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Ringing in the New Year with Elizabeth Boyle

January 2, 2014 by Jane · View all 88 comments

I am returning to California from Hawaii today and asked Elizabeth Boyle, my very good friend, and a very long time friend (having known her since 1996!) to join my on my blog today for a special new year’s message, and its one I know you will enjoy.

Without further ado, here’s Elizabeth!

This Year: Faith

Several years ago–about this time of year–I was reading a blog by Cathy Maxwell and she talked about taking a word each year and using it as a guiding light for the coming months. Her word that year was Create. While I knew that a lot of people did that each year, I’d never been much interested in trying it out, but something about Cathy’s blog–on that day, in that particular place in my life–inspired me to give it a try.

And one word occurred to me right there and then: Grow. The word just whispered up out of my subconscious and wouldn’t let go, so I knew it was the word I was supposed to follow and so that became the year I decided to see where Grow would take me. It had rather unexpected consequences.

As an avid gardener, I realized that for a spot to flourish (in one’s physical garden and in the metaphorical garden that is our heart), it had to weeded and fed and pruned. In other words, I had a lot of dead wood and unwanted plants that needed to removed from my life. And so I did. Over those 12 months, I removed what I knew had been obstacles and difficulties in my working life. I cleared a wide swath and moved ahead. It was hard work to make those tough decisions, even harder to execute them, but in the end, I had a freedom I hadn’t foreseen. Room to grow and new ideas about how to do it.

Last year I approached the New Year with some trepidation–simply because the word that kept coming toward me was: Courage. I shared this one afternoon with Debbie Macomber and Christina Skye while we were out yarn shopping and they both stopped cold and turned to me and said in unison, “Find another word.” But Courage it was, and I couldn’t shake it.

IF WISHES WERE EARLS

And Courage I needed. I battled carpal tunnel for the better part of the year. I had a tough bout with pneumonia. My youngest son, who has autism, had a terrible school placement that took every ounce of courage I had to get fixed. There just seemed to be–at least in my personal life–a continuous need for Courage to persevere against everything life threw at me. Every. Single. Month.

But instead of being beaten down, I took on my word for the year like a suit of armor. “Courage,” I’d cry in the face of adversity. It was like my own personal season of Game of Thrones. And happily I have finished the year with my head still attached to my shoulders. LOL.

So as December began to roll to a close, I knew I needed to find a new word, let something settle into my heart and open up again. My talisman for 2014. And it came to me in a quiet moment at mass–“Faith.”

“Faith,” I whispered back to the universe.

Faith, indeed. And to my delight it has fallen upon me like a warm mantle. Much like Courage. Wrapping around my battle hardened heart and lighting the way home. It is urging me toward untried stories. Much like Grow did. It seems to encompass so many facets of my life–my Catholicism, my writing, even my untidy little garden with the seemingly lost plants all burrowed under the dead leaves and freezing earth waiting for Spring. I came home from mass and immediately opened a Pinterest page to start visualizing my new year.

As I stand at the beginning of this New Year, I hardly know where to start. Actually I know exactly what I want to do, but I can’t believe it–and yet, I know in my heart it is so very possible. And so I begin in earnest. In Faith. I am entranced. I am inspired. I am giddy to begin. I cannot wait to see the possibilities of 2014.

Mostly because I have Faith as my guide. All my blessings to you in this New Year. I hope the path ahead is filled with light and joy and grand discoveries.

Have you ever taken a word for a guide? Have you this year? Care to share?

Elizabeth Boyle is the author of 22 Regency set historical romances, including her new release, If Wishes Were Earls.

Wow! Loved the post, Elizabeth, and I love you so very much, too. Thank you for being a rock in my life and one of my most honest, real, and inspiring friends!

Elizabeth is also wonderfully generous and is giving away a box of books and goodies to one of my terrific readers here. Just comment on Elizabeth’s post, or answer her questions above: Have you ever taken a word for a guide? Have you this year? Care to share? and you are entered!

Elizabeth’s giveaway will run til midnight, Sunday night, January 5th, and the winner will be announced on Monday, January 6th so do check back to see if you won.

Thank you so much, Elizabeth, for joining us, and I think I am going to claim your word, faith, as my word for 2014, too!

Love to all, and happy new year!

