The only way to rescue the future is to alter the past.
When Abby stepped through the hourglass door, leaving her beloved Dante blind and bleeding on the other side, it was in full faith that she could find a way to repair the damage to the river of time and restore him—as well as her family. It was a desperate chance that seemed worth taking.
But Zo had other plans.
Now Abby is trapped in a full-fledged battle for her own mind and life and heart. Even worse, Zo's evil intent reaches beyond simple revenge against her and Dante. The whole world is in danger of collapsing unless Abby can summon her courage and undertake a journey that will lead her beyond the origins of the hourglass door.
My Review:
This was an excellent ending to a fun, time adventure series.
In this last book, Abby goes back into fifteenth century Italy. She has to learn how to blend in, and she must find a way to get to Dante. Except, Zo gets in the way.
Agh! Zo always gets in the way. He is cunning, clever, and always one step ahead of Abby. Just when you think they outsmarted him, he comes back! He is a fantastic bad guy. Not only is he good at being bad, but he has depth to him. He was a Son of Italy, whose plans were throtted. He has tried so hard all his life to come out on top, even if he has to go to extremes. And extreme is his middle name.
Abby is a strong female lead. I never really got annoyed with her. I mean, there are always parts on a story where you might get irritated, but that didn't really happen with Abby. Thankfully. She stayed strong and kept fighting even when all seemed lost. She had hope. She fought for her family and for Dante and for her friends. It was amazing at what she did. At how she stayed firm.
Dante was awesome too. He endured so much through this one. He had to sy goodbye to many of his loved ones. I loved how strong he stayed. Even when he was blind. He was also super romantic and cute, can't forget that part.
I also liked how we see Orlando's involvement. I came to like him even more in this book.
All in all, Mangum's writing flowed almost effortlessly. It was wonderful, and she ended the trilogy with a sweet ending. One that was both satisfying and complete. This book was definitely the best in the series.
His eyes. His touch. His kiss. Dante was unlike anyone Abby had ever met. Now he’s gone, and Abby will do anything to get him back . . .
The hourglass door has closed behind Dante, sending him back in time to hunt down Zo, Tony, and V. Abby knows that Dante, as a Master of Time, is the only one who can stop them from destroying time itself. She also knows that he will need her help. But almost immediately, things start to change, and Abby’s worst fears are realized when Zo begins targeting her past specifically.
As Abby’s world fractures around her, she must face a terrible truth: either Dante didn’t make it through the door, or he is lost forever. So with Dante’s blueprints in hand, she begins construction on a new door, a new time machine that will either save Dante—or doom him.
With each new change that ripples into her present, Abby s life continues to spiral out of control. Her relationships with Jason, Natalie, and even her family are threatened to the breaking point—and beyond. Zo’s power is greater than Abby ever imagined, but as she struggles to free Dante, she receives help from an unexpected—and unlikely—ally.
My Review:
This sequel flowed much faster than the first book, it definitely did not have second book syndrome. It flowed fast and easy.
Abby faces challenges left and right in this book. Zo is messing up her last, which causes her present to suddenly change. She remembers things the way they are meant to be, and seeing the changes nearly sends her over the edge. All the constants in her life are ripped away. Even Dante is stuck in some sort of time limbo. It is up to Abby, Leo, and Natalie to set things right.
Although, like every good story, obstacles arise. Just when things are about to work out, Zo changes Abby's past again. The one semi good thing is that Valarie seems to remember and know what's going on despite her on the edge of being psychotic.
I like how Abby never backs down, even when faced with a ton of hard decisions. She sticks to it, knowing what she wants, determined not to stop until she has it.
Zo is a really good bad guy. Cunning and just plain evil. He needs Abby in order to compete his time-take-over, but she isn't wiling to even consider helping him. Despite his persistent destruction of her past, Zo can't sway Abby, which makes me like her even more.
Dante is so alone and scared in this book, but he too doesn't give up. He fights to survive. His strength is incredible too.
This was a fast read, full of adventure. Time travel stories always scare me in a way. Thank goodness time travel doesn't exist.
