Starting Over By: Jennifer Louise

Starting Over

Jennifer Louise

I’m someone who likes to look at the cover of the books, although they do not make or break me, as to whether or not I’ll read the book or not. I just like to give acknowledgement into the work put into them, so that the work is recognized, because thought and efforts went into it. And with this cover, I truly felt like it was a love story, and it was going to captivate me in some way or another. What else, I liked about the cover, is the over lapping artistry. I haven’t myself, seen anything like this, and this is truly beautiful. I honestly find this cover artistic and think it quite exquisite. 

As for the book itself, I instantly fell in love with Felicity. Her character is so outgoing, strong and independent. I just am so drawn to her. And what I love about her even more? She is a twin, something I have always had in my life. No, I am not one, I have just always had twins around me as friends, and relatives. And this one, is just like all of the twins I have ever met and known. 

What else that is drawing me to these girls, is that they moved from New York to Florida. My story is similar, I have moved to Ohio to Florida. A northern girl to a Southern girl. 

And Felicity is wanting to make a new start for her and her sister. But the thing is, the girls end up in a shelter. Oh, what a place to end up too.

While in the shelter, this is where Felicity meets Cameron. 

Now Cameron is one of these hot cocky sexy types. But the thing is, his father thinks that he needs to grow up, settle down and make partner in his firm. This is not something Cameron had set in his sites, but he decided to cooperate, and volunteer at a local shelter.

Are you seeing this coming into play now?

Cameron and Felicity just keep running into each other, and the thing is, they have an instant attraction to each other. And there is no if’s and’s or but’s about it, it is there, and there’s no fighting it. 

And the thing is, both of these people, are unique and stubborn in their own ways, and fate is quite insistent on making a statement. 

This book is quite entertaining in more ways then one, and you will not be able to put it down, because you will want to know what is going to happen. However, this book is meant for mature audiences. But trust me, it is well worth the read. I just fell in love instantly, and just had so many reactions. This book is just so life-like! Truly enjoyable, and a definite five star read!

My questions for Jennifer:

1. What made you write this book and how long did it take you?

Before I decided to write my own books, I fell in love with reading. With that passion for reading anything romance, I found some pretty amazing authors, one of them being M.S. Parker and her Club Privé series.  After I wrote my first book, "Starting Over", I wanted to see what other self-publishing options were out there, and that is when I stumbled across Kindle Worlds. These talented authors allow you to use their wildly popular stories as a backdrop for your own story, and that is how Club Privé: Rebuilding was born. The book only took about two months to write, once I got the story in my head. I outlined the basic story, with character names and possible plot twists, and then filled in everything else as I went along.

2. Who designed the cover?

I designed the cover. I am so glad that you like it! <3

3. Do you have any photos or descriptions of the characters that you can share with us?

The models on the book cover were my inspiration, or at least that is how I pictured them in my head. 

4. What are you working on now?

I am working on a continuation of the Club Privé: Rebuilding story, titled Club Privé: Restoring. More of Chloe's past is revealed and I also introduce Aidan's family. While I don’t want to give too much away, another figure from Chloe’s past comes back into her life and she struggles with how to cope and what implications that may have with her relationship with Aidan.

5. What motivates, you to write and do you anticipate that you were going to grow up and become a writer?

I did not grow up thinking I would be a writer. In fact, I wasn't really an avid reader until a few years ago. Raising a family, working full-time, and going to school, didn't allow any downtime for me. Now that my kids are older, I am taking that time, even though I am still working full-time and working on a degree.

My primary motivation to write coincides with my love for reading. I love the stories I read and want to convey the feeling I get into my own books. If a reader reviews my story and says, “I loved her writing style”, or “I found another book I could not put down” then I know I have done something right. That is what motivates me and keeps me going!

6. If you were to get writers block, or have ever had it, what do you do for it?

I didn’t get writers block with the first two books I wrote. But working on the third, has me second guessing the direction I wanted to go. I have been able to bounce ideas with my friends and family, but my current book is taking longer than I intended. Also, with my work/life balance, I usually only write one day a week, but that also gives me time to mentally gather my thoughts, for when I can write.

7. What suggestions can you offer for the aspiring writers out there?

Don’t give up! Even if your first, second, or tenth book doesn’t do as well as you had hoped, keep at it. At least that is what I keep telling myself each time I see the stats on my books. At the end of the day, these stories are your babies. Nurture them, write them with love, and don’t be afraid to set them free… or in this case publish them for all to read and enjoy.

8. How long have you been writing?

I have always used writing as my go to for stress relief and as a way of conveying my feelings to others, especially when talking doesn’t always get the point across. But writing and publishing my stories on Amazon, just started in March of 2017.

9. What are your hobbies?

Reading, of course!