The Year & A New Year

December 30, 2013 by Jane · View all 191 comments

I don’t write as many JaneBlogs as I used to. I have been featuring many guest authors and friends because it feels strange to always talk about me and my books. I know many of you are here, or follow me, because you enjoy my books, but as the career has continued and the deadlines accumulate and the manuscripts wrap up, I can’t help feeling a bit like a fictional character myself…telling you this bit of news and that, trying to be cheerful and positive, and entertaining while still being real and honest.

And so I invite friends to join me here, and ask them to blog, and try to show some love and light onto others.

But today I just want to say few words from my heart.

I know life can be hard. I know the economy is still tough on folks and there are health issues and life issues and heartbreaking things around us. Like all of you, I have a family that sometimes struggles, and sometimes struggles a lot. Like you, I have friends who are confronted by cancer and loss. Like you, I have children that feel like square pegs in a round hole. Like you, I’m not always sure I’m doing the right thing. Like you, I lay awake at night, feeling guilty or resentful, or fearful. Like you, when afraid, I reach out to friends, and lean hard on my faith.

There are times where I don’t think I should be writing anymore. I think I should go back to teaching. I think I should be doing something that truly helps others, and encourages others, a career that doesn’t have as much ego attached as the writing life where there are so many crowns and tiaras of lists, reviews, accolades. I find myself wishing for a career that was based on heart and hope, strength and faith, courage and kindness and I work hard to write stories that reflect those themes so close to my heart….but those aren’t necessarily the popular themes in literature, and I’m no literary darling. New York/traditional publishing doesn’t quite know what to do with me, or how to market me. I don’t really know how to market myself. So now I do traditional and digital publishing while trying to see the future.

But as much as I pray about my career, and asking God to close doors and open doors I find me still here…writing.

And then it hits me that maybe I’m still writing and selling in whatever form it happens to be, because it allows me to know you, and reach out to each of you, my way. Maybe my career isn’t about bestseller lists and being someone’s literary darling. Maybe my career is about….you.

Encouraging you.

And validating you.

And most of all, loving you.

And so as 2013 ends, and 2014 is about to begin, know that I am still writing because I believe we can make a difference, together. You and me. I believe we can change lives and strengthen hearts and heal wounds. I believe we can offer each other support and hope, and most of all, love.

Love is everything. You’ve heard me say these words in my books, most recently in The Good Wife, and also in my Christmas story, Christmas at Copper Mountain, but love is there in the beginning, and love will be there at the end. Love is all. And it is love that will give our lives meaning.

Happy new year to all of you, my friends. On the nights you are worried and can not sleep, or the mornings you wake with a heavy heart, know that you are not alone. You are part of this…us…a community of amazing, beautiful, valuable women.

Here’s to you, my amazing, beautiful, valuable friend!

Love,

Jane

PS And what would a New Year’s JaneBlog be without a special giveaway? Not so very special! 🙂 And so of course I have an extra delightful, secret gift of lovely things for one of you. Comment below and I will announce the winner on Saturday, January 4th!

Laura Spinella’s Perfect Timing

December 26, 2013 by Jane · View all 83 comments

I’m in Hawaii for Christmas and New Year’s this year and taking time off to just be with my family. I have a few revisions to wrap up on my next Harlequin Presents (was supposed to get them done before Christmas!) but stopped stressing out so I could focus on my boys and just enjoy the holidays this year.

Part of the holidays means relaxing with a great book, too, and I love Laura Spinella and thought we should prepare to ring in the new year with her new book, Perfect Timing! And so here Laura is, doing an interview with me about her new release.

Readers, help me welcome Laura back to the JaneBlog!

Laura, tell us what your current release is about, in 2 or 3 sentences.

Guilty. There’s a rock star at the center of Perfect Timing. But that’s not what this story is about; it’s about the rhythm of lasting friendship, and the beat of a love story subject to incredible odds. It’s about family and figuring out what makes you truly happy, then being brave enough to embrace it. Perfect Timing is relationship fiction set to the sometimes extraordinary and always precarious tempo of life.

What is your favorite thing about your book?

That’s a two-part answer. As noted, Aidan Royce is a “rock star.” I was intrigued by the idea of delivering a story that incorporated that but used it in a relatable context. I thought a singular childhood friendship could create that kind of bond—a relationship that could survive something as blinding as fame. The second part is more personal. My daughter, who’s a tough critic, loved this story when I first wrote it. (Since there are some steamier scenes, I should mention she’s 25) After toying with different storylines for a follow up to Beautiful Disaster, Megan all but insisted, “Aidan and Isabel!” I’d almost forgotten how much I loved the characters, and immediately found myself re-involved with their story.