His past. Her future. Can love bring them together in time?Abby's senior year of high school is textbook perfect: She has a handsome and attentive boyfriend, good friends, good grades, and plans to attend college next year. But when she meets Dante Alexander, a foreign-exchange student from Italy, her life suddenly takes a different turn. He's mysterious, and interesting, and unlike anyone she's ever met before. Abby can't deny the growing attraction she feels for him. Nor can she deny the unusual things that seem to happen when Dante is around. Time behaves differently when they are together - traveling too fast or too slow or sometimes seeming to stop altogether. When the band Zero Hour performs at the local hangout, Abby realizes that there's something dangerous about the lead singer, Zo, and his band mates, Tony and V. Oddly, the three of them are also from Italy and have a strange relationship to Dante. They also hold a bizarre influence over their audience when performing. And Abby's best friend, Valerie, is caught in their snare. Dante tells Abby the truth of his past: he once worked for Leonardo Da Vinci, helping to design and build a time machine. When Dante was falsely implicated as a traitor to his country, he was sent through the machine more than five hundred years into the future as punishment. As the past and the present collide, Abby learns that she holds a special power over the flow of time itself. She and Dante must stop Zo from opening the time machine's door and endangering everyone's future. More than one life is at stake and Abby's choice could change everything.
My Review:
Yes, again, I am reading another book I bought from the ANWA Conference. Lisa Mangum is not only an author but the Editorial Manager for Shadow Mountain. It was a lot of fun getting to know her. She taught a great lesson on pitching books to editors and people that you meet everyday--saying that only with practice will you find the perfect pitch for your book.
It was during this lesson that she used the pitch she had for The Hourglass Door. It was fantastic, so of course I had to buy the trilogy!
This book was super cute. Cute, because the love story was super cheesy. Like, dripping in cheese, but that's okay, because it worked. The book opens up with Abby dating her oldest friend, Jason, but then super sexy, Italian Dante shows up. It was fantastic.
My Signed Copy
Not only is Dante a hottie, but he was once Leonardo Da Vinci's personal assistant. Crazy, right? And not only was he a friend of Da Vinci's, but he was a key part in building a time machine. Which of course, causes a whole ton of problems which lead to him and Abby falling in love.
The bad guy is really intriguing too. I like him. Books that contain great good guys, as well as bad guys make up for the best stories, especially when the bad guy isn't simply bad because he was meant to be bad. We get a glimpse of his past and why he did what he did, which makes him all the more interesting. He was unpredictable, which I appreciated. It makes for a ton of issues that Abby and Dante have to go through--and it's sort of fun to see how they handle things.
This was pretty slow in the beginning, not much happens, but the end makes up for it. It was a fun read and the second book (which I'm almost done with) flows much faster.
Mangum writes really well, and although the first book may be slow, it flows. It is a nice, cute, easy read!
Did you get to know the youngest of the Everheart sisters, Emma, in this sweet Harlequin Heartwarming book? If not, go back and check out the tour stops now!
The Best Laid Plans features Emma as she sets her sights on meeting Dr. Right. Everything about her plan seems to be working except for one glitch - she’s falling in love with a handsome, spontaneous paramedic instead.
"This story was a wonderful reminder that life doesn’t always turn out the way we planned or expected, but sometimes that can be a good thing…a very good thing. . . . If you love soul-stirring romance with a sprinkle of humor and fun- don’t miss this one!"
Charlie and his extra-wide smile came over to congratulate the happy couple. He was Max’s only friend in the city besides Kendall. Emma knew him from the hospital. He was the paramedic all the triage nurses flirted with when he brought someone into the ER. Emma could admit there was something attractive about his dark brown hair and green eyes that were always smiling.
"It's no secret, I adore Amy's writing. This series is so much fun. Her personality shines through every page and her characters make me want to call my family up and tell them how much I love them despite our differences."
I love to take a song and imagine what the rest of the story might be. Sometimes I only need one line to catch my attention. That was how The Best Laid Plans came to be. It was inspired by two songs. . . . The first one is Justin Timberlake’s “Not a Bad Thing”.
