Righting a Wrong (Book 3) is HERE!! Yay!

This video is the PERFECT lead-in to the purpose behind The Ripple Effect series . . .


I’ve always been fascinated by the Ripple Effect phenomenon and how a person’s actions, no matter how big or small, can have a rippling effect on others, in both good ways and bad. Say I’m driving down a high-trafficked road and choose to let someone cut in front of me (rather than speed up and eliminate the gap). Will that make the other person more likely to be kind to someone else? I think so. And if that someone else passes on that kindness even further, then without even realizing it, my one small act of kindness could ripple outward in a really positive way.

Conversely, choosing to speed up and not let someone in might make him/her angry or sad or add to an already bad day. Who wants to be responsible for that? Not me.

Years ago, while a student in college, I was having a rotten day. I don’t remember why, or what caused it. I just remember feeling down and cranky and lousy. I’m sure you can imagine what my expression might have looked like. Well, in I walked to a large auditorium class, and as I made my way down the crowded aisle, searching for a seat, an elderly man was on his way out. A wide smile lit his face when he approached me, and his hand grasped my arm.

“You look like such a wonderful person,” he said to me. “I hope you have a great day.” Then he continued on his way.

And that was it. I teared up on the spot, feeling so unworthy of the compliment. But wow, what a difference those few words of kindness made to me—a stranger. I’m sure he had no idea the powerful lesson he taught me that day or the fact that I still remember it 15 years later. I left that auditorium a happier person, a better person. I smiled at people passing by and said hello. I held the door open for another student whose arms were full, and I got a “thanks” in return. Sometimes I wonder if people realize how big of a difference those little things can make and how much better this world would be if more people made them.

And that is how The Ripple Effect Romances came about. I thought it would be really cool to do a series about everyday people making decisions (big or small) that, in one way or another, impacted the lives of friends, family members, or total strangers. The main character’s actions in book 1 would have a positive impact on the lives of a character in book 2, and so on down the line. Fun, right?

I hope you all enjoy reading these stories as much as we enjoyed writing them. And may all of your words and actions ripple outward in a positive, beautiful way.

On an even happier note, my book is officially out! Yay!!!

Available at

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Kobo

Book 2 in the Ripple Effect Series is HERE!!!

So excited to announce Silver Linings by Kaylee Baldwin!

I was lucky enough to read an earlier draft of this book--even before I'd finished writing Righting a Wrong. The story sucked me in from the get-go, and I couldn't put it down until I'd finished. The characters, the fun plot, the message--it was all so beautifully written. I laughed, I cried, and I sighed. But mostly, I smiled. I loved this book, and I couldn't have asked for a better prequel to Jace's story.  Thank you, Kaylee!!!

I hope you love it as much as I did!

Description: Drew Westfall wants nothing more than to forget what he had to do in the name of "smart" business. Cutting off all ties with his parents—including handing over the entire contents of his trust fund to a charity—he takes off for Bridger, Colorado where his best friend has an extra room for him. It doesn't take long for him to realize that his business degree won’t do him much good in a town as small as Bridger, but he's broke and has nowhere else to go.

Eden Torresi has every reason to wallow. Not only did she have to sell her house to pay for her mother’s medical expenses, but she had to drop out of school and is in a relationship with a guy unwilling to commit. But Eden isn't the wallowing type. Instead, she spends most of her time taking care of the seniors at Silver Linings Assisted Living. When she learns that her boyfriend's new roommate is down on his luck, she reaches out to offer what help she can. But the more time they spend together, the more complicated things get, especially when the seniors of Silver Linings decide to play matchmaker.

You can find this book at:

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

Kobo

The Ripple Effect Series has BEGUN!!!!

This is such an exciting day for all of us who have been involved with this series. Last summer, Kaylee Baldwin, Karey White, and I decided to team up for a collaborative project. After batting around a few ideas, we came up with one we were all excited about and called it The Ripple Effect series. And as soon as we got Julie N. Ford, Donna K. Weaver, and Jennifer Griffith to join us, we knew it would be a great series.

Here's the concept: At some point during book 1, the main character does something that will, in some way, affect the life of the main character in book 2, and so on down the line. Although all the books are separate from each other and each story can stand alone, they are best read in order. Home Matters is now available, 

The Ripple Effect Romance Series 

"Like a pebble tossed into calm water, a simple act can ripple outward and have a far-reaching effect on those we meet, perhaps setting a life on a different course—one filled with excitement, adventure, and sometimes even love."

