The Honor of Your Presence is Requested

Ooooh, ooooh! I’ve got a fun one for today.

If you could have dinner with five FICTIONAL characters (can be all from one book or different characters from different books/authors…but they should be some of your favorites), who would you choose and why?

Cool, huh?  I’ll be back with my guest list soon!

~Elizabeth

A New You?

Last week I read, SOMETHING BLUE, by Emily Giffin (I know, I’ve been on a Giffin kick lately).  And like the two Giffin books I read prior to this one, it made me think. About the plot (as it pertains to the story) as well as its place in real life.

First, I’ll give you the basic back jacket copy…

Darcy Rhone thought she had it all figured out: the more beautiful the girl, the more charmed her life. Never mind substance. Never mind playing by the rules. Never mind karma.

But Darcy’s neat, perfect world turns upside down when her best friend, Rachel, the plain-Jane “good girl,” steals her fiancé, while Darcy finds herself completely alone for the first time in her life . . . with a baby on the way.

Darcy tries to recover, fleeing to her childhood friend living in London and resorting to her tried-and-true methods for getting what she wants. But as she attempts to recreate her glamorous life on a new continent, Darcy finds that her rules no longer apply. It is only then that Darcy can begin her journey toward self-awareness, forgiveness, and motherhood.

And then there was this blurb on Giffin’s website that I thing is worth noting:  ” SOMETHING BLUE  is a novel about one woman’s surprising discoveries about the true meaning of friendship, love, and happily-ever-after. It’s a novel for anyone who has ever, even secretly, wondered if the last thing you want is really the one thing you need.”

Let’s consider that again. “It’s a novel for anyone who has every, even secretly, wondered if the last thing you want is really the one thing you need.”

So what do you think? Has there ever been a time in your life when you thought you wanted/didn’t want something in particular only to find out that it’s the one thing you regret most/should have reached for all along?

~Elizabeth

Today’s the Day

Call it a shameless plug (because it is, really), if you will, but today I’m going to shove a book a you (or at anyone you know who happens to enjoy a sweet romance).

Part of this shove is simply because I hope it sells well (that’s the shameless part, in case you’re wondering). The other part (a.k.a. plug), though, is because I really think it’s a cool story–one that shows just how hard (yet, ultimately satisfying) it can be to overcome the hurt left by past relationships in order to find true happiness.

Okay, so here we go… 

  A Mom For Callie–the Harlequin American Romance I’ve written under the name, Laura Bradford–released today! And as is the case with this line, the book will only be available on store shelves for one month. One month. That’s it.

Starting today, you can find A Mom For Callie in Walmart, K-mart, Borders, and a few other locations (if you see it somewhere other than these three stores, let me know). If you patronize a book store that doesn’t carry this line, they should be able to order it for you without any problems.  It’s cheap–only $ 4.99–and it’s fun…a great summer beach read for the romance reader in your life!   You can also buy it online through all of the standard online book venues, including eharlequin.com!

Finally, in case you’re looking for a plug that’s a little less shameless, A Mom for Callie received a 4 1/2 star Top Pick from Night Owl romance. You can read the review here.

Oh, and one more thing. Sharon Gallagher over at Sharon’s Garden of Book Reviews (sharonsgardenofbookreviews.blogspot.com) had this to say about the book… “With her latest novel, A Mom For Callie, author Laura Bradford combines a charmingly sweet tale of two lost souls looking for love, with a healthy dose of saucy romance, a dash of thrilling mystery and a generous helping of lively characters to create a story that will stay with readers long after the last page is turned.”

Happy reading!!!

~Elizabeth

P.S. I was in the local Wal-Mart here (just checking to see if it was on the shelf) and I got a cool surprise. It looks as if Wal-mart is part of a promotion for the Harlequin American Line this month–buy 3 titles in the line for $ 9.99.  The cool part is the fact that they used A Mom for Callie’s cover for the promotion!!  If you see this out in the wild, too, let me know!!  And if you decide to take advantage of this promo, check out some of the other authors out this month…all talented writers!

A Blurry Line?

Every once in a while, you stumble upon a writer that just clicks with you, their books sucking you in, time and time again. And while I’m new to the work of Emily Giffin, she is no exception.

Last week, I told you about her latest novel, HEART OF THE MATTER. I enjoyed that book so much I set off to the bookstore to start reading her back list, returning home with her first book, SOMETHING BORROWED. And, once again, I was glued to the story that unfolded…

Here’s the blurb from the back jacket:

Rachel white is the consummate good girl. A hard-working attorney in Manhattan and diligent maid-of-honor to her best friend Darcy, Rachel has always done the right thing. But all of that changes the night of her thirtieth birthday when, after a few too many drinks, she ends up in bed with Darcy’s fiance. Although she wakes up determined to put one one-night fling behind her, Rachel is horrified to realize that she has genuine feelings for the only guy she shouldn’t. As the wedding date nears, Rachel must make a choice between her heart and her conscience. In so doing, she discovers that the lines between right and wrong can be blurry, endings aren’t always neat and sometimes you have to risk everything to win true happiness.

