Blog Stop: The Reluctant First Lady
New Women’s Fiction That’s Stirring Up a National Debate
by Venita Ellick
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About the Author:
Venita Ellick was
fated to be a writer. She was named for a character in a book her mother was reading at the time of the birth. As a young girl, she spent so much time in libraries that librarians would save books for her almost daily visits. She began writing stories in the first grade, which her motherpatiently read. The intervention of a career as an educator and raising three sons delayed her focus on writing, but she has now completed three novels. The Reluctant First Lady is her fourth.Mistress of Mellyn by Victoria Holt and Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen captivated her as a teenager. The power and imagery of the printed word made her wonder what each heroine was thinking and feeling. She wanted to be the woman with the cape and hood standing on the edge of the cliff with the wind whipping around her. The mysteries that could be found in stories fascinated her and are echoed in The Reluctant First Lady. Ellick draws on her experiences as a wife, mother, teacher, and principal to Venita and her husband David have experience as a two-career couple. They live
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The Reluctant First Lady asks –
Summary:
Ashley Taylor has been straightforward with her husband, the president-elect of the United States. She supported his candidacy, but she has no intention of assuming the traditional role of First Lady—a position she describes as “First Hostess.” Instead, she will resume her own career as head of one of the largest art museums in New York. The aftermath of her decision triggers reactions from the public, news commentators, late night comedians, and other political factions. While Ashley and Michael wrestle with saving their marriage and preserving their professional lives, the country debates whether the role of First Lady is a necessity, how the media influences the lives of public figures, and how much a woman should sacrifice for the person she loves.
Excerpt:
Applause and pandemonium broke out on the other side of the curtain, indicating Michael had reached the end of his speech.A stage manager nodded and, with Ashley and the twins leading the way, followed by the vice president- elect, his wife, and family, she stepped onto the stage and into the bright lights. The noise from the crowd grew in intensity as each of them came into view. They all walked forward to stand beside Michael, Ashley and the twins to his left; Robert Hughes, Catherine, and their children to his right.
The chaos and elation vibrating through the crowd was intoxicating. Cheers from a wildly exuberant audience and music blocked out what individuals were saying, but the camaraderie of those on the stage was evidenced by their smiles, hugs, and claps on the back. Before the world, she and Michael looked like the perfect couple. Michael pulled his family, plus Richard and his family, toward him while photographers snapped pictures of this historic event.
Amid the excitement, it almost went unnoticed that a reporter shouted a question at Ashley. She ignored him, hoping he would go away.
The reporter repeated his question. “Mrs. Taylor, what causes do you intend to champion during the next four years in the White House?”
Ashley winced inwardly, but no outward expression marred her serene expression. She had a choice. She could tell the truth or continue to go along with the lie. Damn it. She’d been dodging questions like this for months about what special causes she intended to champion if her husband were elected. In fact, she’d become a master of evasion, not something she was proud of. Unquestionably the smartest thing to do would be to give the same canned response she’d been giving throughout the campaign. It would be a lie, all of it. But then she wouldn’t be accused of rocking the boat, a boat, she might add, that she knew was taking on a lot of water.
She was tired of being evasive. She was sick to death of lying by omission. Michael’s managers had convinced her that he wouldn’t be elected if she declared her intentions. But, Michael had been elected. Was it possible that she was making more of this than necessary?
She leaned toward the reporter and his microphone and began speaking in a quiet, clear voice.
“First, I’d like to thank everyone here and at home for their incredible support throughout the campaign. I’m extremely proud of Michael and have always believed he’d be a great leader and a great president. The American people have chosen wisely and well this day. As for me, with the election over, I’ll be returning to my job as director of the Cameron Museum of Art in New York. It’s never been my intention to serve as the First Lady. Over half of the families in our country are two-career families. Our family isn’t any different. In fact . . .”
Ashley felt Michael’s hand on her elbow. “Ashley, just smile and wave. We’re getting off of the stage now.”
