BOOK PROMOTION
Author: Darlene Fredette
ISBN: 9780857991058
Genre: Sweet Contemporary Holiday Romance Novella
Pages/File Size: 78pages
Release Date: 1st December 2013
BLURB supplied by Bridging the Gap Promotions
It’s
going to take more than a few pieces of chocolate to fill this Scrooge’s heart
with Christmas cheer. Luckily Candice Cane has a whole shop full...
Candice Cane is not proud of the way she acted after her last encounter with Jackson Frost. Sure revenge was fun, but it’s left Jackson standing, angry and looking for answers, on the welcome mat in her chocolate shop. Now he’s after some revenge of his own.
Jackson returned to his small hometown for one reason and one reason only...so he’s not sure how he’s ended up in a Santa suit in the middle of a chocolate shop, at the behest of its beautiful owner, instead of high-tailing it back to the city as fast as he can.
Candice Cane is not proud of the way she acted after her last encounter with Jackson Frost. Sure revenge was fun, but it’s left Jackson standing, angry and looking for answers, on the welcome mat in her chocolate shop. Now he’s after some revenge of his own.
Jackson returned to his small hometown for one reason and one reason only...so he’s not sure how he’s ended up in a Santa suit in the middle of a chocolate shop, at the behest of its beautiful owner, instead of high-tailing it back to the city as fast as he can.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
An avid reader since childhood, Darlene loved
to put a pencil to paper and plot out stories of her own. Her writing is a
combination of contemporary romance with chick lit flare, and a main focus as a
plot-driven page-turner. When Darlene isn’t writing, editing, or reading she
enjoys spending time with her husband, daughter, and Yellow Lab.
AUTHOR LINKS
Web
Blog: http://findingthewritewords.blogspot.com
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/DarleneLF
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/DarleneLF
EXCERPT
The windshield wipers swished, smearing streaks of moisture and
clearing white flakes off the window. He lifted his head and searched the
snow-masked landscape. If he didn’t move soon he’d be stuck. Jackson shifted
the car into reverse and willed the tires to grip, smiling when they did. He
backed away from the snowbank and pulled onto the road, double-checking to make
sure Thumper was no longer on the road. That darn rabbit was a nuisance, but
not as much as this return trip home. He tucked the document back into his
pocket. Driving would require his complete focus. The stress and anxiety
wearing his muscles, and thoughts, would be gone soon enough.
Twenty minutes later, Jackson slid the sedan into an angled parking
spot in front of the chocolate shop. A walnut sign in the shape of a chocolate
bar hung above the door. He flipped up the collar of his coat and stepped onto
the pavement. The snow had stopped, but a north wind stung his bare face. He
tucked his chin deeper into his coat collar and shoved his hands in his
pockets.
Just as Jackson entered, a woman with shoulder-length blonde hair
flipped the sign in the window. ‘We’re closing, but feel free to browse, and if
you see anything you like, let me know.’
Jackson definitely saw something he liked. A steamy visual crossed
his mind of her, scantily clad on the beach. However, the gold wedding band on
her finger derailed his wandering thoughts. So she was married. That didn’t
mean he couldn’t flirt.
‘Thank you.’ He raked his gaze down the length of her. ‘I’m actually
looking for Candice Cane. If memory serves, she used to practically live here.’
The cute woman blushed. ‘She’s in the bakery. I’ll get her.’
Jackson smiled at her backside, swaying as she walked to a room
about halfway down the aisle. He brushed the snow from his shoulders and
flipped his collar down.
The blonde returned, leading a tall slender woman through the door.
She wiped a brown substance off her hands onto a red and green striped apron.
Her smile evaporated the minute her eyes landed on him.
Jackson stepped back. This wasn’t the girl he remembered. That young
girl had short, jet-black hair and wore large glasses that slipped down her
nose. Ordinary would have best described her. This girl…this woman who stood
before him was far from a plain Jane. He soaked in her chocolate brown hair,
the cobalt blue eyes, sleek nose, and her pink full lips. The dirty apron
pulled tight around her slender waist highlighted the cleavage between her
firm, creamy breasts and a set of long legs that went on for miles.
The sight of her took his breath away.
The knot in his stomach twisted. Jackson sputtered and choked.
‘Candice Cane.’
‘Well, if it isn’t Jackson Frost.’ She eyed the length of him, one
hand resting on her hip. ‘What on earth brings you back home?’
ASIN: B00G2UXCNE
Publisher: Harlequin
Pages/File Size: 61pages/289KB
Formats Available: E-Book
Release Date: 1st Dec 2013
BLURB from Goodreads
It’s going to take more than a few pieces of chocolate to fill this Scrooge’s heart with Christmas cheer. Luckily Candice Cane has a whole shop full...
Candice Cane is not proud of the way she acted after her last encounter with Jackson Frost. Sure revenge was fun, but it’s left Jackson standing, angry and looking for answers, on the welcome mat in her chocolate shop. Now he’s after some revenge of his own.