"I loved Charlie in “The Better Man” and was quite surprised to find him falling hard for The Nightingale. I love Amy Vastine’s writing, style, and characters so far. I can’t wait for Chicago Sisters #3 and learn more about Lucy and her life."
The closer she got, the warmer he felt. He practiced greeting her in his head, trying to sound cool. Then she smiled and he lost the ability to speak.
Charlie doesn’t need luck, though. Luck doesn’t win you love. Charlie gets the girl because of who he chooses to be each and every day. Sometimes we have a little bit more control over our destiny than we think. Don’t chase the rainbow, looking for the pot of gold. BE the rainbow and the pot will come to you!
1. What is your favorite thing about the Chicago Sisters Series?
I am the only girl in a family of three. I have always wondered what it would be like to grow up with two sisters instead of two brothers. These stories allowed me to pretend. I am envious of sisters who have built-in friends in each other. The Everhart sisters are friends as well as family and even though the stories focus is on the romance, the sisters are special to me!
I absolutely adored The Best Laid Plans! I was immediately drawn into the story and couldn't get enough! After reading The Better Man, I enjoyed picking up with Emma and seeing her fall in love.
“It’s fine, just cold.” Charlie reached over and pressed her hand and the ice pack back against his face. She was so close that it made his heart beat faster. Thank goodness he wasn’t hooked up to any machines that would’ve given him away.
"The romance is so sweet and the story has a lot of action and humor as well. The characters are very well-developed…too bad they aren’t real! You’ll totally fall in love with this book! It is definitely one you need to add to your TBR piles. Put it on the top!"
“You know the cute paramedic?” Tessa’s interest in Charlie was bothersome, and that in and of itself was even more bothersome. Charlie could date whomever he wanted. It shouldn’t matter to Emma one bit.
"I was immediately drawn into the story and fell in love with all of the characters. . . . I enjoyed the family-oriented feel to the story and camaraderie that Charlie has with his co-workers. I loved the chemistry and the realizations that are made. This is recommended to all those readers who love a good, clean, fun romance."
Emma is the youngest of the Everhart sisters, who all star in the Chicago Sisters series. Emma is a nurse, like her mother before her. She works in the ER of St. Joseph’s Hospital in Chicago. Emma is bright and determined. She knows what she wants and always gets it.
Charlie Fletcher is my favorite hero so far. He’s a six foot four, green-eyed, fun-loving paramedic who wears his heart on his sleeve. There really isn’t anything not to love about him.
The Best Laid Plans
(Chicago Sisters #2)
Amy Vastine
Adult Contemporary Romance
Paperback, 368 Pages
March 1st 2015 by Harlequin Heartwarming
She planned on falling in love. Just not with him!
Emma Everhart's life is going according to plan. Finish nursing school with flying colours… Check. Get a great job in the ER… Check. Marry a handsome doctor and have two babies, three years apart… Not quite yet. But with a dreamy new doctor joining the hospital staff, she's so close she can almost taste the wedding cake. Now is not the time to let the tall, dark and flirtatious paramedic Charlie Fletcher distract her! He may be the best date and best kiss she's ever had, but he's definitely not part of her plan. No matter how he makes her feel…
Kendall Montgomery's six-year-old son has barely spoken in the past year, locked in his world of silent grief. Then one day, he spots his dead father across a crowded street.
Max Jordan moved to Chicago to be closer to his own son and prove he can be a better father than his deadbeat dad. His striking resemblance to Kendall's husband and his track record with fatherhood make her determined to keep her distance…until Max helps her little boy come out of his shell. But can she trust him with their future? How can she be sure he won't take off just when they need him most?
Amy Vastine has been plotting stories in her head for as long as she can remember. An eternal optimist, she studied social work, hoping to teach others how to find their silver lining. Now, she enjoys creating happily ever afters for all to read.
In September of 2012, she saw a tweet about Harlequin’s So You Think You Can Write contest. She entered, hoping for nothing more than a little feedback from some people in the business. Amazingly, The Weather Girl made it into the semi-finals, thanks to the many wonderful voters out there! The manuscript didn’t make it to the finals, but the editors over Harlequin were still interested. A few revisions later and The Weather Girl was contacted for publication with Harlequin Heartwarming – a dream come true!