Links to Venita Ellick Author:
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Cover Reveals: Lancaster House and The Middle Aisle
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Mashup Blog Hop!
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Audiomachine Epic Heroes Event Entry: Dove
Dove is my entry for Audiomachine’s Epic Heroes Event. The contest: to create an original Superhero geared toward young adults, inspired by the Audiomachine track “Fortress of Solitude” from their new album “Phenomena.”
It’s difficult (at least for me) to write a story in 1200 words. I enjoyed exploring Dove, my Superhero, and hope to write a novella or novel featuring her in the future.
Cover Reveal: Losing Control/Taking Control by Jen Frederick
Blurb
I’d do anything to keep my mother alive.
Anything, including ask Ian Kerr for help. I don’t know much about him, except that he has more money than some small countries. And he’s willing to spend it on me. Just one catch: there’s a string attached attached, and not just the one I feel pulling me into his arms and his bed. There’s also the plan for revenge he wants my help with.
Every time he says my name, it makes my body shiver and my heart stutter. I know he’s going to wreck me, know there won’t be anything left of me but lust and sensation by the time he’s done with me, but even though I can see the heartbreak coming towards me like a train, ready to crash into me, I can’t get out of the way. I want what he makes me feel. Want what he’s offering.
This may have started out as something to save my mother, but now…now it’s about what he makes me feel. I’m in danger of losing everything that’s important. Worse? Ian’s whispered words and hot caresses are making me believe that’s okay.
Goodreads Link: http://bit.ly/1jSkLs3
SCHEDULED RELEASED: June 16th
Cover Reveal: Taking Control (bk 2) Kerr Chronicles
Blurb
A slip of a woman holds me in her hands. Every dream I had of revenge, the very juice that powered my engine from age fifteen to now, is swirling down the drain at our feet. I can deny her nothing. The only thing I fear is her flight. That she will wake up from her emotional fog and realize that I am a manipulative son of a bitch who is more trouble than he’s worth.
That I’ve bought my way into her heart and life.
That I’ll lie, steal, cheat, and kill anything that would take her from me.
If the very heart of you is threatened the only rational response is to strike back harder until your enemies quake at the very whisper of your name.
Goodreads: http://bit.ly/1skUQtG
SCHEDULED RELEASED: September 16th
Author Information
Jen Frederick
About the Author:
Jen Frederick lives with her husband, child, and one rambunctious dog. She’s been reading stories all her life but never imagined writing one of her own. Jen loves to hear from readers so drop her a line at jensfrederick@gmail.com.
Website: https://twitter.com/jensfred
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJenFrederick
Twitter: https://twitter.com/jensfred
Goodreads: http://tinyurl.com/p3ptasx
Bookblitz & Giveaway: What to Read After FSoG
Book Title:What to Read after FSOG – The Gemstone Collection, Part One
Authors: Summer Daniels, CJ Roberts, Kristine Cayne, Joya Ryan, Liz Crowe, Elaine Raco Chase, Arianne Richmonde
Release Date: May 12, 2014
Hosted by: Book Enthusiast Promotions
What to Read After FSoG (#WTRAFSOG) began as a Facebook page created by Summer Daniels dedicated to helping book lovers discover great reads after FSoG. Over time, the page grew in popularity and spawned a website that listed the top 50 books and authors recommended and purchased by book lovers the world over.
This collection features 7 incredible books from the top of the WTRAFSOG chart. Each book is unique and has a theme of its own, from sweet to sinister, and everywhere in between.
Captive in the Dark by CJ Roberts—This New York Times Bestseller is the story of a young woman kidnapped and held hostage by a human trafficker out for revenge. Gritty, violent, and not for the faint of heart. 18+
Shades of Pearl by Arianne Richmonde— USA TODAY Bestselling novel. Just when Pearl has given up on love, sexy French billionaire Alexandre sweeps her off her feet with passion and intrigue. The catch? He’s fifteen years younger than she is. Ride this rollercoaster of sex, lies, heartache and love.