10. Do you put yourself into your characters?

I don’t intentionally but I sometimes think about how I would respond to a situation, and then usually embellish from there.

11. Where is your favorite place to write?

I have a desk set up in my bedroom, so that I can close myself off and concentrate. It may not be my favorite place, but it is effective.

12. Please share with us your social media and book links:

 Follow Me:

https://www.facebook.com/JenniferLouiseKDPAuthor

https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJenniferLouise/

https://www.amazon.com/author/jenniferlouise

https://www.instagram.com/authorjenniferlouise/

Newsletter:

https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJenniferLouise/app/100265896690345/

Book+Main:

https://bookandmainbites.com/users/4036

Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/JenniferLouiseAuthor

13. Anything to add:

Thank you for supporting authors and for giving us a platform to tell “our” story!

Thank you!

Starting Over by Jennifer Louise
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’m someone who likes to look at the cover of the books, although they do not make or break me, as to whether or not I’ll read the book or not. I just like to give acknowledgement into the work put into them, so that the work is recognized, because thought and efforts went into it. And with this cover, I truly felt like it was a love story, and it was going to captivate me in some way or another. What else, I liked about the cover, is the over lapping artistry. I haven’t myself, seen anything like this, and this is truly beautiful. I honestly find this cover artistic and think it quite exquisite.

As for the book itself, I instantly fell in love with Felicity. Her character is so outgoing, strong and independent. I just am so drawn to her. And what I love about her even more? She is a twin, something I have always had in my life. No, I am not one, I have just always had twins around me as friends, and relatives. And this one, is just like all of the twins I have ever met and known.

What else that is drawing me to these girls, is that they moved from New York to Florida. My story is similar, I have moved to Ohio to Florida. A northern girl to a Southern girl.

And Felicity is wanting to make a new start for her and her sister. But the thing is, the girls end up in a shelter. Oh, what a place to end up too.

While in the shelter, this is where Felicity meets Cameron.

Now Cameron is one of these hot cocky sexy types. But the thing is, his father thinks that he needs to grow up, settle down and make partner in his firm. This is not something Cameron had set in his sites, but he decided to cooperate, and volunteer at a local shelter.

Are you seeing this coming into play now?

Cameron and Felicity just keep running into each other, and the thing is, they have an instant attraction to each other. And there is no if’s and’s or but’s about it, it is there, and there’s no fighting it.

And the thing is, both of these people, are unique and stubborn in their own ways, and fate is quite insistent on making a statement.

This book is quite entertaining in more ways then one, and you will not be able to put it down, because you will want to know what is going to happen. However, this book is meant for mature audiences. But trust me, it is well worth the read. I just fell in love instantly, and just had so many reactions. This book is just so life-like! Truly enjoyable, and a definite five star read!


View all my reviews

 

Check Out by: Debra Parmley

Check Out

By: Debra Parmley

When Debra asked me to review this book, I of course, couldn’t refuse her, because I happen to know she is an amazing writer. And once I find someone whose writing has my attention, I am a fan for life. So as always, I was honored to do her the honor of this.

And once she sent it to me, I fell in love with the cover instantly. It is a beautiful cover, looking at just makes you feel like pulling up a chair next to the fire place, and sitting down with a good book, like this one!

In the book, “Check Out” we meet a marine vet by the name of Nash Ware, who is also quite a bit handsome. But Nash wears an eye patch, and his ex-fiancé was intimidated by it, and walked out of a perfectly good relationship because of it. Because of this, Nash feels that women are no longer part of his calling.

However, one day Nash decides to go into the library where a shy Betsy Bobbin works, and she can’t help but notice Nash. And not just because of his eye patch, she also noticed his masculine body, and even his attitude. She is immediately drawn to him.

You know how luck or fate help to guide you onto the right path, and put two people together? Well what happens next seems like fate, a chance meeting, and it just makes everything fall right into place perfectly. 

Betsy ends up with a flat tire, but not only is it flat, but it is during a storm. And guess who comes to the rescue? Every woman loves to be rescued, especially by a hunk like Nash.

Betsy gets to learn about Nash, and that he has PTSD, and that he isn’t sure if he wants to let anyone in his life. Betsy feels torn, but she also feels that she just might have found the love of her life.

Nash does have feelings for Betsy too, but he has his own wounds, and problems to deal with. He isn’t sure what to do. 

The book “Check Out” is a deep love story portraying that our Military Vets do get wounded in so many ways, both physically and mentally. And from those wounds come even deeper problems. Not only does Debra tell you an enlightening and touching story here, she also gives you the perspective into the military veterans, and how one is coping. It is a truly eye opening five star read. I found it very enjoyable and think everyone should read it! I could not put it down; I just had to know what was going to happen every step of the way! Debra truly made this work!

