Sleigh Bells with Sarah Morgan

December 13, 2013 · 153 comments

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sarahmorganI was first introduced to British sensation, Sarah Morgan through my former Harlequin Presents editor, Kim Young.  I’d already worked with Kim on a number of books when she began mentioning Sarah Morgan to me, and so the next time Sarah had a book out, I bought it, and I immediately saw why Kim had recommended her to me.  Sarah writes with a warmth and sweet sizzle that is very unique to her, and I was hooked.

Move forward a couple of years and Sarah is nominated in 2012 for Romance Writers of America’s Rita award for Best Short Contemporary with one of her Presents, Doukakis’s Apprentice.  In the history of the Ritas, no Presents has ever won.  Sarah’s Doukakis’s Apprentice won.  We all celebrated with her…it was such a fantastic night and win for her, and the Presents line itself.

Last year, Sarah was again nominated again for Best Short Contemp Series, and guess what?  Our amazing Sarah won the category in 2013 again.  Again!  She’s such a star and Harlequin recognized it and has huge things planned for her and I couldn’t be prouder.

And now the vivacious, magical Sarah is here with us, to talk about her incredibly exciting new single title series, launching with the romantic fizzy Christmas feel good, Sleigh Bells in the Snow.

So delighted to introduce you to my friend, the wonderful Sarah Morgan!

Sarah, tell us what your current release is about in two or three sentences.

My heroine, Kayla, is a girl who hates Christmas. It’s a really difficult time of year for her and she’ll do just about anything to avoid it so when a new client offers her the opportunity to spend a week in a log cabin in a snowy forest at his ski resort in Vermont, she thinks it will be the perfect. Things don’t turn out the way she plans!

sleighbells
Once upon a time, Christmas was Kayla Green’s favorite time of year. Now all the workaholic wants for Christmas is for it to be over—as fast as possible! So when duty calls her to snowy Vermont to close a deal with a new client, Kayla is grateful for an excuse to avoid the holidays for another year.
Jackson O’Neil left a thriving business behind to return home and salvage his family’s resort—it’s in his blood, and he can’t let it fail. Now that he’s got marketing whiz Kayla Green working with him to put Snow Crystal on the map, success is on the horizon. The fact they strike enough sparks off each other to power all the Christmas lights in Vermont is just an added bonus.
Kayla might be an expert at her job, but she’s out of her depth with Jackson—he makes her crave the happy-ever-after she once dreamed of, and it’s terrifying. As the snowflakes continue to swirl, will the woman who doesn’t believe in the magic of Christmas finally fall under its spell?

What are you working on now?

I’ve just finished my second Cosmo Red Hot Read, Burned, and I’m starting the third book in my O’Neil Brothers series for HQN. This is Tyler’s story and I’ve been so looking forward to writing this one. Tyler was a medal winning downhill skier before an injury cut short his career and he is a bit wild. I love a bad boy!

Favorite conference moment?

At RWA in Annaheim when I won the RITA for Doukakis’s Apprentice. There was so much loud shrieking from the Presents authors, who are always so supportive, I could hear them above 1400 people! We drank champagne by the pool afterwards and then I tucked my RITA up in bed.  It was a magical night and it made me realize what truly amazing friends I’ve made through writing romance.

Name five items sitting on your desk right now.

My laptop computer, a cup of tea in my favourite mug, a hand written note from a friend, a cute stuffed moose and some pine cones in a glass bowl (because I’m writing about Vermont and I need inspiration!)

Mountains or ocean?

Both! I love mountains, particularly in the winter, but I also love the sound of the sea.

Last thing you do before you turn in at night?

I read for a short time, usually in a deep bubble bath. Because me brain is always so busy with thoughts about my current book during the day, I try and empty my head of work before I go to bed by reading someone else’s story and losing myself in the world they have created.

What’s the one thing you couldn’t live without if you were stuck on a desert island?

My family! I’m fortunate, and thankful, to have such wonderful supportive people in my life.

~~

Thank you, Sarah, for joining me here and giving my readers a chance to get to know you.  I know it’s been a whirlwind few weeks with you promoting your new book, and to celebrate your release I am giving away two prizes to my readers consisting of several of Sarah’s Harlequins and her brand new Christmas release, plus a Starbucks gift card and holiday treats.  Want to win Sleigh Bells in the Snow?  Comment below and fingers crossed you’ll win!  Winners will be announced Monday, so come on back and see if you might be the lucky one.

Merry Christmas all, and don’t forget to keep entering Montana Born’s 12 Days of Marietta Christmas.  The links are in my blog from last week.

xoxox

Jane

153 Comments / Add Your Comment →

  6. Oh! What a holiday treat! I’d love to win and try my first book by Sarah! What better time than around Christmas! Thank you!

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  10. I must read this! I am not a fan of Christmas either. I’d love to hide somewhere until New Year’s Eve. Nice to meet you Sarah and congrats on the back to back wins!