What do you love most about being a writer?

I’m sure thoughtful reflection, coupled by serious contemplation would reveal an array of intellectual answers. On the other hand, here are mine:

I can wear pajama pants all day.
If I’m sick of dealing with a particular individual, there’s an off switch.
If I’m sick of dealing with a particular individual, there’s an on switch.
It’s an acceptable form of basically irrational behavior.
There’s nothing quite like getting an email from a complete stranger telling you how much they loved your book.

Name five items sitting on your desk.

Does above the desk count?
My favorite item is a collage of antique postcards showing off my hometown of Bayport, New York.
A mini rock waterfall. I filled it once, about five years ago, and never have managed to refill it. But as I recall, I really enjoyed it.
A Perfect Timing mouse pad, Mother’s Day gift this past year.
Books! I’m working my way through some great ones, including Jane Porter & Co’s wonderful A Copper Mountain Christmas.
A 99-cent composition notebook where I keep miscellaneous notes about my WIP. I like it because the pages never fall out.

What are you working on now?

Funny, I chose this question and I have skipped answering it three times. I am neck-deep in revisions to a novel tentatively titled, Color Outside the Lines. Although, as titles go, I may change it to The Unremarkable Life of Missy Flannigan. However, if the revision process gets any more intense, I may have to re-title it again: How I Pulled My Hair Out in the Winter of My Discontent.

Seriously, I think this is one of my best efforts when it comes to novel writing. Everything I’ve learned as a writer seems to be swirling and converging onto its pages—just not as orderly as I’d like. It’s the story of Aubrey Ellis, a woman who shuns an extraordinary gift in search of an ordinary life, and the souls, living and dead, who help her along the way.

Three things you know now that you wish you’d known before publishing your first book?

Only three?

The importance of networking and social media. When Beautiful Disaster was published I had about 140 Facebook friends. Initially, it was like being the neighborhood Fuller Brush salesman—once you’ve played to the home crowd, where do you go? Several hundred FB friends later, I now watch authors from every end of the publishing spectrum interact with one another. Not only are there connections, but there’s real support for a craft that can often be brutal and trying. Other authors make for the best built-in cheering section.

Enjoy what you’ve accomplished. An author gets a book deal and thinks that will bring the accomplishment full circle. Wrong… Once that’s done, you realize that you’re just a grain of sand in an ocean, and the desire to become coral, or mollusks, or squid takes over. Anyway, oceanography aside, the chase can be never ending, so if you can find some satisfaction in what you have achieved as an author then, I think, you’re a happier person all around.

Don’t let it consume you. I still fail at that one.

Favorite food/cuisine?

On a lighter note… Does wine count? How about food cooked in wine? Well, if I have to pick, I’m an appetizer whore. I could live off appetizers! You name it; if it comes in multiples off a cookie sheet or you can dip a chip into it, I’m in.

Name 5 words that fit your personality according to you. And 5 words that fit your personality according to your best friend.

I kind of love this question because I have a BFF of 30+ years who knows me better than anyone. These are the unedited words of Melisa Holmes, who happens to run one of the best tween & teen knowledge-based websites in the world, www.girlology.com. Her books are pretty great too! She says her words about me are not necessarily in descending order.

Intuitive
Wise
Funny
Mama Bear
Smart Ass

My five words? Hmm, I wish I were as sure as her, but I’ll go with these: Introvert, Sarcastic, Loyal, Determined, and yes, Mama Bear.

Thank you so much to Jane! Not only for hosting me on her blog today, but for providing the fantastic, incredible and generous cover quote for Perfect Timing! She is just the best and I am very grateful!

Thanks so much, Laura, for sharing with us today! Readers, I’ve read Laura’s fantastic new release and I am a true fan. Do add it to your reading list and I promise you’ll be a fan too and to celebrate Laura’s new release, I’m giving away two (2!) Laura Spinella prize packages consisting of books, treats and New Year sweets. Comment below for a chance to win one of the prize boxes, and contest ends New Year’s Eve with the winners will be announced January 1st. Good luck and hoping your holiday was truly happy!

Sleigh Bells with Sarah Morgan

December 13, 2013 by Jane · View all 153 comments

I 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

Books, Treats & Holiday Sweets!