Jackson returned to his small hometown for one reason and one reason only...so he’s not sure how he’s ended up in a Santa suit in the middle of a chocolate shop, at the behest of its beautiful owner, instead of high-tailing it back to the city as fast as he can.
Jackson wants nothing to do with his small town past, but Candice shows him what he didn’t even know he’d been missing. Can a bit of Christmas magic heal old wounds and offer up a future neither saw coming?
INITIAL THOUGHTS
Well the Christmas Tree and few decorations I put up are hung up, most of the Christmas cards are written and sent so I thought it was about time I read a Christmassy book!
What did I expect? Maybe a to saccharine sweet tale or a feel good Christmas novella, read my review to find out which it was!
MY REVIEW
I received this book directly from Krista Ames from Bridging the Gap Promotions in exchange for my honest review and taking part in the blog tour.
I have to say straight away I love the cover, the colours the kissing couple very romantic looking and the mushy Christmas feel. Would the cover make me pick up the book from a bookstore shelf? Yes I think the cover is attractive and very appealing.
So the story is set in what was once a bustling little shopping area. that was until the ski lift closed down. now all these fantastic family businesses are getting into debt and finding things difficult. Two of these businesses are owned by Candice Cane. Candice owns the small hotel and the sweet/chocolate shop but even she is finding things difficult. It's something her brother who just happens to be the bank manager too is continually pointing out. If business doesn't pick up Candice faces some drastic choices. To add to Candice's worries the guy that normally dresses up and plays Santa in her store is ill.she is rapidly running out of ideas for who could play Santa when Jackson Frost walks into her store with divorce papers for her to sign. they married seven years earlier but . . .well . . .I'll leave you to read the book to find out how that occurred. Anyhow between part coercion and part blackmail Jackson reluctantly agrees to don the Santa suit. Jackson find himself still attracted to Candice . . . but she will never leave her hometown . . .can he persuade her to sell up and leave or will he change his own plans.
Its a fell warm mushy kind of romance but I totally loved it. Its well written, perfectly paced and sprinkled with Christmas magic.
So did I enjoy the novella? I loved it! Would I recommend the novella? Definitely, get cosy in your favourite chair with a warm cuppa and this novella! Perfect! Would I read other books containing these characters? Yes, I did become attached to them even though the book was a novella. Would I read other books by Darlene Fredette? Yes!
PURCHASE LINKS
MY REVIEW
Publisher: Harlequin
Pages/File Size: 61pages/289KB
Formats Available: E-Book
Release Date: 1st Dec 2013
BLURB from Goodreads
It’s going to take more than a few pieces of chocolate to fill this Scrooge’s heart with Christmas cheer. Luckily Candice Cane has a whole shop full...
Candice Cane is not proud of the way she acted after her last encounter with Jackson Frost. Sure revenge was fun, but it’s left Jackson standing, angry and looking for answers, on the welcome mat in her chocolate shop. Now he’s after some revenge of his own.
Jackson returned to his small hometown for one reason and one reason only...so he’s not sure how he’s ended up in a Santa suit in the middle of a chocolate shop, at the behest of its beautiful owner, instead of high-tailing it back to the city as fast as he can.
Jackson wants nothing to do with his small town past, but Candice shows him what he didn’t even know he’d been missing. Can a bit of Christmas magic heal old wounds and offer up a future neither saw coming?
INITIAL THOUGHTS
Well the Christmas Tree and few decorations I put up are hung up, most of the Christmas cards are written and sent so I thought it was about time I read a Christmassy book!
What did I expect? Maybe a to saccharine sweet tale or a feel good Christmas novella, read my review to find out which it was!
MY REVIEW
I received this book directly from Krista Ames from Bridging the Gap Promotions in exchange for my honest review and taking part in the blog tour.
I have to say straight away I love the cover, the colours the kissing couple very romantic looking and the mushy Christmas feel. Would the cover make me pick up the book from a bookstore shelf? Yes I think the cover is attractive and very appealing.
So the story is set in what was once a bustling little shopping area. that was until the ski lift closed down. now all these fantastic family businesses are getting into debt and finding things difficult. Two of these businesses are owned by Candice Cane. Candice owns the small hotel and the sweet/chocolate shop but even she is finding things difficult. It's something her brother who just happens to be the bank manager too is continually pointing out. If business doesn't pick up Candice faces some drastic choices. To add to Candice's worries the guy that normally dresses up and plays Santa in her store is ill.she is rapidly running out of ideas for who could play Santa when Jackson Frost walks into her store with divorce papers for her to sign. they married seven years earlier but . . .well . . .I'll leave you to read the book to find out how that occurred. Anyhow between part coercion and part blackmail Jackson reluctantly agrees to don the Santa suit. Jackson find himself still attracted to Candice . . . but she will never leave her hometown . . .can he persuade her to sell up and leave or will he change his own plans.
Its a fell warm mushy kind of romance but I totally loved it. Its well written, perfectly paced and sprinkled with Christmas magic.