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  15. I have Sleigh Bells in the Snow on my wish list and I hope to read it soon.
    I don’t celebrate Christmas but I’m reading lots of Christmas books and so far they were all good and since it’s snowing in Israel it even feel like Christmas here.

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  17. Gosh, another new author to add to my list!! I love Christmas stories and this one sounds like a real winner! Hope I’m the lucky one!
    Merry Christmas everyone!

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  27. I love holiday books and love the Presents line. Happy Holidays to Sarah and her family and you and yours Jane.

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  28. Hubby’s paternal grandmother was French-Canadian from Vermont. He’s always wanted to visit that area, so maybe someday we’ll get to go — although NOT in the snow!
    However, reading about snow in Vermont would be fun.

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  29. Jane, you’ve got so much fun going on here!! I’m finishing Allison Winn Scotch’s “theory of opposites” then I’m digging into the Tule Christmas stories!

    XOXO
    Have fun in Vegas!!

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  31. Thanks for that amazing introduction Jane and for having me on your blog! I’m so excited to be here. You’ve always been so supportive and generous to other writers and you’re such an inspiration to me, both as a writer and a woman.

    Waving to everyone and sending you all happy wishes and hugs for the holidays.
    Sarah
    xxxx

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    1. Sarah, loved your interview, especially reading about your love of family. I also love that Jane Porter is introducing you to us. It shows how selfless she is that she would promote another author, and makes her all the more endearing. I’ve been introduced to many wonderful authors this way. Merry Christmas!

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  32. Love Christmas stories! And Vermont is so pretty. Perfect setting for a Christmas story. Have to admit, I’m a Christmas story junkie right now. Reading a few novellas a day/night sitting in front of the fireplace and the Christmas tree. It’s the best way to wind down after a busy day!

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  36. I love all Christmas stories, in books and movies! Now a days we all could use more of yhe feel good spirit…thank u!

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  37. I always love discovering new authors. I am looking forward to reading Sarah’s books. I have learned to trust your opinion so I know I will really enjoy this book.

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  43. I love the interview with Sarah Morgan, especially the part where she says she could not live without her wonderful family. I feel much the same. Sleigh Bells In The Snow sounds like a delightful read for the next couple of days since the forcast is for snow, and lots of it.

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  47. Thanks for the interview and blog. Always a pleasure to read about “new authors to me”, although I recall hearing about Sarah about a year ago through Nas Dean’s blog.

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  50. I already read Sleigh Bells in the Snow. AWESOME book, but I would love to win anyway! Can’t wait for her other books and to read Jane’s too.

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  51. I’m looking forward to my first white Christmas in several years! Unfortunately I have to deal with the bitter cold too.

    Happy Holidays!

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  52. I WOULD RELLY LIKE TO WIN THIS,IT HAS JUST NOT BEEN THE SAME THIS YEAR,I AM BAKING,SHOPPING,DECORATING,BUT I JUST DON’T SEEM TO HAVE THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT LIKE I NORMALLY DO. I MEAN I HAVE BEEN PLAYING CHRISTMAS MUSIC,MOVIES,AND EVEN ENTERING CHRISTMAS CONTESTS BUT NO LUCK. BEEN HARD YEAR. BUT THANK YOU FOR THE CHANCE,AS ALWAYS YOU ARE AMAZING TO YOUR FOLLOWERS.MERRY CHRISTMAS TO YOU BOTH,AND CONGRATS TO ALL WINNERS…B

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  54. Congrats on the new release, Sarah. I’ve been enjoying Cosmo Red Hot Reads, so I’m looking forward to reading “Ripped.”

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  55. I wish I could press the Like button over and over on this one! This story sounds right up my alley. Congratulations, Sarah, on your two RITA wins. Exciting, for sure!

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  59. I have my blankie, the warm fire here in NH, I just need a really great romance to warm me all up! I’d be honored to read yours, Sarah Morgan.

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  64. Hi
    Not sure if I have read Sarah Morgan but now I will seek her out.
    Thank you for all the wonderful blogs, contests, etc that you give your fans.
    Hope you are having a wonderful Holiday Season.
    I enjoy the glimpses into your life that you give us.
    Wish you and yours well for this time of year and for all the coming years. 🙂
    cat

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  65. I’m looking forward to reading Sarah’s book. I love holiday stories. They put me in a festive spirit. Unfortunately I don ‘t like the real white stuff.

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  69. Sarah Morgan and I have a lot in common. Same last name, love the mountains, the sound of the ocean and a warm bubble bath. She must be a great lady. haha!

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  70. I love Christmas book. It has been awhile since I read one of her books. Would love to win, read, and review and then share. Count me in. Thanks for posting on fb.

