Rachael Renee Anderson

Friday, May 3, 2013

The Power of "At Least"

In my house, we've had some issues--well, a lot of issues--with negativity. My eldest son being one of the worst. If he missed a shot in basketball, his head would drop, his spirit follow, and his performance go downhill. If he missed a question on his test, he'd beat himself up about it. If he didn't win first place in the science fair, his project suddenly stunk. If he didn't win at a card game, he'd leave the table upset. I could go on and on, but you get the general idea.

After each one of these episodes my husband and I would pull him aside and have that talk. You know the one. Everyone makes mistakes. No one is perfect and you can't expect to be perfect. Chin up. Be positive. Be positive. BE POSITIVE!!!!

Over and over we'd tell him these things until I finally came to the realization that it wasn't getting through, possibly because our son had no idea how to actually be positive. But how could I teach him how to apply that principle and become a more positive person? I was clueless.

So after much prayer and thought, I decided to start the "At Least" game, which goes like this: Every time something negative happens to a member of our family, someone starts by giving one or two "At Leasts." At least you didn't miss the basket altogether. At least you didn't break your arm. At least you didn't fall on your face. At least your shorts didn't fall down.

The first time I tried this, I was amazed at the results. My other kids soon joined in and it suddenly became a contest in who could give the funniest response. Before long, everyone was laughing. Now, it's one of our favorite games to play when something goes awry.

The other night, I was completely exhausted after one of "those days." I couldn't wait to get the kids in bed and relax. So I forced myself through the nightly routine. We read the bedtime stories, I listened to their sweet prayers, and I kissed and hugged them goodnight. Then I crawled into my own bed and breathed a sigh of relief that I'd made it through the day.

Suddenly, my oldest son had a coughing fit and proceeded to throw up all over the bathroom floor (we'd had spaghetti or dinner that night). I wanted to simultaneously cry and shout, "Why couldn't you have done that in the toilet? Why? That's where throw up belongs, not on the floor!" But I kept my mouth shut, forced the tears away, and started cleaning up.

"Sorry, Mom," my son said.

"It's okay, it wasn't your fault." But inside, I was still thinking how much I did not want to have to clean up throw up right then and how sick I was of that lousy cough that wouldn't go away and leave my son alone.

Then, out of the blue, he said, "At least I didn't do it on the carpet."

I suddenly felt put on the spot, and all I could think was, "I'm so not in the mood for this game right now." But I couldn't say that or it would've made me a complete hypocrite and ruined all the progress we'd made. So instead, I searched for a positive--any positive--and finally came up with, "At least you got some in the toilet."

"At least I'm not coughing anymore."

That one brought me to my senses. If my sweet son could find a positive about coughing to the point of throwing up, I could find one about having to clean it up.

Then tonight--that same, sweet, formerly negative son--jumped off the trampoline and managed to break his thumb. He was in tears when he came inside, worried about his swelling finger and what would happen if it really was broken--would he have to get pins put in it like I had to go through a few years back?

I could see the fear in his eyes, but didn't know what to tell him because I didn't know. So I filled a bag with ice and took him to the nearest urgent care. While in the waiting room, with his thumb still throbbing and worry etched across his brow, he said, "At least I have an excuse for bad handwriting now."

I laughed on the outside, but inside my heart filled with joy. I know from experience how hard it is to start the "At Least" game when you're the unlucky target of bad luck--I still haven't been able to do it. But there was my son, the one who used to drop his head and kick at the floor in frustration, finding the positive within the negative all on his own. I'd never been prouder or more convinced of the power of "At Least."

Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Cover Reveal!!!

My rough draft is officially done for my next novel, Working it Out. Yay!!! It'll be out sometime in August, so I thought I'd celebrate (because it is a very happy day for me) by revealing the cover and telling you a little about it. (A HUGE thanks to Julie Bellon for helping me fine tune the blurb. She's amazing.)

So, here it is . . .

A chance encounter . . .

Grace Warren's life is safe and predictable—exactly the way she likes it. But when she gets roped into going to an auction to help out a friend, everything changes. She meets Seth Tuttle—a guy who unexpectedly kisses her then disappears, leaving her flustered and upset. If she never sees him again, it will be too soon.

A chance for love . . .

Weeks later, when Seth limps into Grace's rehab clinic post surgery, she immediately recognizes him. Unfortunately, he's every bit as frustrating and annoying as she remembered. Yet there's something about him that makes her second-guess her carefully placed boundaries even though he's everything she's sure she doesn't want in a man. But maybe Seth is exactly what Grace has needed all along—assuming she's willing to risk safe and predictable for a chance at love.