My questions for Debra: 

1. What made you write this book and how long did it take you?
~

I originally wrote “Check Out” after my publisher Secret Cravings invited me to be part of a military box set where the proceeds would go to Operation Troop Aide. Then just as the edits were finished, they announced they would be closing their doors. That was a sad day and it was a thrill for me to finally see the book in print when I re-released it through Belo Dia Publishing. I wanted to write a story about a veteran who has PTSD but I didn’t want the story to be so much about that issue that the story became about the PTSD. I see a lot of that in military romance when it is used as a plot device. For me the story people become real and just like meeting a new friend, Nash’s PTSD is just a part of who he is. If you met him you might not know the entire story of why he has it or exactly what he does to deal with it. But you’d see him functioning in the world just like anyone else that does or doesn’t have it, if that makes sense. I have a lot of friends who are veterans so I wanted to handle Mash’s story like I might handle theirs and I wanted to give him a happy ending. 
 ~

2. Why do you write?
~

I write because I love to write. I’d write even if no one read what I wrote. J I’ve written poetry for years even though people say you can’t make money writing poetry. As if that were the only reason to do to write something.
 ~

3. What are your hobbies?
 ~

I enjoy primitive camping and stepping back into medieval times with the Society for Creative Anachronism, shooting my Mongolian horse bow (primitive archery), shooting long guns and shooting pool. I also enjoy yoga, belly dancing, reading and travel. I also love to collect seashells from each beach I have visited. 
 ~

4. What are you working on now?
 ~

I’m finishing the expansion of A Change of Scenery, which was out as a short story with Secret Cravings. Readers wanted more, so I am expanding the story and it will be the first book in my Hunger Roads trilogy. Set in the future it is a world of big pharma running the govt, GMO’s and a secret group of former Special Forces veterans who are fighting to protect the constitution and to bring down the corrupt government. A sweet belly dancer that just happens to grow healing herbs in her spare bedroom finds herself on a government terrorist list (herbalists have been classified as terrorists) and a former SEAL rescues her and then they are on the run. It’s taken me longer to rewrite/expand because I decided to make it part of a trilogy which means threading everything that needs to be in before the next two books. There’s a lot of weaving new parts into the first version and that kind of writing is always slower than writing a brand new story.
 ~

5. Do you imagine yourself as one of the characters when you write your books?
 ~

It is more like I am their friend and they are sharing things with me most of the time. I do step inside sometimes and that can get emotional, much like empathy, when I feel what they are feeling. I read one of my Christmas stories for maybe the tenth time and it still made me cry the last time I read it. But I always give them a happy ending and I know it is coming so maybe that is a little bit silly, to get so emotional. You know that scene in the movie Romancing the Stone? Where she cries when she’s at the end of her book? Well that would be me.   
 ~

6. Do you ever get writers block?
 ~

I once had it for a very long time. Six long months after my golden retriever Trixie died, I could not write. I vowed after that never to have it again. So here is how I avoid it. I change where I write by moving around with my laptop. I change what I “need” to be able to write by writing longhand with a legal pad and I have even talked into my phone to record a scene. That way there is no “I can only write if…” in my mind because I think I need it. Because Trixie sat by my side when I wrote so when she was gone that loss froze my writing, as I got too emotional every time I sat down to write. So after six months of that, I wanted to find all the things that might freeze it again and work to avoid it ever happening again. I also work on more than one story so if things start to get slow on one I will switch to another. I will not spend time in front of a blank page for very long. No more than five minutes. And I have all kinds of exercises that I can do if I sit there and am getting close to the five minutes. When I was teaching classes locally and doing a lot of mentoring I passed those on to my students because I know they work. I also don’t stick “write every day” in my head so there isn’t the huge pressure if for a day or two I don’t get to write. That has served me well when I had to be in the hospital or when my father passed. It is okay to give yourself permission to take time off from your writing. I used to be so hard on myself but ironically now that I’m not, the writing is always flowing unless life gets in the way. 
~

7. Do you have any photos of the characters or maybe character descriptions for this book?

I don’t have any photos as I could just close my eyes and see them but I always have to describe my characters for Sheri, my wonderful cover artist. Nash Ware is six foot tall with dark hair that has grown out enough since he came back from active duty that it sometimes falls into his eyes. Or would if he had not lost an eye in the war. He wears a dark eye patch to hide his scars and it’s winter so he wears a fatigue jacket and military style boots when he comes stomping into Betsy’s library and her world. Betsy Bobbin has long blonde hair and always wears red lipstick. She’s a shy librarian who dresses modestly. Her younger sister Leann has dark hair and dresses more to catch a man’s eye. Unfortunately she caught the eye of the campus stalker, which turns dangerous for her. 
~

8. If you could meet ONE Author who would it be?
~

Oh it is so hard to pick just one. I get to chat with so many authors on my radio show on Tuesday nights and I wish I could meet them all in person too. Okay so just one. I would love to meet Alice Hoffman. She is one of my favorite authors. I was just thinking about her book Practical Magic the other day. It was made into a movie and I’ve put it on my list of movies to watch around Halloween. 
~

9. What is it that led you to writing in the first place?

~

When I was a small girl I would imagine stories but never wrote them down. In college I started writing short stories and eventually switched to novels. I still write short stories and you can find a few of those out in eBook. So I have been writing stories in my head ever since I was a child.