December 11, 2013 by Jane · View all 104 comments

I’m thrilled to share that Montana Born now has two anthologies out in print, Love Me, Cowboy, filled with four fun, sexy and sweet stories by Megan Crane, Lilian Darcy, CJ Carmichael and me, and Montana Born’s gorgeous Christmas collection, A Copper Mountain Christmas, featuring warm, magical and festive romances by Katherine Garbera, Melissa McClone and JP (me again!).

acoppermountainchristmas — Coming home to a Copper Mountain Christmas…
Tis the season of mistletoe and magic in Marietta, Montana. Snuggle up with these sexy, heart-warming holiday stories by three best-selling authors, in which love at first sight and second chances prove that, at Christmas time, dreams can be realized and wishes will come true!
**Christmas at Copper Mountain by Jane Porter**
Widower Brock Sheenan needs things taking care of at the Copper Mountain Ranch over the holidays, and Harley Diekerhoff seems like the ideal hard-working housekeeper. Until she discovers he and his kids have never had a proper Christmas together. Suddenly, the ranch is full of festive cheer—and the passion between Brock and Harley steams like mulled wine! But Harley’s not looking forward to the New Year… because she’ll be saying goodbye to this handsome, taciturn Montana cowboy, who doesn’t know how to open up, or share or love…
**A Cowboy for Christmas by Katherine Garbera**
Annie Prudhomme may have lost almost everything, and she’s daunted by having to return to her native Montana, penniless and alone. But seeing cowboy Carson Scott again, the guy she dated in her teens, soon injects some sparkle into her homecoming—his eyes are still as blue as the Big Sky. However, Annie’s still not sure if Marietta is where she truly belongs—she needs to decide over the holidays if she must move on once more. Though, when Carson helps her find the perfect pine at the annual Christmas Tree Cut, and then delivers it with some hot, hot loving, she feels that, just maybe, her deep-frozen heart might be beginning to thaw…
**Home for Christmas by Melissa McClone**
Rachel Murphy’s spending the holidays at the Bar V5 ranch with her older brother. She loves Christmastime and the scent of gingerbread, almost as much as she enjoys creating custom edible houses. But, after being burned in business, she’s wary when handsome venture capitalist turned dude ranch owner, Nate Vaughn shows a real interest in her baking. Then there are his tempting mistletoe kisses… he’s good enough to eat! But mixing business with anything else could be another recipe for disaster. Can Nate convince her that, here with him in the snowy mountains of Montana, she’s found her real home?

We’ve been selling the stories as ebooks but if you’re one of my readers that prefers print, you can now order both anthologies on Amazon, and here’s a link so you can order your copy for A Copper Mountain Christmas easily.

I’ve been busy this week trying to finish up on my revisions for my next Harlequin Presents. I’d hoped to have the revisions done before leaving for Las Vegas in the morning, but it didn’t happen. Now I’ll be writing in the hotel room during the day and then ducking out at night to catch all the rodeo action.

With the holidays approaching, things have been busy here with all things Christmas and that also includes a lot of baking. Mac loves to bake and we’re taking a break from chocolate chip cookies this week to make some roll out sugar cookies and these pretty pink peppermint pinwheels.

I’m sharing the Peppermint Pinwheels recipe in case you’d like to try them, too!

Ingredients-
3/4 cup butter
softened 3/4 cup sugar
1 egg yolk
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp peppermint extract
1/4 tsp red liquid food coloring

Directions:
In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar. Beat in egg yolk and vanilla. Combine the flour, baking powder and salt; gradually add to creamed mixture and mix well. Divide dough in half; add extract and red food coloring to one portion.

On a work surface, roll out each portion of dough between waxed paper into a 16-in. x 10-in. rectangle. Remove waxed paper. Place red rectangle over plain rectangle; roll up tightly jelly-roll style, starting with a long side. Wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate overnight or until firm. Unwrap the dough and cut into 1/4-in. slices. Place 2 in. apart on lightly greased baking sheets. Bake at 350° for 12-14 minutes or until set. Cool for 2 minutes before removing to wire racks to cool completely.

I hope you enjoy them! I like to roll them out very thin and cook them crispy and then dunk in hot cocoa or my morning coffee. Yum!!

Before I sign off, I also have a fun festive giveaway to thank you for your awesome friendship and support. The festive giveaway includes a copy of the Love Me, Cowboy anthology, a stack of books by Montana Born authors, a Starbucks giftcard, the movie DVD of Holiday and lots more! For a chance to enter, leave a comment and tell me if you’ve done any holiday baking so far this year? Do you plan to? And if yes, what will you make? Maybe I’ll get some delicious baking ideas from you! The Fun Festive Giveaway contest will run through Saturday and winner will be announced on Sunday! Please check back on Sunday to see if you won.

