cover shows.
But the plot was incredible. I think I read it in record time.
The Setting:
At the Chicago World's Fair! I loved it. Dee really researches alllll of her history and includes so much in her writing.
Overall:
This was a fantastic book. I will put it on my "favorites" shelf forever.

About the Author:
Deeanne Gist—known to her family, friends, and fans as Dee—has rocketed up bestseller lists and captured readers everywhere with her very fun, very original historicals. She has received numerous RITA nominations, two consecutive Christy Awards, and rave reviews. Deeanne has a background in education and journalism and a degree from Texas A&M. She has written for People,Parents, and Parenting. She lives in Houston, Texas, with her husband and has four grown children. She has a very active online community on her website at IWantHerBook.com and at Facebook.com/DeesFriends.

Cover Reveal!

Hey everyone! I have a special surprise for you today...a cover reveal from Anne Elisabeth Stengl!

Here's some info from her:

Rooglewood Press is delighted to introduce their second fairy tale novella contest—

Five Enchanted Roses

a collection of “Beauty and the Beast” stories

The challenge is to write a retelling of the beloved fairy tale in any genre or setting you like. Make certain your story is recognizably “Beauty and the Beast,” but have fun with it as well. Make it yours!

Rooglewood Press will be selecting five winners to be published in the Five Enchanted Roses collection, which will be packaged up with the gorgeous cover you see displayed here. Perhaps your name will be one of the five displayed on this cover?

All the contest rules and information (how to enter, story details, deadline etc.) may be found on the Rooglewood Press website. Just click HERE and you will go right to the page.

Rooglewood Press’s first collection, Five Glass Slippers, is available for pre-order now and will be released on June 14. Do grab yourself a copy and see what these talented writers have done with the timeless “Cinderella” tale!

Cover Illustration Credit:

This cover illustration was rendered by Julia Popova, “ForestGirl.” You can find out more about this gifted artist on her website: www.forestgirl.ru

Thanks for stopping by! This contest looks really cool!