Interesting, huh? The book, itself, is much more intricate, calling into play healthy and unhealthy friendships, self value, etc… And it’s all good stuff. In fact, SOMETHING BORROWED is being made into a movie (and, if they stick to the story Ms. Giffin wrote, it’s gonna be a good one)!

So here’s a question (okay, maybe two) for all of you–something that popped in my head as I read this story:    What, in your eyes, makes a good friend? And have you ever been in a friendship that–in hindsight– did you more harm than good?

~Elizabeth

Summer Reading

 With summer stretched out before me, I have just one question…

What’s on your summer reading list this year?

Me? I’m tracking down the rest of Emily Giffin’s books.

~Elizabeth

**I’m blogging with the Harlequin American authors today under my romance persona, Laura Bradford. Curious? Click Here.

In an Instant

A few years ago I had the great pleasure of working in a bookstore and, aside from getting to spend my days with booklovers, I got to be around books. Lots and lots of books. Seeing as how I worked the register most days, I got to see the hot sellers. One of those was Emily Giffin.

Her books always stood out to me because of the relatively plain covers and fun-sounding (at least for me) titles. Yet, in the interest of hanging on to my paycheck, I never bought one.

But I wanted to.

Fast forward to a few weeks ago. I was meeting a good friend at a bookstore (bad idea) before heading off to lunch. On the new release shelf was Emily Giffin’s latest, HEART OF THE MATTER. I flipped open the book, read the jacket copy, and marched up to the register.

Boy, am I glad I did. It was outstanding–the writing, the characters, the description, the story, etc.

I’m going to share the book description that is shared on Emily’s website and then get to my book themed question (don’t worry, you don’t have to have read the book to participate–that’s the beauty of my Reading Tuesdays).

Tessa Russo is the mother of two young children and the wife of a renowned pediatric surgeon. Despite her mother’s warnings, Tessa has recently given up her career to focus on her family and the pursuit of domestic happiness. From the outside, she seems destined to live a charmed life.

Valerie Anderson is an attorney and single mother to six-year-old Charlie–a boy who has never known his father. After too many disappointments, she has given up on romance–and even, to some degree, friendships–believing that it is always safer not to expect too much.

Although both women live in the same Boston suburb, the two have relatively little in common aside from a fierce love for their children. But one night, a tragic accident causes their lives to converge in ways no one could have imagined.

So there you have it, HEART OF THE MATTER in a very tiny nutshell. I will simply say it was great. Really, really great.

Now, my thought-provoking (and, hopefully, my discussion-stirring) question for all of you:  Have you ever had a life-changing moment–one that changed your perspective in ways you never could have imagined? If so (and you’re willing), can you share?

~Elizabeth

The Prized Collection

This past weekend, I had the pleasure of signing books at Chicago’s annual Printer’s Row Lit Fest. If you’ve not been (and you love books), you should add it to your must-do list. Being around that many booklovers is–in a word–exhilerating.

Being there, watching people try new authors, chat up strangers, and search for particular books, I began to think about my own books. The special ones.

Just this past summer, while getting ready to box up my life and start if over in New York, I was faced with a need to conserve space. Which meant giving things up. I spent days bagging up old clothes and taking them to Goodwill. I gave my next door neighbor (also a single mom) stuff I knew would help her out. And I boxed up my complete collection of Mary Higgins Clark hardcovers (minus the first three titles as I could only afford them in softcover) and donated them to a local assisted living facility. 

I know that those books are giving others enjoyment but, I’ll be honest, I miss them. I’d purchased them all on the day they came out…year after year. But what’s done is done, right?

Aside from those books, my other prized collection of books is the Little House series I got for my First Communion when I was eight. Those I still have…and always will.

So how about you? Do you have a prized book collection?

~Elizabeth

**Hey, check this out! My Southern Sewing Circle series earned a mention as a favorite “Crafty Read for your Vacation!” Click here to check it out.

**Oh, and one more thing…I’ve just announced a new contest on my “latest news” page!

Shhhhhh…

After much prodding from an old elementary school buddy, I’ve finally begun reading THE SECRET. Like most of you, I’d heard about this book a few years ago yet never made an attempt to check it out. Until now.

I’m still reading, but I’ve read enough to get a broad feel for what it’s teaching. And while it’s hard to imagine that the simple act of adjusting your mindset and having faith can sell millions and millions of books, it has.

There are some parts of this book that really make you think…about the way you sabotage your own success and dreams by hanging onto doubt. It points to Scripture and professors and all sort of sources to highlight the importance of believing in yourself.

And by believing, we mean no doubts, no second-guessing, no negativity.

Which got me thinking… Can attitude really make things happen (wealth, health, relationships, etc.)?  If you start out having a “bad day” can it truly continue simply because you’ve dubbed it a “bad day” in your thoughts? Can you achieve great things by believing you can and imagining yourself already there?