Happy Holidays and much much love!

The Pieces We Keep

December 7, 2013 by Jane · View all 59 comments

Many of you already know this but I’m happy to say it again: Kristina McMorris is one of my favorite people and I love to meet up with her every chance I get. I find her fascinating and engaging and just so interesting to talk to. She’s beautiful and warm and witty… and so smart!

I also love her books and she’s been a guest on my blog before. She joined us last year in March to tell us about Bridge of Scarlet Leaves, a novel I absolutely adored! So it should come as no surprise that when I found out she had a new release coming up, I wanted to know more and here’s what Kristina shared about her new book, The Pieces We Keep :

The Pieces We Keep features a young boy, whose violent, recurrent night terrors uncover family secrets that trace back to WWII. The idea for the novel was originally inspired by a news segment about a skeptical mother and father who became convinced that their son’s nightmares of dying in a fighter plane were actually memories from a past life, supported by his knowledge of verifiable historical details.

The story immediately piqued my interest, since my own son suffered from night terrors as a toddler and would even speak of a grandmother who didn’t exist. Could they have been just the creative ramblings of a youngster? Absolutely. Nonetheless, they ultimately laid the foundation for a novel, its premise completed by a true account of Nazi saboteurs on American soil in 1942. The declassified case captivated me with elements of love and tragedy, deceptive dealings by J. Edgar Hoover, and even a secret military tribunal convened by FDR. Needless to say, I hope readers feel the same about The Pieces We Keep.

Doesn’t that sound really good? There’s a book trailer too –

I’ve just added this book to my Kindle and have plans to read it soon. I hope you’ll add it to your reading list too! Kristina has graciously offered a copy of The Pieces We Keep for giveaway and I’m adding some holiday treats and sweets including a $5 Starbucks drink card to the prize! Leave a comment for a chance to win. Contest ends on 10th and I’ll announce winners on Tuesday and I’ll announce the winner on the Wednesday!

Karen Doornebos

December 4, 2013 by Jane · View all 89 comments

Last December, I had the lovely Karen Doornebos visit for a guest blog and she told us all about her book Definitely Not Mr. Darcy, a book I absolutely adored! I have been waiting impatiently for Karen’s new book, Undressing Mr. Darcy, and it is out now! It actually just released yesterday and I begged Karen to come back and tell us about her new story as I know many of you are Jane Austen fans like me. So here’s Karen, and she’s taking us far far from Montana, and all my crazy Marietta fuss, whisking us to the Roman Baths!

UNDRESSING MR. DARCY – The Blog Tour & Giveaway!

Hello from the Roman Baths!

As an ice-breaker to each leg of the Blog Tour, I’m taking you along for a ride to England, where I traveled during the summer of 2012 to do some research for UNDRESSING MR. DARCY. Where am I on this stop? The gorgeous Roman Baths in Bath! I love a good spa, don’t you? Well, this was how the Romans treated themselves back in the day with all the natural hot springs that bubbled up and continue to bubble up in the city once known as “Aquae Sulis.” Roughly translated, that means waters of Sulis, bright goddess of sun and hot springs. At the Baths themselves, some “Roman” stonecutters posed for me in their garb, which brings me to one of my favorite subjects, and that is how we moderns love to dress up in costume and reenact, whether it’s for ComicCon or a Jane Austen conference…

Shall we talk Undressing?!

9780425261392_UndressingMr_CV.indd — ISBN 978-0-425-26139-2

First of all, I’d like to thank the fantastic Jane Porter for having me back here on the JaneBlog—this time just a day after my new book UNDRESSING MR. DARCY released. I have a thing for Janes, you know! I’m a fan of both Jane Austen and Jane Porter!

So, here’s the scoop on my new book: there are two gorgeous men in my book. One is from England and wears “Mr. Darcy” clothes complete with sexy boots, tight breeches, billowy shirt and cravat. The other is American and evokes Johnny Depp’s Captain Jack Sparrow. He can often be seen in his pirate garb. But…the book isn’t a Regency or historical…it’s set in modern day America and England.