If you'd like a chance to win a $25 Amazon gift card in conjunction with this reveal, hop on over to I Am A Reader to enter.

Tuesday, April 30, 2013

The Summer Wedding Romance Anthology is Out!!!!

I love all these stories and hope you enjoy them as well!

Six Award-Winning Authors have contributed new stories to A Timeless Romance Anthology: Summer Wedding Collection. Readers will love this collection of six sweet contemporary romance novellas, centered on a Summer Wedding, all with one thing in common: Romance.

In Melanie Jacobson’s charming novella, Love Bytes, Bree is the maid-of-honor and Dallen is the best-man. Living across the country from each other, they commiserate over their prospective best friends’ unrealistic wedding demands. While they plan and plot over email and texting, Bree
realizes that the best part about the Maui wedding might be meeting Dallen. She just hopes that he’ll feel the same way.

Romeo and Julie-ex is a sweet romance by Julie Wright. “Romeo” turns out to be a two-timing jerk, and when Juliet Moore’s pre-ordered wedding dress arrives from UPS, Juliet curses everything male. In a stubborn streak, she decides to keep the bridal photography appointment—if only because the money isn’t refundable and it was the one thing that her ex-fiance actually paid for. Plus, she has the perfect wedding dress. When Juliet shows up for the appointment and meets photographer Jack Montague, she might have to take back some of her curses on men.

In Rachael Anderson’s enchanting novella, The Meltdown Match, Courtney spends each summer in her hometown of Heimel, Alaska, to find inspiration for her next novel. Her writing method has become a pattern—outline a novel in Heimel, then move to the place her novel is set to finish writing it. But when she runs into former high school friend, Mitch Winters, and they both win the Meltdown Match—a traditional dating contest—Courtney discovers that leaving her hometown at the end of the summer might not be so easy this time.

In Golden Sunrise, an engaging romance by Annette Lyon, Natalie takes time out of her crazy schedule to fly to Vegas for her best friend’s wedding. Sierra and Jason, high-school sweethearts, are finally getting married. Fortunately for Natalie, her old high-school flame, Adam, has a work commitment and can’t be there as best man. But when she arrives at the wedding rehearsal—late and ragged—Adam is there. Memories from the past—and all her old feelings—come flooding back. When Adam makes a wild suggestion, Natalie just may take him up on it, even though she knows he’s moved on. A single choice may mean Natalie is taking a shot at reclaiming the past—or that she's putting her heart in harm’s way a second time.

Tide Pools is a captivating story by Heather B. Moore. When Lexi makes a quick trip to Hawaii to attend her friend’s wedding, she discovers that the engaged couple, Sydney and Apelu, are still trying to match-make for her. Lexi laughs because not only does their friend David have a serious girlfriend, but he owns a restaurant on the island. Lexi has too many plans that don’t include a long-distance relationship or coming between a guy and his girlfriend. But when Lexi meets David, she has a hard time remembering why all of her plans were so important.

In Sarah M. Eden’s delightful novella, A Regular Bloke from Stanmore, Abby is helping her sister, Caroline, plan her British wedding. That’s right, Caroline is obsessed with all things British and insists on an authentic wedding in . . . Oregon. When they arrive at Sainsbury House reception hall, it has everything Caroline loves, and the host, Matthew Carlton, even has a British accent. Yet Abby isn’t buying the whole good-looking-British man with impeccable manners thing; she’s determined to expose him as a fake. But the more Abby gets to know Matthew, the more she realizes how wrong she really is.

Now available at Amazon and Barnes and Noble (although it may take a day or two to appear on the B&N website.

Thursday, April 25, 2013

Happy Arbor Day! Ebook Celebration

In honor of Arbor Day, the awesome Andrea Pearson has put together a really fun ebook celebration. Several writers--including me--have gotten together and discounted dozens of books, representing all genres (see a few of them below), so there's guaranteed to be something for everyone. Simply click on the image to check them all out (The Reluctant Bachelorette is among them.) Maybe there's something you might like to grab for you or someone you know while it's a great deal.

Oh, and happy Arbor Day!!!

http://andreapearsonbooks.blogspot.com/2013/04/happy-arbor-day-ebook-celebration.html

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Running Home by Cami Checketts

Running Home is now available! To celebrate the release, the first book in the series, Dead Running, is free April 16-20th. Dying to Run and Running Home are only $.99.

In Cassidy’s battle against human trafficking there are two choices: run or be captured.