Book 1: Home Matters by Julie N. Ford

(release date: today!!!)

Book 2: Silver Linings by Kaylee Baldwin 

(coming March 24)

Book 3: Righting A Wrong by Rachael Anderson 

(coming April 7)

Book 4: Lost and Found by Karey White 

(coming April 21)

Book 5: Second Chances 101 by Donna K. Weaver 

(coming May 5)

Book 6: Immersed by Jennifer Griffith 

(coming May 19)

And now, introducing Home Matters, by Julie N. Ford:
We knew we scored big when Julie agreed to be part of this project. I'm a huge fan of her writing, and this book ranks right up there with Countdown to Love for me. It's fun, sassy, romantic, and wonderful. The perfect curl-up-with-a-handful-of-chocolate-covered-almonds type read. 

You can find this book on

Amazon, Barnes and Noble, or Kobo

Home Matters (A Ripple Effect Romance Novella, Book 1)
by Julie N. Ford

Description:
According to her mother, Olivia Pembroke was born to be a star. But how is she supposed to be famous when she can't even get a decent acting gig? Her lucky break comes when she lands an audition for a wildly popular home improvement show. Even though she has no design training and has never held a power tool, she refuses to let that stop her. She's confident that her destiny is finally within reach. 

When her affections are torn between her heartthrob co-host and the irritating, yet somehow endearing lead contractor, does she continue to reach for the stars? Or does she design a new happily ever after? One that leads not to the fading lights of fame and fortune, but to a love that will burn forever.

Cover Reveal for Prejudice Meets Pride!

So excited to finally announce this!

Coming April 28, 2014 . . . 

After years of pinching pennies and struggling to get through art school, Emma Makie’s hard work finally pays off with the offer of a dream job. But when tragedy strikes, she has no choice but to make a cross-country move to Colorado Springs to take temporary custody of her two nieces. She has no money, no job prospects, and no idea how to be a mother to two little girls, but she isn’t about to let that stop her. Nor is she about to accept the help of Kevin Grantham, her handsome new neighbor, who seems to think she’s incapable of doing anything on her own. 

Fun, compelling, and romantic, Prejudice Meets Pride is the story of a guy who thinks he has it all figured out and a girl who isn't afraid to show him that he doesn't. It’s about learning what it means to trust, figuring out how to give and to take, and realizing that not everyone gets to pick the person they fall in love with. Sometimes, love picks them.

There's a giveaway associated with this reveal, so hop on over to I Am A Reader to enter!

We Made the USA Today List!!!!! Happy, Happy Days!

A year and a half ago, I took the plunge off the traditional publishing cliff and dove head-first into the uncharted waters of self-publishing (at least uncharted for me). If you know me at all, you know I don't do deep water very well (I experience a shortness of breath anytime my husband even mentions the words "scuba-diving"), and I'm not what you'd call a risk-taker. But I became disillusioned with traditional publishing and didn't want to give away the rights to any more of my books. So it was either close my eyes and make the jump or stop writing and find something else. 

So I jumped.

And I'm so happy I did. Because check this out . . . 

Typically, I hate coming across like a braggart, but today I couldn't help it. We worked really hard for this, and I'm too excited to keep it in. You have to look close, but that's my name on the USA Today best-selling list, and I get to share that spot with six wonderful authors (who also happen to be wonderful people). Thanks for all your hard work and planning, Heather B. Moore, and Amy Harmon, Heather Horrocks, Karey White, and Diane Darcy, thanks for coming along for the ride. It's been an exhausting one, but fun and exciting too. 

Clean (sweet) romance books don't hit the best-selling lists often (which is a very sad thing), but we've just proved it can be done (which is a very good thing). Here's hoping for even more good things to come!  

A hundred, million, bazillion thanks to all of you

who supported our efforts and purchased a copy of this set.

 Thank you, thank you, thank you!

**If you'd like to read about our journey, Heather B. Moore has written a detailed post about it HERE

Finding Romance this Valentine's Day!

To celebrate Valentine's Day a group of us writers have put together an amazing $.99 sale of clean romance books. Feel free to scroll through the list and check them out. They're all fabulous!