So did I enjoy the novella? I loved it! Would I recommend the novella? Definitely, get cosy in your favourite chair with a warm cuppa and this novella! Perfect! Would I read other books containing these characters? Yes, I did become attached to them even though the book was a novella. Would I read other books by Darlene Fredette? Yes!
PURCHASE LINKS
***GIVEAWAY ***
Darlene
will be giving away a piece of Homemade Jewelry and a free PDF copy of one of
her two titles (One Sweet Christmas or Keeping Secrets) winner’s choice.
AUTHOR INTERVIEW
What is your name, where were you born and where do
you live now?
Darlene Fredette, born, raised, and still living in
Nova Scotia, Canada.
Did you always want to be a writer? If not what did
you want to be?
I wanted to be a teacher, but followed a path in
administration. Writing was always a passion. Thankfully my administration
training helped tone my writing skills in grammar and editing.
Did it take a long time to get your first book
published?
The path to publication is not always an easy one.
As most writers, I received my share of rejection letters. Learning the writing
craft is vital (showing versus telling, point of view, etc.). On January 2011,
I signed a contract for my first book. I took a short break from writing, and
then signed my second contract on June 2013. Hopefully, the next one won’t take
as long.
Do you work another job as well as your writing
work?
I’m very pleased to say that I now write full time.
What is the name of your latest book, and if you
had to summarise it in less than 20 words what would you say?
One Sweet Christmas is a delicious romance set in a
wintery Christmas time setting.
Who is your publisher? or do you self publish?
I currently have two publishers. Sweet Cravings Publishing and Escape Publishing.
Do you have plans for a new book? Is this book part
of a series?
My next book will be a family series. The six
titles will be filled with heart-warming romance and family drama.
What made you decide to write that genre of book?
I love reading romance and can’t write a story
without a romance as the main element.
Where do you get your book plot ideas from?
What/Who is your inspiration?
This may sound strange, but when I’m cleaning the
house is when a story pops into my head. The whole story plots itself out from
beginning to end by the time the house is clean.
Do you have anybody read your books and give
you reviews before you officially release them?ie. Your partner, children,
friends, reviewers you know?
I have awesome Beta readers. Without them I’d be
lost.
Do you read all the reviews of your book/books?
I try to because it’s nice to know the opinion of
your readers. Some readers don’t let you know when a review is being posted, so
I set a Google alert, which hopefully picks up the review.
Would you ever ask a reviewer to change their
review if it was not all positive about your book/books?
Everyone is entitled to their own opinion. Not
everyone likes the same stories/books. While one person may love your story
another person might not ‘get it’. While bad reviews sting, it’s the good ones
a writer must focus on.
How do you come up with the Title and Cover Designs
for your book/books?Who designed the Cover of your books?
Sometimes a title comes to me right away,
reflecting the story in some way. If a title doesn’t come to me in the
beginning, I start writing the story and a title soon comes to life. Every
writer has a vision of their story’s cover. My publishers have a cover artist
who created both my covers. It’s an awesome feeling when you see your story
visualized on a cover.
How do you come up with characters names and place
names in your books?
I choose names that I like, and place names are
either actual names or sometimes I make up fictitious places.
How do you market/promote your books?
I’m terrible at marketing and promotion, so I’m
thrilled to know a friend who has a business specializing in Book Tours and
Reviews. She does all the planning for me. I do my part by promoting on my
social media avenues.
What do you do to unwind and relax? Do you have a
hobby?
I love to read and spend time with my family.
Which format of book do you prefer, ebook,hardback,
or paperback?
I’ve grown very fond of my Kobo eReader.
Do you think books transfer to movies well? Which
is you favourite/worst book to movie transfer?
It depends on how true they stay to the book and if
the writing is done well. Flirting with Forty is one of my favorite books and
was very enjoyable as a movie. I also enjoyed Must Love Dogs. The movie starred
John Cusack, so it was a must watch for me!
Do you think ebooks will ever totally replace
printed books?
While eBooks are cheaper to buy, print will never
be replaced. There are too many die-hard print lovers out there.
Do you think children at schools these days are
encouraged enough to read? and/or do Imaginative writing?
The schools here encourage reading and writing. My
daughter always talks about a story they are reading in class. They write
reviews of the stories they read and also write short stories of their own.
Did you read a lot at school and write lots of
stories or is being a writer something newer in your life?
I loved reading when I was younger and reading
those stories it what inspired me to write.
What do you think about book trailers?
Book trailers are a good way to promote your book.
If the video is captivating, the viewer will probably buy your book.
Do you or would you ever use a pen name?
I’ve thought about using a pen name, but couldn’t
come up with a name I liked, and having multiple names would get confusing, so
I stuck with one.
If you could invite three favourite writers to
dinner, who would you invite and enjoy chatting with?
Penny Jordan, Jane Porter, and Sarah Addison Allen.
Where can readers follow you?
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DarleneLF
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DarleneLF
Thank you, Sandra, for the great interview, and for the review that totally made my day! :-)
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