Cassidy's humanitarian mission takes an ugly turn when human traffickers attack. Cassidy doesn’t know where to run—home to America, into Jesse’s arms, or any direction she can to escape the traffickers. Innocent families are being ripped apart and Cassidy must decide if she’s brave enough to stop running and join the fight.

"Cami Checketts has done it again! Running Home is fast-paced and action packed with enough romantic moments to satisfy any romance junkie. It's a wonderful third installment of the Run series and a really fun read.”
Rachael Anderson, Author of The Reluctant Bachelorette

Cassidy Christensen wants to run.
Captured by the traffickers who killed her mother, Cassidy's only hope is Dr. Tattoo, a man she loves but nobody trusts. When she finally gets a chance to run, someone else she cares about is taken. Running might be her only chance at survival, but Cassidy won't allow another family member to be killed in her place.

Cassidy Christensen is running.

Running from the mercenaries who killed her parents.

Running from a scheming redhead intent on making her life miserable.

Running from painful memories that sabotage her dreams of happiness.

With two very tempting men competing for her attention, she hopes she'll finally have someone to run to, but can she trust either of them? When secrets from her past threaten her family, Cassidy decides to stop running and fight for her future.

"Dead Running was everything I was hoping it would be, captivating, invigorating, and a page turner that I could not, would not, put down! Cami Checketts writes books that will make you think, and make you feel. She captivated me with The Sister Pact, and doesn't lose speed with her newest 'must read', Dead Running."

Sheila DeChantal, Book Reviewer - Book Journey

"Dead Running can make a claim not many mystery/thrillers can, and that is that it is also really funny. I loved everything about the book. There was murder, romance, family bonds, 5K training, humor, good guys, bad guys, and an ending that left room for a sequel."

Vicki, Book Reviewer - I'd Rather Be Reading At The Beach

Download your free copy of Dead Running here.

Cami's Website

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

Replacing Gentry Blog Tour

Tour Schedule

Replacing Gentry

When Marlie agrees to attend a cadaver ball at Vanderbilt Medical School, she did not expect to actually see any cadavers. Or, that a strange apparition would issue her a chilling message.

Despite the cadaver's warning, Marlie is married a year later to Tennessee State Senator, Daniel Cannon, and living in a plantation-style mansion with two step sons. Add to the mix her growing suspicion that something is amiss with the death of Daniel’s first wife, Gentry; and newlywed Marlie is definitely in over her pretty Yankee head.

What begins as an innocent inquiry into her new husband’s clouded past, ends with Marlie in the midst of a dangerous conspiracy.

A modern twist on the classic Gothic romance novels of Rebecca and Jane Eyre, Replacing Gentry follows Marlie’s precarious journey as she learns the truth about the man she married.

My Review

Okay, this book rocks. Seriously. The first thing I loved about it was the cover, followed by Julie Ford's brilliant writing style, followed by the story. These days, I don't get pulled into stories as easily as I used to, but this one drew me in right away. For the first time in a very long time, I found myself reading when I should have been folding laundry and staying up way too late when I should have been sleeping. I can't tell you how impressed I was with both the writing and the intriguing plot. This was my first book of Julie's and definitely not my last. I really REALLY loved this one.

Replacing Gentry will be released on April 9th

Preorder on Amazon

Author Julie N. Ford

Julie N. Ford graduated from San Diego State University with a BA in Political Science and a minor in English Literature. In addition, she has a Masters in Social Work from the University of Alabama. Professionally, she has worked in teaching and as a Marriage & Family Counselor. She is the author of two women’s fiction novels, The Woman He Married and No Holly for Christmas, published in 2011. In addition, she wrote a romance/chick-lit novel, Count Down to Love, also published in 2011. Count Down to Love was a 2011 Whitney Award finalist. Her next novel, Replacing Gentry, is due for release April 9th, 2013.

Currently, she lives in Nashville, TN with her husband, two daughters and one hedgehog.

Website * Facebook * Twitter

Tour Giveaway
$50 Barnes & Noble Gift Card
Open to US only
Ends 4/30/13

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Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Kindle Fire Giveaway!

Kindle Fire HD 7" Giveaway

The winner will have the option of receiving a 7" Kindle Fire HD (US Only)

Or $199 Amazon.com Gift Card (International)

Or $199 in Paypal Cash (International)

Sponsoring Bloggers & Authors

Giveaway Details
1 winner will receive their choice of a Kindle Fire 7" HD (US Only), $199 Amazon Gift Card or $199 in Paypal Cash (International). Ends 4/30/13

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 http://iamareader.com and sponsored by the participating authors & bloggers. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. Prize value $199 US.

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