I hope you find some time to relax, put your feet up, snack on your favorite treat, and enjoy a fun, romantic read this Valentine's Day! (Prices effective now until Feb 14)

This Very Moment by Rachel Ann Nunes
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Bill Dubrey is a sought-after plastic surgeon for LA’s prestigious and wealthy, and an equally sought-after bachelor. On the surface it appears he has it all—money, respect, and fame. Yet behind his aloof exterior lurks a tragic past that prevents him from finding lasting happiness.

All that changes on the day Kylee Stewart reenters his life. She alone knows Bill’s secret agony, and she is determined to help him face his past. During the years they’ve been apart, Kylee’s own life has been far from easy, but unlike Bill, she has turned to God in her need, finding a faith to which she desperately clings.
The tentative friendship they begin has Bill rethinking his stark future, yet he keeps his heart in check—afraid to commit, afraid to lose again. During Kylee’s darkest moment, when she needs him most, will he be there for her?

Tomorrow and Always by Rachel Ann Nunes

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Anyone would think that Karissa and Malcolm have the perfect life. Young and successful, they've built their dream home on beautiful Kodiak Island in Alaska. But behind closed doors it's a much different story. Unable to have children and inactive in their religion, Karissa and Malcolm's marriage is beginning to fall apart. 

When Jesse and Brionney Hergarter move to Kodiak, Karissa senses a kindred spirit. With Brionney's friendship and support, Karissa feels a growing desire to return to activity at church. But this means confessing the one sin that has haunted her for years—the one sin that could drive Malcolm away forever.

A Portrait for Toni by Annette Lyon
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Toni has no idea what she’d do without her best friend, Carter. Who else would she be able to vent to about her parents, her job at the dance studio, or her latest relationship woes? When Toni’s father lands in the hospital, Carter, as always, is there for her.

That is, until he starts questioning Toni, saying he thinks she has an eating disorder. Then she starts dating Clint, the hot new guy at the studio, and somehow that puts a deeper wedge between her and Carter. When she’s hospitalized after an on-stage collapse, and Carter stupidly starts in with advice about food and weight, she sends him away—then instantly regrets it.

One night after a performance, Toni tries to mend the hurt between them. Instead of finding Carter, she stumbles onto proof that he has feelings for her that go way beyond those of a friend. Toni is left with the very real prospect of losing Carter forever, unless somehow she can return his feelings—but that’s impossible. Isn’t it?

A New Dance by Lucy McConnell

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For most people, letting go of a "what if" can be difficult - for Kiley Roberts it's almost impossible. As her final semester of college begins, a past relationship prevents her from fully opening her heart to Brandon, her almost fiance. When TJ unexpectedly drops back into her life as an assigned dance partner, Kiley's sure that it's a sign. Only she's not sure if it means she should put their past behind her or try for a future with the man with the broken heart.

Spy Noon by Jordan McCollum
Amazon, Kobo, Barnes & Noble and JordanMcCollum.com!

Canada's the last place you'd expect to find an American spy, but CIA operative Talia Reynolds has problems piling up higher than a Canadian snowbank. When Elliott Monteith, her ridiculously handsome new coworker, shows up, Talia decides it's game on. She'll be the first to track down a dangerous counter-spy, and she'll give Elliott an unforgettable souvenir of his time in Ottawa: some humble pie.
Her plans don't work as well as she expects, though. Elliott's over-the-top flirting dredges up too many painful memories for Talia and undermines the confidence she's worked hard to regain. To do her job and keep her integrity intact, she'll have to keep her personal feelings at bay. Now Talia must find a way to work alongside Elliott—and maybe even trust him—to outsmart the enemy

Snowed Inn by Heather Horrocks
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Mystery buff Vicki Butler plans to kill someone this weekend. Nothing personal, just business.

The killer grand opening weekend at her new Who-Dun-Him Inn is all fun and games---until an unplanned dead body makes an appearance.
With a murderer running loose, young widowed mom Vicki is forced to keep her family, guests, and actors safe while searching for clues. Her author guests, also the prime suspects, try their hand at solving this real-life whodunit, in the process hindering the investigation by local law enforcement officers. Things really go downhill when her twin Liz shows up, trailed by flamboyant Grandma Ross, who announces she’s seeking a boy toy among the suspects. When both a local younger man and an out-of-town newshound start sniffing around the inn---and her---Vicki realizes she's got more than just a murderer to worry about. Can she solve the mystery before the killer strikes again? Or will this case of opening-night jitters prove to be terminal?