Amy lives outside Chicago with her high school sweetheart-turned-husband, three fun-loving children, and their sweet but mischievous puppy dog.
- $50 Amazon gift card & signed paperback of The Best Laid Plans (ebook if international winner)
- 5 copies of The Best Laid Plans (paperback to US winners and ebooks to international winners) and Chicago swag and Sweet and Heartwarming Bracelet for (US winners only)
Well-practiced in the art of making murder look like an accident, he is selfish, wealthy, and totally arrogant as a soul-stealing immortal. But when he ends up stranded on Cape Cod with a stolen car and a dead drug dealer in the trunk, he thinks his luck couldn’t get any worse.
That is, until Ana Lane shows up.
Gifted as a mechanic and surfer, feisty Ana is not a fan of the entitled Frat Boys who show up every summer, messing with local girls. Believing Kian is one of those typical rich brats, she fixes his car and ruthlessly dismantles his cocky ego . . . which intrigues the dangerous soul thief.
Determined to spend more time with the prickly mechanic, Kian sets out to understand what makes Ana so fierce. Soon, however, he uncovers the painful truth behind the real Ana Lane, and the decision to save her, may destroy them both.
** This is the prequel novella to UNDERTOW and is based on the story of Kian and Ana the summer they met. While it can be read at anytime in the series, it is meant to be read after UNDERTOW and STORMFRONT.**
I was officially done pinching automobiles from drug dealers. I’d spent the night watching over Pix’s car, but just before dawn I decided I needed to finally get rid of Benton. Unfortunately, it wasn’t until I was at a nearby beach, ready to drag his body to the surf, that I noticed the powder in the bottom of the trunk. It seemed to be spilling from a panel near the wheel-well and I soon realized that Benton wasn’t the only thing stuffed in the vehicle. The Auburn was a rolling buffet of cocaine. I’d heard of the cartel using cheap model cars to bring drugs over the border, stuffing their wares in every door panel, tire, and seat, but using a half-million dollar vehicle was a new one for me. Determined to distance myself from whatever major illegal activity Benton was wrapped up in, I took him and his car back to his house and parked it in the garage. I propped Benton up behind the steering wheel like a moldy mannequin and left on foot. The cops and the feds were going to be all over his death once someone found him. And hell only knows how many other drug dealers he was connected to. For all I knew, his death could cause a domino effect among the drug kingpins. No thanks – I didn’t need to get wrapped up in that nonsense. I walked through the town, now car-less, watching paperboys deliver the news and early risers sip coffee from porches. There was a peacefulness to the morning – a quiet that blanketed Cape Cod with a sort of untouchable reverence. In the early morning, cars didn’t clog the roads and children weren’t yet up, shouting and playing. It was the type of world that welcomed me – silent, shadowed, and misty.
About the Author
I have been a journalist for 15 years and serve on the Board of Directors for the Cape Cod Writers Center. I also drive a 16-ton school bus because I am ENTIRELY NUTS
.
In addition to working jobs that should come with a warning label , I hold a BA in Psychos (Forensic Psych), torment the tourists about Jaws, and occasionally jump from the Town Neck bridge in an attempt to reclaim my youth.
I live on Cape Cod with two smallish humans who apparently are my kids, my fishing-obsessed husband, two canines (adept at both flatulence and snoring), and a cage-defiant lovebird that sleeps in a miniature tent. Nope - that's not a type-o. The bird is quite the indoor camper.
In Télesphore, the glowing color of a person’s palm determines their place in society, and touching hands with another mixes the colors permanently. When sixteen-year-old Bruno accidentally kills a royal soldier, he goes from favored to fugitive. Now Bruno's only chance at survival is to become someone else. That means a haircut, a change of wardrobe, and most important, getting rid of his once cherished Blue. Now he’s visiting parts of town he never knew existed, and making friends with people he would've crossed the street to avoid only weeks ago. At the last minute, Bruno’s parents arrange a deal to clear his name and get his life back. All Bruno has to do is abandon those in the Red slums that look to him as a leader and let an innocent Green boy die in his place.