I believe it/you can.

Does that mean everything I ever wish for comes true? No. But I also know I don’t always believe it will.

So how about you? What do you think? And for those interested in giving it a whirl, consider your wishes from yesterday. Try believing–really believing–they will happen. It can’t hurt, right?

~Elizabeth

Who Left the Mayo–and My Character’s Deep, Dark Secret–Out in the Sun?

Minutes after the final Fade Out of LOST, the internet was alive with questions, comments, complaints–and spoilers.

As people who’d yet to see the finale fired up their PCs to check weather or sports, they stumbled over LOST tweets or facebook feeds. After spending six years on an island with the show’s characters, their emotional investment was shortchanged in seconds.

They have my sympathy.

I’d managed to sidestep spoilers until last year, when a novel’s climax was revealed to me, two books too soon.

The book: Jonathan Stroud’s The Amulet of Samarkand, a YA fantasy involving an alternate London, a cast of magicians, and the unseen creatures forced to do their bidding.  Stroud’s world was alive, his language elegant yet accessible, and his characters engaging. As the plot of Samarkand resolves in a slam-bang ending, seeds are sown for a broader story arc.

But I came late to the party. When I picked up Samarkand, books two and three of the series had been on the shelves for years. So when I searched for the title of Book 2, I found an abstract akin to this: “Great series! I couldn’t believe it when–”

I couldn’t believe it either.

A spoiler.

Not for Samarkand.

Nor for Book 2.

And not exclusively for the final book in the set.

It applied to the trilogy. In a single sentence, the reader revealed a plot point that would have delivered a solid emotional punch, adding meaning and resonance to what came before, had it caught me not looking.

While the scene is still in the story, primed and waiting, the heightened emotional response I would have experienced by living that scene moment to moment, is not.

Someone took it from me.

She took it from countless other readers as well.

And most distressingly, she took it from the author–a writer who worked and reworked pages to find the right pace, the right words, who labored with scene and setting and imagery and mood, building the moment, raising the emotional pitch paragraph by paragraph , slow-stepping readers to the resolution, getting it all…just…so.

It takes an element of uncertainty for the effect of a scene to be fully realized. Regardless of a writer’s skill, the sting of a sharp twist is never quite as keen on the second reading. Like a first kiss, part of the pleasure is in not knowing. In story, as in life, the thrill of the journey comes from not knowing where it ends.

So, being mindful of our Free Floggings to them what spoil stories credo, anyone have their suspense killed by a careless, review or another reader? Listing the title should be enough to elicit our sympathy. For that matter, your experience needn’t be fiction. Maybe someone commented on your lovely birthday gift, when your birthday wasn’t until next week.

It’s a new watch, by the way, and you’ll love it. Knew you’d want to know…

Joe Richardson has written for newspapers, magazines, trade journals and broadcast media. When not at his desk, he can be found photographing his family and other forms of wildlife. He lives in rural Illinois.

The Danger in Assumptions

I finally did it. I read a book. It took me way longer than I’d hoped, but with deadlines and traveling, things didn’t go exactly as I’d hoped.

Still, I finished. Which gives me a book to talk about today.  And remember, you don’t have to read the book to participate in the discussion. I pull a broad theme from the book for conversation purposes.

After falling in love with Wendy Wax’s ACCIDENTAL BESTSELLER last year, I was more than a little eager to read her latest book, MAGNOLIA WEDNESDAYS.  Once again, I enjoyed this author’s descriptive language and story telling capabilities!

Here’s what the back copy says:

At forty-one, Vivien Armstrong Grayhas spent most of her life fighting to make it in investigative journalism, only to have it crumble after a bullet lodges in her backside during an expose. As if the humiliation of being the butt of everyone’s jokes isn’t enough, Vivi learns that she’s pregnant, jobless, and very hormonal. Maybe that explains why she actually says “yes” to a dreadful job covering suburban living back home in Gerogia, a column she can only bear to write incognito.

Leaving her tiny apartment in New York, she reluctantly heads south to experience the suburban soccer-mom existence through her widowed sister’s eyes. Surrounded by minivans and bake sales, she has lots of material for the column. Her sister’s ballroom dance studio becomes her undercover spot where she learns about the local life while posing as an extra dance partner. But Vivi’s little stint starts throwing her for a loop as friendships develop, and a real relationship with her sister blossoms. As she digs up her long-buried roots, and begins to secretly investigate her brother-in-law’s death, she starts to wonder if life inside the picket fence is so bad after all…

While there were lots of things that made me pause in this book, one thing jumped out at me more than anything else.  Vivi assumes what life in the suburbs is like. Vivi assumes what the reaction of her baby’s father will be. Vivi assumes there’s more to her brother-in-law’s death than everyone has been led to believe. And she operates on those assumptions, hurting people (and herself) in the process.

Which leads me to today’s question. Have you ever made an assumption about someone/something that proved to be completely wrong? And/or has anyone ever assumed something erroneous about you? What happened? 

~Elizabeth