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  72. sounds like a good story. I haven’t read any of Sarah books yet. I will have to put her on my tbr list. Which is ever growing. LOL

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  76. I’ve been trying to respond to everyone but my internet is in a bad mood tonight so I’m sending everyone a big holiday hug instead 🙂
    Thanks so much for your lovely comments and warm wishes. And thanks again to Jane for having me.
    I hope you all have a wonderful holiday season whatever you’re doing.
    xx

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  77. Oh I love the cover of this book and I can’t wait to read it. Thanks for the hug we all need it. Thanks for sharing your book with us and giving us a chance to win it.

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  79. Hi Jane and Sarah! Jane thanks for introducing me to another great author. Sarah, congrats on the RITAS. I love the Presents line and have several autobuy authors and I will be adding you to the list. Christmas stories are some of my favorties and this year I have been reading quite a few to help me get into the spirit of Christmas. I have also picked up a few of the Red Hot Reads and they are in my TBR pile, so I will add yours too!Merry Christmas!

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  83. Yippee!
    A new author for me. I will get to Sarah’s other books, but 1st the Christmas story. I LOVE Christmas romance. Going to amazon now 🙂

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  87. Enjoyed the interview. Can’t take care of my patients because I’m out of work waiting for knee surgery on the last day of 2014. The upside is catching up on my TBR list of books. Looking forward to reading Sleigh Bells in the Snow.

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  94. I’d truly love to win this special gift. For some weird reason I wasn’t able to get access io Facebook any earlier today! This has happened to me several times before and I don’t know why it keeps happening!

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  96. Very interesting reading about you. Love the fact that you have a stuffed moose on your desk. Sounds adorable.

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  97. I enjoyed the blog Jane. I was lucky to meet Sarah at NJRW in Edison NJ back in October.
    I read The Soldier but have not read Sleigh Bells yet. Hope to get time ASAP
    Happy Holidays!

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  100. I just finished reading Sleighbells In The Snow and loved it, Sarah. Wanted to say “hi” & thanks for always giving me that ahhh moment. Looking forward to Sean’s story this summer and Tyler’s next winter.
    Jane, thanks for having such a lovely guest. Please don’t add my name to the drawing, since I already have Sarah’s book.

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  104. Such a pleasure to meet Sarah here. I love Holiday romance and look forward to reading Sleigh Bells In The Snow. Congrats Sarah on this release. Wishing everyone Happy Holidays.
    Carol L
    Lucky4750 (at) aol (dot) com

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  107. How great 2 of my favorite authors in one spot! I’ve got a hold placed on Sarah’s book at my local library. My spot is number 45, so I will start 2014 with a great read.

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  108. Merry Christmas! Thanks for introducing me to a new author, love to read her book, love Christmas stories! I’m like the character not into the Christmas spirit this year, with working so hard at a job that I’m not crazy about and my dad is not feeling so well, just can’t get into the spirit! I’m trying to bake and make things special for my 2 college age kids its just so hard! Anyways, books let me go into a place and I love to read! Happy Holidays to you and your family!

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  110. What a great story about Sarah and her wins…congrats to you Sarah! And, your book sounds irresistible, a must read for me! Thanks Jane for another author to add to my reading list. Praying you both and all the commenters here and families have a Merry Christmas and a Happy, Healthy New Year.

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  112. I’ve heard great things about SLEIGH BELLS IN THE SNOW and can’t wait to read it. Thanks for the chance to win a copy, Sarah. 🙂

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  114. Sarah, I have enjoyed many of your books from the Present’s line. Love Christmas stories I read them all year long. I will have to grad a copy of Sleigh Bells in the snow.
    Congratulations on your RITA awards. 🙂

    Merry Christmas!

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  115. Nice to “meet” you Sara! I haven’t had the chance to read any of your books yet but they are definitely on my wish list! Especially this Christmas story! It sounds lovely!!!

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  116. I haven’t read anything by Sara yet but I’m adding her to my list of authors I want to read. Every author recommendation I see on Janes blog turns out to be amazing. I have never been led astray and have found several authors I now consider my favorites. Thanks for the chance to win such an awesome prize.

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  118. Aahhhh…a snowy romance! One of my wishes…to spend a snowy christmas with my family in a log cabin…of course with plenty of food, heat and books!

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  120. congrats on the wins Sarah!!!your a new to me author but your book sounds awesome and that cover is just wow love it!

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  126. I was at Barnes & Noble this past Saturday. Lots of people in line for Starbucks. Lots of people buying books! Me too!
    I will look for your book next week when I go back.

    Happy Holidays!

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  128. Hi everyone,

    I’m neck deep in Harlequin revisions but hope to finish them off soon. I wanted to announce the winners before I disappear into my cave again:

    #58 Bonnie K
    #107 Rita Jo Reitz

    Email me with your mailing info, ladies and I’ll organize prizes to go out in the mail asap. 🙂

    More soon!
    Jane xoxoxo

    Reply

  129. This looks like another fun book for the Holidays! Thanks, Jane, for introducing us so many interesting authors!

    Reply

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