My Review:
This was such a fun story. It had been a while since I have read a futuristic/dystopian type story, because the last was so incredibly boring and just a repeat of everything I have read so far.
Thankfully, An Uncommon Blue was a page turner for me. I finished it in one sitting. I couldn't put it down! I loved the growth I saw in Bruno. It may only be the first book, but Bruno went from being a high and mighty blue, to a kind and compassionate multicolored fire. He had his whole life planned, and it was a good life. It wasn't until he was caught in a crime of self defense that his life turns upside down--which caused him to reevaluate his motivation.
I loved Bruno's Granny. She set Bruno straight by reminding him that his parents would be proud of him for doing what's right, not the prestigious career Bruno once wanted.
The writing was fast paced. Ryan did a great job of showing me Bruno's world without simply telling me. It was fun discovering this world where fire determined who you are and how Bruno overcomes it.
This was certainly fantastic adventure! There were twists and turns I totally wasn't expecting. Ryan's writing is amazing and this world he created is intriguing. What would you do if your caste was determined by the fire in your palm?
I had the chance to meet Ryan at the American Night Writers Association (ANWA) Conference. He was a great guy and it was fun getting to know him. I look forward to reading his future books.
I give this a 5 out of 5!!
ANWA Con--Ryan, Me, (my critique group gang) Sarah, Sydney, Jordan
Did you miss any of the posts about thie sweet romance about two people on opposite sides of what to do with the Bluebird Bed-and-Breakfast? If so, go back and check them out now!
“What are you going to do with the Bluebird? I spent some great summers there, so if you’re thinking of selling, I’d love to make an offer.”
At that moment, anyone checking Elaine’s pulse would definitely be concerned. She’d been working and saving forever without any notion what she was hoping for.
I enjoyed this author's writing style, she really drew me into the beautiful setting and sold me on these wonderful characters and their story. Ill definitely be looking for more books from Cheryl in the future. . . . If you enjoy sweet romance, don't miss this!
Elaine felt a flutter of hope. The Bluebird was a dream she could go after. Once she’d decided to pursue something, she rarely lost. She liked her odds all of a sudden. “Fine. I’d love to visit.”
Nothing felt comfortable about this whole situation, but it seemed like the right thing to say. She wanted the Bluebird. She should make him an offer. But he wanted the best for his son and for the Bluebird. She would encourage him, even if it went against her nature.
The Bluebird Inn sounds like such a peaceful place, and the author did a great job of making me want to drop everything and head over for a long weekend! Since that's not possible, I'll have to settle for visiting through the pages of The Bluebird Bet. An enjoyable read, I recommend for fans of sweet, contemporary romances.
Five Things I Know about War Photojournalist Dean Collins
5. He left Tall Pines as fast as he could. Changing beds and scrubbing toilets at the bed-and-breakfast was never his idea of a life. Dodging bullets and telling important stories had fulfilled him, but he had to make a change before it killed him.
I enjoyed the setting and felt right at home there. . . . The story is full of fun busybodies, with humorous moments, and I liked the way it all ended up.
For half a second, she considered checking the messages. Just because it had never been an emergency before didn’t mean today was the same. Except Nina would have correctly assessed the situation just like she’d diagnosed the next patient. Her mother could wait. Work could not.
Her mother waved a hand, a slightly rueful smile on her face. “Unless you want to do this all day, I’d move on, Dr. Watson. I keep hoping she’ll grow out of it, start asking for makeup and pop music.”
That was another reminder of the young Elaine—a mother who wanted her to be something she wasn’t.
“Maybe she’ll be a doctor someday,” Elaine said.
Hailey straightened her shoulders and smoothed down her skirt again. “I’m going to be the president someday.”
Elaine studied her face. “Maybe you could be both.”
Hailey brightened as if the idea of choosing had been a real problem.
Five Things I Know About The Bluebird Bet’s Dr. Elaine Watson
5. She’s ambitious, a hard worker, and needs to take some of her own advice. Whether it’s to finish medical school, establish the best practice in town, or restore the Bluebird Bed-and-Breakfast to its former glory, she won’t fail.