~

10. What all education have you had?
~

I went back to college when my sons were in high school and junior high and got a bachelors degree in English. I’d been working at a bank as a head teller and you couldn’t get a higher-level job in banking without a degree. So I went back to finish my BA and then still couldn’t find a job after I graduated because we lived in the Pocono mountains, where there just weren’t that many jobs. That’s when we moved to the Memphis TN area to be near family and I started working at a weekly newspaper. That was twenty years ago and now here I am writing books and using that degree. So people are no longer asking me “What can you do with an English degree?”
~

11. Please share with us your book links and social media links:

Author Media Links:

http://www.debraparmley.com/

Fan page: https://www.facebook.com/Debra-Parmley-19909053561/?ref=hl

https://www.facebook.com/debra.parmley

https://www.pinterest.com/debraparmley/

https://threadingtheweb.wordpress.com

Book links:

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Debra-Parmley/e/B002BM9H4A/ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1?qid=1473839815&sr=1-1

My eBooks and audio books on itunes: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/author/debra-parmley/id411082477?mt=11

My eBooks on Kobo: https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/search?query=debra%20parmley

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/debra+parmley

Smashwords https://www.scribd.com/author/259824716/Debra-Parmley

All Romance eBooks:  https://www.allromanceebooks.com/storeSearch.html

My audio books on Audible: http://www.audible.com/search/ref=a_hp_tseft?advsearchKeywords=debra+parmley&filterby=field-keywords&x=0&y=0

12. Anything extra to add?

Thank you for this interview and for reviewing 'Check Out!' I always enjoy answering your questions.

My first audio book is out and I’m so excited about that. Something I wasn’t able to do when I was with the other publishers. So… Check Out is now available in audio book, it’s my first audio book and I hope everyone will check it out! (I have such fun saying that. Librarian heroine, Check Out title, check it out. Makes me giggle.) ;-)

Here are links to my radio show, which airs every Tue night 8:30 eastern http://bit.ly/BookLights

Upcoming shows Readers Entertainment on Blog Talk Radio: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/circle-of-seven

Readers can find me online and if signed up for my newsletter can win prizes.

Newsletter sign up link: http://eepurl.com/ZUyC1

I love to hear from my readers!

Check Out by Debra Parmley
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When Debra asked me to review this book, I of course, couldn’t refuse her, because I happen to know she is an amazing writer. And once I find someone whose writing has my attention, I am a fan for life. So as always, I was honored to do her the honor of this.

And once she sent it to me, I fell in love with the cover instantly. It is a beautiful cover, looking at just makes you feel like pulling up a chair next to the fire place, and sitting down with a good book, like this one!

In the book, “Check Out” we meet a marine vet by the name of Nash Ware, who is also quite a bit handsome. But Nash wears an eye patch, and his ex-fiancé was intimidated by it, and walked out of a perfectly good relationship because of it. Because of this, Nash feels that women are no longer part of his calling.

However, one day Nash decides to go into the library where a shy Betsy Bobbin works, and she can’t help but notice Nash. And not just because of his eye patch, she also noticed his masculine body, and even his attitude. She is immediately drawn to him.

You know how luck or fate help to guide you onto the right path, and put two people together? Well what happens next seems like fate, a chance meeting, and it just makes everything fall right into place perfectly.

Betsy ends up with a flat tire, but not only is it flat, but it is during a storm. And guess who comes to the rescue? Every woman loves to be rescued, especially by a hunk like Nash.

Betsy gets to learn about Nash, and that he has PTSD, and that he isn’t sure if he wants to let anyone in his life. Betsy feels torn, but she also feels that she just might have found the love of her life.

Nash does have feelings for Betsy too, but he has his own wounds, and problems to deal with. He isn’t sure what to do.

The book “Check Out” is a deep love story portraying that our Military Vets do get wounded in so many ways, both physically and mentally. And from those wounds come even deeper problems. Not only does Debra tell you an enlightening and touching story here, she also gives you the perspective into the military veterans, and how one is coping. It is a truly eye opening five star read. I found it very enjoyable and think everyone should read it! I could not put it down; I just had to know what was going to happen every step of the way! Debra truly made this work!



View all my reviews