Bah, Humbug! by Heather Horrocks
Click here for a free copy

Lexi Anderson is an up-and-coming, Martha Stewart-type TV hostess whose two kids love the Jared Strong adventure novels, which happen to be written by their new neighbor, Kyle Miller. For the first time in his writing career, Kyle has writer’s block--until he sees the snowman on his lawn and realizes it’s the perfect solution to his plot problem. He digs in and discovers two things: one, his villain’s weapon will fit inside a snowman's body, and two, this particular snowman was supposed to be the backdrop for Lexi’s next show. From this improbable beginning comes friendship, but can there be a happy ending for a woman who is afraid to get close again and a man who has shadows from his childhood? Families join together and hearts are healed as this couple goes walking in a winter wonderland.

Confessions of a 16-Year-Old Virgin Lips by Cindy M. Hogan

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VL. Virgin Lips. You may not have heard of it, but where I live, it's a thing with a card, even if it is a figurative card. I was Brooklyn Hamlin, certified virgin lips, and I planned on clinging to that figurative card with all I had--while dating as many of the hottest guys at school as I could.

Maybe that's a bit strange. I mean, what teenage girl isn't interested in kissing? Locking lips definitely interested me, but the drama that came with it didn't. No kissing, no drama. Simple.

But on my sixteenth birthday, on my first real date even, the drama found me. His name was Luke Graham--cute, funny, and bad news for the whole female race.

The Princess Problem by Diane Darcy
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In real life, she's given up on the fairy tale ending...

After having her heart broken twice, Alicia Dayne has sworn off men, decided to concentrate on her career, and is delighted to win a lucrative contract to make a commercial for Highborn Mattresses.

She could make the most awesome fairy tale commercial ever--except for Jonas Highborn, who isn't exactly thrilled with her Princess and the Pea ideas, and really doesn't want a prince in tights representing his company.

Though he's trying to keep his grieving mother happy by letting her have charge of the commercial shoot, and though Alicia's trying to keep in mind that this annoying guy is her boss for the moment, they can't seem to keep from clashing.

Throw in an overly-handsome prince, a matchmaking mama, and a stunning rose garden, and maybe, just maybe, Alicia can be convinced they have a chance at something real.Because while she might not be a real princess, sometimes an ordinary girl's got to take a chance, even when it seems too good to be true. When did Happily Ever After become so complicated?

Steal His Heart by Diane Darcy
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What if keeping your job depended on keeping a secret? 

Daisy Manning has been testing security by shoplifting in Worthingtons Department store for five months. Not once in that entire time has she been caught by security personnel. Until today.

Kent Whitaker is disgusted by the beautiful thief he’s caught red-handed, and even more disgusted by his attraction to her. While he won’t allow himself to become romantically involved with a thief, he can certainly help out a friend by curing his daughter of bad habits. 

They both fight their growing attraction, Kent because dishonesty is the one trait he cannot tolerate, and Daisy because Kent is directly interfering with her long-range career goals. But when an unskilled matchmaker tries his hand at getting them together, the unexpected happens to them both as Kent gets distracted and Daisy steals his heart! 

Gifts and Consequences by Daniel Coleman

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Jonathan decides to honor the wish of his dying wife – that he give away his fortune – but his methods are dangerously unconventional. He takes extreme measures to witness human struggle and watch the discovery of hidden strength. But when Jonathan goes too far, he faces consequences of his own.

The Colony by Cami Checketts
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To protect her sons from the mistakes of her past, Brinlee Trapper escapes to a secluded mountain home. But there are dangers lurking in the mountains she has never encountered. The little family is saved from injury by Jed, a mysterious hunter. Brinlee is drawn to him, but she worries about his involvement with a peaceful commune hidden deep in the mountains behind her property.

Lance, Brinlee's attentive neighbor, has his own troubled history. Between his obvious attraction to Brinlee and his developing love for her children, Brinlee finds it more than difficult to guard her heart against this tender intrusion.

While Jed offers a life of excitement and freedom, Lance holds the key to the family Brinlee always wanted. When it comes time to choose, she learns that both men have secrets that could shatter her fledgling trust in men and the wrong decision could leave more than her heart exposed to danger.

Blog This by Cami Checketts
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Will protecting children throughout the world cost Natasha her own family?

Devastated by the loss of her brother, Natasha Senecot works to expose the dangers of Matthew Chrysler's violent video games, succeeding in bankrupting and humiliating him.

Chrysler retaliates and sends a hit man after her. Natasha is forced to fake her own death to protect her children, but after witnessing another tragedy, Natasha won't hide any longer.