As I said, this is a sweet, gentle book. It didn't pull my emotions in or cause my heart to pitter patter, but it was a good book. The romance is soft and slow building. The Bluebird sounds like the perfect place for a weekend getaway.
The Bluebird Bet
(Welcome to Tall Pines #2)
Cheryl Harper
Adult Contemporary Romance
March 1st 2015 by Harlequin Heartwarming
Winning isn't everything...
To other people Dr. Elaine Watson never loses. Period. So she won't miss out on a chance to restore the Bluebird Bed-and-Breakfast. The owner's son, Dean Collins, seems just as determined as she is. A famous photojournalist, he hasn't been home in years, so why does he want to turn the Bluebird, a charming old B and B, into a fishing camp?
With just a few weeks to create the winning plan, Elaine has no choice but to spend time with the guy. She's drawn to the handsome, wounded man, but being with Dean would mean giving up the future she's been dreaming of... And Dr. Elaine Watson never gives up.
Cheryl Harper discovered her love for books and words as a little girl, thanks to a mother who made countless library trips and an introduction to Laura Ingalls Wilder's Little House stories. Cheryl enjoys strong characters that make her laugh. Now she spends her days searching for the right words while she stares out the window and her dog snoozes beside her.
The Best Laid Plans (Chicago Sisters #2) Amy Vastine
Adult Contemporary Romance
Paperback, 368 Pages
March 1st 2015 by Harlequin Heartwarming
She planned on falling in love. Just not with him!
Emma Everhart's life is going according to plan. Finish nursing school with flying colours… Check. Get a great job in the ER… Check. Marry a handsome doctor and have two babies, three years apart… Not quite yet. But with a dreamy new doctor joining the hospital staff, she's so close she can almost taste the wedding cake. Now is not the time to let the tall, dark and flirtatious paramedic Charlie Fletcher distract her! He may be the best date and best kiss she's ever had, but he's definitely not part of her plan. No matter how he makes her feel…
“Who are we talking about?” Tessa set down her clipboard and her eyes moved back and forth from Tammy to Emma.
“If you must know, Dr. Gavin, I’ve finally accepted that Emma is too old to be my daughter-in-law, so I am here to see to it that she finds herself a gorgeous, intelligent, wealthy man to settle down with. I believe our newest doc fits the bill,” Tammy answered with a wink.
“My new intern? Oh, Em! Don’t let her talk you into marrying a doctor. We’re horrible creatures, really. Find yourself a nice plumber or maybe a sweet schoolteacher.”
If all doctors treated their significant others the way Tessa treated her boyfriends, Emma would have taken the risk and changed her plans. Thankfully, Tessa was the exception to the rule. Therefore, she would not be deterred.
Grace, the nursing assistant on duty, joined the conversation. “Oh, I think Emma should get together with that paramedic who’s always here. He is one tall drink of water.”
“Charlie?” Emma could only laugh at such a suggestion. Charlie Fletcher was…Charlie. Granted, he was handsome and completely adorable, but he was the guy who lived below Max, the guy who gave everyone silly nicknames, the guy who was helping her plan Kendall’s wedding because Max didn’t trust her. Spy Charlie was not her favorite.
“Oh, I know who you’re talking about,” Tammy said, nodding and waggling her eyebrows.
“Why are you nodding? Stop nodding,” Emma demanded. She was not going to date Charlie. That was not the plan.
Grace sighed. “He’s so totally charming. Did you hear him tell the story about delivering that baby a couple weeks ago? He was amazing.”
“Paramedics usually know how to have a good time,” Tessa added, twirling her pen around her fingers. “Maybe I need to date him. What’s his name again?”
Emma’s stomach knotted up. The thought of Tessa getting anywhere near Charlie made her want to wrestle her to the ground. That was an unexpected feeling, one she wasn’t about to give any credence to, so she quickly pushed it aside.
“Knowing Charlie the way I do, I’d say he’d be a better fit for someone like Grace,” she said, fully aware that Grace had a boyfriend—a serious boyfriend who had taken her to look at engagement rings last month.