Double Occupancy by Elaine Raco Chase— Meet Casey Reynolds – she’s not thin, petite, clueless, virginal or submissive – but she is a burned out Pulitzer-Prize winning reporter who ends up reluctantly sharing a borrowed villa with a handsome stranger. Provocative, explicit but so much fun!
Floor Time by Liz Crowe— Jack and Sara bring the SEXY to real estate. Two successful, independent and complex adults with plenty of baggage have a single clichéd hookup that changes their worlds forever. Expect to get hooked on this compelling couple and their series.
Deadly Obsession by Kristine Cayne— When movie-star Nic Lamoureux meets photographer Lauren James, the attraction is instant–and mutual, but his stalker makes it deadly clear Lauren is the competition. And the competition must be eliminated.
Break Me Slowly by Joya Ryan— Adam Kinkade is a man used to getting what he wants. And he wants Katelyn—naked and often. Willing to stop at nothing to possess her, he relentlessly pursues Kate only to discover that it is she who possesses him—completely.
Summer’s Journey, Vol. 1-4 by Summer Daniels— Join Summer on her journey of sexual self-discovery; a well written, intelligent and sexy series about the beginning of her sensual, sultry love affair with life, and all the joys of being a woman.
Kristine Cayne: Award-winning author Kristine Cayne is fascinated by the mysteries of human psychology—twisted secrets, deep-seated beliefs, out-of-control desires. Add in high-stakes scenarios and real-world villains, and you have a story worth writing, and reading. To learn more about Kristine and her stories, visit her on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/KristineCayneAuthor
Liz Crowe: Amazon best-selling author, beer marketing expert, mom of three, and soccer fan, Liz has decades of experience in sales and fund raising, plus an eight-year stint as a three-continent, ex-pat trailing spouse. While working as a successful Realtor, Liz made the leap into writing and 20 novels later she is trying her hand at thrillers and mysteries. Join the fun:http://www.facebook.com/lizcroweauthor
Elaine Raco Chase: Amazon bestselling author, Elaine Raco Chase came from writing, producing & directing for TV & radio. She writes sexy romantic comedies as well as mystery/thriller fiction. Her non-fiction book “How to write the Amateur Detective Novel” is in the FBI Forensic Library at Quantico. Check out: https://www.facebook.com/elaineracochase
CJ Roberts: New York Times & USA Today Bestselling Author, CJ Roberts is a self-deprecating narcissist best known for her gritty dark erotica trilogy, The Dark Duet Series. It’s the story of Caleb, a human trafficker out for revenge, and Olivia, the young woman he must destroy to achieve his aims.https://www.facebook.com/AuthorCJRoberts
Summer Daniels: Summer Daniels is the webmistress of WTRAFSOG, a unbelievably active reader recommendation / author promotion community. She also has penned the first few volumes of a True Romance / Erotica series called Summer’s Journey which tracks her sexual awakening after a long, boring marriage.
https://www.facebook.com/WhatToReadAfter50ShadesOfGrey
Arianne Richmonde: is the USA Today bestselling author of The Pearl Series and suspense novel Stolen Grace. She lives with her husband and coterie of animals in France. Join her on Facebook–she loves to hear from readers:https://www.facebook.com/AuthorArianneRichmonde
Joya Ryan: I am a mother and a wife and also have terrible dance moves…but I unleash them upon the general public often. If you want to know more about me or the books I write, come check out my site! http://joyaryan.com/
Blog Stop & Review: In Velvet by Burt Weissbourd
Today I’m reviewing In Velvet, Burt Weissbourd’s second novel. You can read my review here. If you’d like a chance to win a copy of In Velvet, please click on the Goodreads link. The author has a giveaway going on for the month of May.