In a race against time, can Natasha expose Matthew Chrysler before his assassin murders her family and shatters her world?

All Fall Down by Julie Coulter Bellon
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Ring around the rosy, a pocket full of posies, ashes, ashes we all fall down . . .

That simple rhyme turns negotiator Claire Michaels’ current hostage situation into an international incident. Claire just wants to help get everyone out safely, but as the crisis escalates she realizes she’s dealing with an al-Qaeda operative who has the means to become another bin Laden---with the potential to attack America. Claire has her own personal reasons for wanting to stop al-Qaeda, but time is slipping away as negotiations break down. Can she overcome her scars of the past in order to get the hostage out alive and possibly stop an assault on U.S. national security? 

Navy SEAL Rafe Kelly is on leave to recover from a knee injury he suffered during his tour in Afghanistan and he doesn’t expect to be fighting terrorists on his home turf. But when he is taken hostage and his brother is kidnapped, Rafe teams up with a hostage negotiator in order to stay alive and get his brother back. The terrorist is always one step ahead of them, however, and the situation quickly turns from desperate to deadly. Will Rafe be able to save himself and his country without anyone he loves getting caught in the crossfire?

The Reluctant Bachelorette by Rachael Anderson
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Luke Carney has no idea what possessed him to move back to Shelter Springs, Colorado, to set up his veterinarian practice. His parents had long since left, the small farming community is on the brink of extinction, and only one close friend from his childhood remains--Taycee Emerson, his best friend's little sister, who isn't so little anymore. Then there's the matter of Shelter's Bachelorette, an online reality dating show created to raise some much needed funds for the town. 

Unknowingly cast as the bachelorette for her town's charity event, Taycee Emerson wants out. Especially when she discovers her old teenage crush, Luke Carney, is one of the bachelors and it's up to the viewers--not her--to decide which bachelors stay or go. Coerced into participating, Taycee does what any self-preserving girl would do. She launches a subtle attack on Luke's good name with the hope of getting him voted off the show. Unfortunately, Luke's an eye-for-an-eye kind of guy, and when he discovers what she's up to, it means revenge.

Fair Catch by Cindy Roland Anderson
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Ellie Garrett never planned on being a divorced, single mother—she also never planned to get married again. Ever. Her ordinary life changes when the house across the street is sold. The new owner is Nick Coulter—quarterback and MVP for the Sacramento Defenders. Oh yeah, he’s also one of People magazine’s top 100 most beautiful people and America’s most eligible bachelor. So why would she pick him to have her first crush on since her divorce? 

Recently retired from the NFL, Nick is more than ready to find a wife and start a family. He's tired of his high-profile lifestyle and moves to Pleasant Wood, Colorado, hoping to finally settle down and focus on his foundation Kids Come First. It would just feel nice to be a normal guy. Of course being rebuffed by Ellie the first few times he meets her makes him feel a little too normal. 

As Nick and Ellie become acquainted, their mutual attraction is hard to ignore. But Ellie’s been hurt before by her womanizing ex-husband. She’s not sure that Nick has left behind his playboy reputation. Can she risk falling in love with the celebrity football player or will she miss her chance at scoring big in the game of love?

Romance Through the Ages (7 Book Romance Boxed Set)
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**7 Romance Novels, 7 Bestselling Authors, 1 Amazing Price! For a limited time only!**

RUNNING BAREFOOT by NY Times and USA Today bestselling author Amy Harmon! (With over 260 4 and 5 star reviews) 

MASQUERADE by Janette Rallison, who has sold more than 1 million books! 

THE RELUCTANT BACHELORETTE by Rachael Anderson,, Amazon Bestseller! (with over 230 4 and 5 star reviews on Amazon)

PRIDE AND PRECIPITATION by Heather Horrocks, Amazon Bestseller!  (with over 80 4 and 5 star reviews on Amazon)

MY OWN MR. DARCY by Karey White, Amazon Bestseller! (with over 120 4 and 5 star reviews on Amazon)

SHE OWNS THE KNIGHT by Diane Darcy, Amazon Bestseller! (with over 50 4 and 5 star reviews on Amazon)

HEART OF THE OCEAN by Heather B. Moore, Amazon Bestseller!

Romance is in the Air Blog Hop!

A huge thanks to I Am a Reader, Not a Writer for hosting this hop!

Up for grabs is a $10 Amazon gift card!

a Rafflecopter giveaway