Lunch Time Chat With Author Anne Barton

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Name 3 things that help you gain inspiration for writing.
1) Song lyrics—Some songs move me every time I hear them. Usually, it’s a simple phrase or image that tugs at my heart, and I love the way songwriters manage to make us feel something with just a few, carefully chosen words.

2) Movies and TV shows—Movies are a nice way to recharge after meeting a deadline, and they’re also great teachers of story structure. TV shows like Downton Abbey are inspiring too—each episode is like a lesson in story-weaving and pacing. (So fun to watch, too!)

3) Real-life heroes—Sometimes the headlines give me ideas for heroes and heroines. Today I saw a news story about a man who jumped into a raging river in order to save a teen boy. That’s something one of my heroes would do!

Do you have another title in the works?
Yes! My second book, ONCE SHE WAS TEMPTED, releases in the fall. It features Daphne, Anabelle’s sister. Everyone thought she was the sweet, innocent sister, but it turns out she has a few secrets of her own!

What is your favorite season?
Summer! Sadly, however, it’s not my hair’s favorite season. Oh well, that’s what ponytails are for. :)

Best childhood memory?
I have lots of wonderful memories, and most of them involve my siblings. Just sitting around and talking with them was always a good time (and it still is!) Maybe that’s why my first two books feature the Honeycote sisters. :)

If you were given the chance to do any one thing over again, what would you do over?
My semester of college in London! I got to study architecture, literature, theatre, and art—all while living in the city. It was a wonderful experience, and more years ago than I care to admit. ;)

What are you most looking forward to this summer?
Reading on the beach and spending time with my family. The Romance Writers of America conference (in Atlanta this year) is also a highlight of every summer.

Do you have any advice for aspiring authors?

 Join a writing group like RWA. Write a lot, and be as fearless as you can be. Don’t hold anything back!

Thanks so much for having me!

Thank you to Anne for being here with me today!  I hope you all enjoy "When She Was Wicked." My review is coming soon, but don't wait for it!  Get your copy today! 

Tidewater Inn

Libby loves history and has a talent for restoring things, so inheriting a beautiful old hotel on the Outer Banks is like a dream come true. It's also somewhat exciting to learn about the family she never knew she had while getting to know a handsome Coast Guard lieutenant she's met while on the island.  One thing's for sure, he has the potential to be the man of her dreams! However, if we stopped there we wouldn't have a romantic suspense would we?  

Soon Libby is forced to realize that she can only afford to keep up the inn by selling it to developers who are stalking the island. Her unknown father, died before she could meet him, leaving Libby with a brother and sister who are convinced she is there to steal what is rightfully theirs. However, none of these new trials compare to the kidnapping of her best friend and business partner, a scene that takes place in front of Libby and puts her under speculation and suspicion for the crime.

Libby’s dream come true quickly becomes a nightmare. She must find her friend in order to prove her innocence, or risk losing everything she has wanted on Hope Island.

Tidewater Inn started off with a bang.  Almost instantly the action begins with a kidnapping in the first chapter! The story had some very intriguing parts which include the kidnapping, life changing long-kept secrets, and the romance of Libby and Alec on the backdrop of beautiful Hope Island.  The characters are well developed.  Colleen is an amazing writer.  This story will be enjoyable to her fans and those looking to find a new author to enjoy. This novel is full of secrets, love, suspense and faith. If you love romantic books with suspenseful elements, you will enjoy this book. It's an enjoyable read.

Safe Haven - Movie tie-in Giveaway

Safe Haven will be in theaters Feb. 14, 2013!  If you're like me, you'll be there opening day.  Grab a chance to own a copy of this book or read or re-read before seeing the movie! For more information about the movie, tickets and the EVENT on Feb. 17, visit  http://bit.ly/SafeHavenEvent.  1 copy of this book is available for US residents only, no PO Boxes.  The publisher will be shipping the prize to the winner.

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Book of the Day: Condemn Me Not

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Don't you just love this cover?  Which path is right? What happens to the path not takin'? Do you walk the path alone?  So many questions!

I had the wonderful opportunity to beta read this book and let me tell you, it is wonderful!  Dianne is not one to shy away from hard hitting topics, and this book is sure to stir conversation.  It would be perfect for book groups, especially for mothers.  Read about it below and don't forget to check out the excerpt!  If you want a review copy and can post a review within 4 to 6 weeks, comment below!

About the Book:
The words no mother wants to say, and every mother yearns to hear.

 Bound by friendship, two women find themselves at common crossroads, struggling with choices both past and present, career and home. Simone Sheridan and Claire Atkins have been friends since college. Upon graduation, they took off in different directions, forging separate paths through motherhood. Neither planned to look back on the road they traveled with regret—yet that’s exactly what happens when their daughters issue opposing proclamations with regard to college.

Mariah Sheridan blows her mother’s expectations to pieces while Rebecca Atkins crushes her mother’s dreams.  Both mothers battle the news, but soon come to learn they must change course, or lose the sacred relationship between mother and daughter.

But change is not an easy task when Simone and Claire unexpectedly find themselves staring down their choices, confronted by the same question:  Where did I go wrong? This one is still about the women, their issues, but without the romance.  The debate is an old one, but continues to burn hot.  And why?  Is our sisterhood broken?  Have we taken sides, drawn lines in the sand?

Every woman has an opinion on this subject and most believe theirs is the right one.  I dare you not to find a piece of yourself in this book.  No kids?  A piece of someone you know will leap from these pages…  READ THE EXCERPT HERE: http://ow.ly/gkPcg