“Don’t tease me.” Grace pulled on Emma’s ponytail before leaving to check on a patient.
“You know the cute paramedic?” Tessa’s interest in Charlie was bothersome, and that in and of itself was even more bothersome. Charlie could date whomever he wanted. It shouldn’t matter to Emma one bit.
“He’s my sister’s fiancé’s friend. I think he’s a little too nice for you. He’s…like our resident psych.” It was a lie, but very effective in chasing Tessa away.
“Well, never mind then,” she said with a disgusted expression.
The Better Man (Chicago Sisters #1) by Amy Vastine
Adult Romance
Harlequin Heartwarming
January 1st 2014
Kendall Montgomery's six-year-old son has barely spoken in the past year, locked in his world of silent grief. Then one day, he spots his dead father across a crowded street.
Max Jordan moved to Chicago to be closer to his own son and prove he can be a better father than his deadbeat dad. His striking resemblance to Kendall's husband and his track record with fatherhood make her determined to keep her distance…until Max helps her little boy come out of his shell. But can she trust him with their future? How can she be sure he won't take off just when they need him most?
Amy Vastine has been plotting stories in her head for as long as she can remember. An eternal optimist, she studied social work, hoping to teach others how to find their silver lining. Now, she enjoys creating happily ever afters for all to read.
In September of 2012, she saw a tweet about Harlequin’s So You Think You Can Write contest. She entered, hoping for nothing more than a little feedback from some people in the business. Amazingly, The Weather Girl made it into the semi-finals, thanks to the many wonderful voters out there! The manuscript didn’t make it to the finals, but the editors over Harlequin were still interested. A few revisions later and The Weather Girl was contacted for publication with Harlequin Heartwarming – a dream come true!
Amy lives outside Chicago with her high school sweetheart-turned-husband, three fun-loving children, and their sweet but mischievous puppy dog.
- $50 Amazon gift card & signed paperback of The Best Laid Plans (ebook if international winner) - 5 copies of The Best Laid Plans (paperback to US winners and ebooks to international winners) and Chicago swag and Sweet and Heartwarming Bracelet for (US winners only)
Ends March 29th
2. What do you hope readers take with them when they read your book?
Of course, I hope they want to hear more stories, but as for a takeaway it's my desire that readers are able to connect with Kellan and close the book feeling encouraged.
Later that evening, with everyone’s attention on the dying king, Kellan managed to sneak out of her room. Her objective was to find Osma and Master Hewitt and get out before anyone reported her missing. The place was just huge, and she didn’t know where to start.
The McKensie family in The Cloak is depicted as being Spirit-filled. It’s a regular part of their lives, as it was for many in the early church and as it still is for many today. While that specific teaching can quickly become a hot button topic, it truly serves no good purpose to condemn anyone on either side of the fence. Instead, we can most likely all agree to this excerpt from “The Deer’s Cry”, also known as “St. Patrick’s Breastplate”:
Mythical Books - Céad Míle Fáilte: A Hundred Thousand Welcomes
Welcome to Errigal! What would a Celtic themed setting be without green hills and a castle? Featured on the cover of The Cloak is Lismore Castle, a beautiful structure in the town of Lismore in County Waterford, Ireland.
Five months flew by in Paris. Kellan didn’t go home for Christmas or to celebrate the new year, choosing instead to immerse herself in the surrounding local festivities. Although she corresponded frequently with Osma and the teacher, writing only of her job and ignoring their attempts at engaging her in conversation about Errigal, she refused to return to the castle and made up all kinds of excuses to back it up.
Arriving at the castle, she stepped through the great wooden doors and immediately yanked the cloak off, exposing the blue jeans and black T-shirt she had changed into on the plane, a definite rebellious act to defy Errigal’s traditional dress and thereby match her frame of mind.
This was a great book. Kellan is a very amazing main character. . . . Kellan steps up and takes on a responsibility that she doesn't want. It is a book that young women need to read. Kellan is such a good role model.