Blurb:
The northwest corner of Yellowstone Park is closed for bear management, and Rachel, a bear biologist, is discovering some very startling animal behavior—grizzlies denning in June, swans at their wintering grounds in summer, what appear to be Irish Elk, an extinct species, with huge palmated antlers. There are also horrific mutations in the young—elk calves with no front legs, earless bear cubs, and eaglets without wings. What has gone wrong? Why is this area closed? Who’s covering up these animal abnormalities in the Park?
A non-stop thriller set in some of North America’s wildest country, In Velvet takes you deep into the hearts of a hard case local detective and a Chicago cop as they take on a corrupt sheriff, a pathalogical poacher, and a lethal black ops manager to solve this ghastly mystery and restore the natural order in Yellowstone National Park.
Author Links:
Burt Weissbourd is a novelist, screenwriter and producer of feature films. He was born in 1949 and graduated cum laude from Yale University, with honors in psychology. During his student years, he volunteered at the Museum of Modern Art in Paris and taught English to college students in Thailand. After he graduated, he wrote, directed, and produced educational films for Gilbert Altschul Productions. He began a finance program at the Northwestern University Graduate School of Business, but left to start his own film production company in Los Angeles. He managed that company from 1977 until 1986, producing films including “Ghost Story” starring Fred Astaire, Melvyn Douglas, John Houseman, Douglas Fairbanks Jr., and Patricia Neal, and “Raggedy Man” starring Sissy Spacek and Sam Shepard, which The New York Times called “a movie of sweet, low-keyed charm.” In 1987, he founded an investment business, which he still runs. INSIDE PASSAGE is the first in the Corey Logan trilogy.
Bookblast & Giveaway: I’m With You by Taylor Dean
I’m With You by Taylor Dean
Can three little words irrevocably change your life?
When the doctors inform Chloe Brennan that her pregnancy is “incompatible with life,” her subsequent choices will change her path forever.
She becomes one of the quiet, unsung heroes of this world, incredibly strong, yet somehow wrongly looked upon as damaged.
Three people will pierce Chloe’s existence: her husband, a stranger, and a precious baby.
One will say goodbye, one will say hello, and one will say both at the same time.
I’m With You is a novel about selfless love and the sacredness of life.
Please note: While this book is a romance novel, it also deals with the sensitive issue of baby loss grief.
The emotions are real, and sometimes dark.
If you are sensitive to this issue, this may not be the book for you.
It’s amazing how these tragic moments in our lives shape our futures, and this wonderful grandson of Ms. Dean’s gave her the strength, courage and words to let others know about grief as well as Trisomy 18. ~Katherine (Book Reviewer)
Amazon
Jack turned and looked at her, his eyes wet with tears. “I’m sorry you had to go through it alone.”
“If I could have, maybe I would’ve left too. I didn’t have that option. I don’t blame Mark, I really don’t. Who wouldn’t want to escape? It was a horrific experience.”
“I don’t think it was,” Jack stated quietly.
Startled by his words, Chloe said, “Excuse me?”
“I don’t believe you.”
Chloe felt surprised by his perceptiveness. Her breath caught in her throat as she said, “You’re right. Losing him was horrific. But the experience was one of the most precious times of my life. I’ve never felt so full of love for another individual. It consumed me. I loved him with an intensity I’ve never felt before. He’s the greatest blessing I’ve ever received in my life and I don’t regret a single moment. Maybe I never actually heard him speak, but he said more to me in his short life than anyone has ever said to me in my lifetime. He spoke to my heart in ways that are unfathomable. He changed me and left an imprint on my life that I will never forget. He taught me the true meaning of love and what it’s like to love someone else more than yourself.”
Jack shook his head, fighting emotion. “I can see that, I can feel that. This room is a testament to that love. I can feel your overwhelming love for your child just by glancing in here. That’s how strong it is.”
“Not everyone would agree with you. Mark hates this room. It represents loss to him.”