The fencing instructor was very amused and surprised the king was acting this way toward a lady. What is he thinking trying to enlist a woman into a sword fight? Look at her. She was wearing a blue, fitted bodice gown that reached all the way to the floor. Her dark hair was up in pearled pins, and ringlet curls fell down the nape of her neck. Attending a tea party would be more appropriate.
What was your favorite chapter (or part) to write and why?
The most fulfilling part for me is when Kellan comes home for the last time. I feel good knowing she is finally going to have the happiness she deserves.
"Overall, The Cloak is a sweet clean romance with some interesting twists and good character growth."
The next morning Osma tried again, bringing a tray filled with an incredible array of pastries and fruits, beings sure to include some of Kellan’s favorite food that she rarely received growing up, chocolate covered anything.
Turning around, Ian went to reach out for Kellan’s hand, but she wasn’t there. A feeling of panic overcame him.Where is she? And where are those new bodyguards of hers? He turned back to the crowd to see their uplifted faces staring back at him. They had been hanging on every word, and the silence was immense.
Brief description of the world or location you created for this story:
In The Cloak, characters are essentially living in the past while also living in the present. Walk past Errigal's borders and the modern world exists in every manner. Stay within, and a society steeped in Medieval traditions and methods still exists. The landscape is characteristic of Ireland with green, rolling hills, villages and marketplaces dotting the countryside, and hot, soothing mineral springs.
Kellan - Princess and Daughter of the late Princess Seanna McKensie and late Duke Barend. Kellan is the true heiress to the throne of Errigal, if she can be convinced to take her place. Beautiful, wise, and very skilled with a broadsword, she exudes leadership when on listening terms with God. Kellan's propensity to be headstrong, combined with hidden self-doubt, often lands her in troublesome situations.
This is a quick read with a good message about prayer and the importance of relying on God. It also shows the difference one person can make when they're willing to step into the role they were born to fill.
Kellan stood facing the great stone fireplace. Its dancing flames matched the ones in her eyes. After what seemed like forever, her breathing finally began to slow down. The king had been about to say something to her once he heard the duke ride off, but Master Hewitt had stepped forward and held out his hand to stop him. She needed a moment more to settle down.
Like many Americans, I have a great appreciation for my Irish ancestry and I love Celtic music. I think those things combined with my predisposition for a strong female lead who overcomes difficulties and weaknesses to do great things led to a story that just played out itself.
The fallen warrior staggered up, bowed to the princess, and made his leave. She always felt rotten when they walked away, or in some cases, were carried away. At least now she was done for the day. Directing her eyes away from the departing man, Kellan looked ahead to see another suited contender. What is this? She turned and walked over to the teacher.
“What are you mumbling about down there, dear sister,” said Slone, “No one here’s going to answer your call for help…not even your honorable king. Where is old lover boy anyway, huh?” Slone just rambled on.
That night’s sleep was hard to come by. Kellan tossed about with fitful dreams and kept waking up, a few times wet with sweat. It wasn’t nightmares from the war, though she had had plenty of those when she first moved in. It was tranquil scenes from Errigal’s landscape, the faces of Osma and Master Hewitt, and the library walls. Feeling like she was going insane, she finally gave up and got up from bed.
The Cloak
Sarah Jennings
Inspirational YA Romantic Suspense
Paperback and ebook, 194 pages
November 2014
Kellan McKensie, Princess of Errigal, is set on leaving for another world before being thrust into a plan of God's choosing that includes learning of her past, embracing her future, and finding her forever love.
Among a lost line of beautiful, wise queens and a conquered country still clinging to medieval traditions in today's world, can Kellan be convinced that now is her time to act? Why should she? To the entire country, she doesn't even exist. Ever the reluctant leader, Kellan is pressured to use her incredible God-given abilities to bring back the glory of her homeland. To do so, she must fight her own will, overcome fears, and control her temper. It's a lot to ask of a girl hidden under a cloak her whole life.
Sarah Jennings is an American storyteller living in the hills of North Carolina with her husband, four children, and escape artist hound dog. Her stories often revolve around strong willed heroines who find their way with God’s help during their adventures and in the process find their soulmate too. The Cloak is one such story now available in print and ebook format.