Jack took a step closer, his eyes blazing. “It represents love, completely unselfish love that few people in this world will ever understand or experience. I’m amazed by you, Chloe.”
A word about I’m With You:
Baby loss is a difficult subject. The accompanying grief is complicated and heartbreaking.
In December of 2011, my daughter lost a baby at eight months gestation to Trisomy 18. If you don’t know what that is, I didn’t either, until it happened to us. (You will learn all about this devastating condition during the course of the book.) I’m With You is a romance novel that includes my daughter’s Trisomy 18 story. I knew I wanted to write about the experience one day, but it took me awhile to emotionally prepare myself to actually do it. It has been highly therapeutic. My daughter granted me permission to share her Trisomy 18 story with the hope that it will help others who are dealing with baby loss grief.
There is a song written for and dedicated to the families of Trisomy 18 and 13 babies. It is beautiful and deeply expresses the love parents feel for these special babies.
Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep
Author Taylor Dean
Taylor Dean lives in Texas and is the mother of four grown c hildren. Upon finding herself with an empty nest, she began to write the stories that were always wandering around in her head, quickly finding she had a passion for writing, specifically romance. Whether it’s paranormal, contemporary, or suspense-you’ll find all sub-genres of CLEAN Romance in her line-up.
Website * Twitter * Facebook * Goodreads
Blast Giveaway
$50 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 5/31/14
Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
Blog Stop & Review: Prejudice Meets Pride
Today I’m reviewing Prejudice Meets Pride by Rachael Anderson. I thoroughly enjoyed this story from beginning to end. Read my review here, and don’t forget to enter the giveaway before you go!
Prejudice Meets Pride by Rachael Anderson
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Barnes & Noble
Kobo
Excerpt
“This box is getting power, so it’s not a power issue.” Kevin was at the control box, checking it out. “Are you sure you programmed it right?”
“Yes,” Emma said crossly. Did she really not come across as someone with a brain? “I do know how to read instructions.”
A hint of a smile appeared on his face. “I’m sure you do.” He paused, as though trying to think of another reason her sprinklers weren’t working. “I’m assuming you turned on the stop and waste valve, right?”
Emma bit her lip. He’d assumed she’d done that, which meant any intelligent, logical person would understand what he was talking about. But Emma had no idea what a stop and waste valve was or why she’d need to turn it on. She’d never rented a house with a yard and didn’t know much about sprinklers. The house had water, why didn’t the yard? It didn’t make sense.
The corner of Kevin’s mouth pulled up, and he shook his head as though he couldn’t believe Emma was that clueless. He scanned the garage once more then strode forward and grabbed a rusted, metal T-shaped tool that hung between two nails. He carried it out into the front yard, squatted down, and pried off a green lid in the front corner of the grass. Then he plunged the end of the tool down, fiddled with it for a moment, and turned it slowly to the left.
Emma watched in fascination. So that was the stop and waste valve. Huh.
A spurting noise sounded, and little black tubes popped up all over the front yard, spraying a small amount of water only a foot or two in diameter. The girls squealed in delight, but Emma frowned. That wasn’t right.
“What the—” Kevin spluttered, jumping off the grass and onto the driveway. His hair and shirt were drenched, and no wonder. A tall fountain of water shot from the ground in the far corner, landing in the place where he’d just stood.
Author Rachael Anderson
A USA Today bestselling author, Rachael Anderson is the mother of four and is pretty good at breaking up fights, or at least sending guilty parties to their rooms. She can’t sing, doesn’t dance, and despises tragedies. But she recently figured out how yeast works and can now make homemade bread, which she is really good at eating.
Blog Tour Giveaway
$25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash
Ends 5/31/14
Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader, Not A Writer and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
A Measure of Grace: Part 3
One mystery is uncovered, leaving more questions in its wake. Who has been stalking Marie and why?
Part 3 of my serial dystopian A Measure of Grace is now available for your reading pleasure. The visual prompts I used are posted above.
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