My heroine? Doesn’t really like costumes—at first! Here’s the back of the book synopsis:

Taking it off in the name of history…

Thirty-five-year-old American social-media master Vanessa Robert lives her thoroughly modern life with aplomb. So when her elderly Jane Austen-centric aunt needs her to take on the public relations for Julian Chancellor, a very private man from England who’s written a book called My Year as Mr. Darcy, Vanessa agrees. But she’s not “excessively diverted” as Jane Austen would say.

Hardbound books, teacups and quill pens fly in the face of her e-reader, coffee and smartphone…

…until she sees Julian take his tight breeches off for his Undressing Mr. Darcy show, an educational “striptease” down to his drawers to promote his book and help save his crumbling estate. The public relations expert suddenly realizes things have gotten…personal. But can this old-fashioned man find his way into her heart without so much as a GPS? It will take three festivals filled with Austen fans, a trip to England, an old frenemy, and a flirtatious pirate reenactor to find out…

JaneBlog readers, you can check out the first chapter of UNDRESSING MR. DARCY here!

Keep reading, Jane (Porter) fans, because there are lots of ways you can win below!

And Jane, thank you once again for hosting me here—so kind of you!

WIN!

JaneBlog readers, up for grabs are THREE copies of UNDRESSING MR. DARCY! Contest is limited to U.S. readers, but just leave a comment below—any comment. Have you ever been to England? Worn a pirate costume? To increase your chances of winning you can share this post on your Facebook page or Twitter—let me know you’ve done that! You can also increase your odds by following me on Twitter or Facebook, or, if you’re not already, following Jane on her Twitter or Facebook—don’t forget to let me know about it in your comment, thanks!

Mr. Darcy’s Stripping Off…

His greatcoat. At each blog stop Mr. Darcy will strip off another piece of clothing. Keep track of each item in chronological order and at then end of the tour you can enter to win a GRAND PRIZE of the book, “DO NOT DISTURB I’m Undressing Mr. Darcy” door hangers for you and your friends, tea, and a bottle of wine (assuming I can legally ship it to your state). US entries only, please.
Karen Doornebos is the author of UNDRESSING MR. DARCY published by Berkley, Penguin and available here or at your favorite bookstore. Her first novel, DEFINITELY NOT MR. DARCY, has been published in three countries and was granted a starred review by Publisher’s Weekly. Karen lived and worked in London for a short time, but is now happy just being a lifelong member of the Jane Austen Society of North America and living in the Chicagoland area with her husband, two teenagers and various pets—including a bird. Speaking of birds, follow her on Twitter and Facebook! She hopes to see you there, on her website www.karendoornebos.com and her group blog Austen Authors.

JOIN THE BLOG TOUR:

12/2: The Penguin Blog

Launch! 12/3: Austenprose

12/4 Laura’s Review Bookshelf & JaneBlog

12/5 Chick Lit Plus – Review

12/6 Austen Authors

12/9 Fresh Fiction

12/10 Writings & Ramblings

12/11 Brant Flakes & Skipping Midnight

12/12 Risky Regencies Q&A

12/13 Books by Banister

Jane Austen’s 238^th Birthday! 12/16 Jane Austen in Vermont, My Jane Austen Book Club & Author Exposure Q&A

12/17 Literally Jen

12/18 Savvy Verse & Wit – Review

12/19 Kritters Ramblings

12/20 Booking with Manic– Review

12/23 BookNAround

12/26 My 5 Monkeys – Review

12/27 All Grown Up – Review

12/30 Silver’s Reviews

1/2 Dew on the Kudzu

Thank you, Karen for sharing about your new book. It sounds so good and I can’t wait to read it! Readers, Karen’s offering up a great prize so I hope you’ll leave a comment for a chance to win! Contest ends December 6th and I’ll announce winners on the 7th!

Prizes Galore! Celebrating Marietta’s 12 Days of Christmas!

December 3, 2013 by Jane · View all 50 comments

Christmas at Copper Mountain, my second story for Tule Publishing’s Montana Born Books, is free right now! It will also be free tomorrow and then it’s back to its regular price of $2.99 so download today if you can. http://amzn.com/B00H0LKQPG

I have so many people to thank on this Montana Born Books adventure….my author friends: CJ Carmichael, Megan Crane and Lilian Darcy who helped create Marietta and the wonderful founding families of Marietta; authors Katherine Garbera and Melissa McClone who created the Copper Mountain Christmas Collection with me; the incredible team of Lani and Alastair at Storywonk for our covers, our branding, our MontanaBornBooks website, and the beautiful print anthologies that will be for sale soon.

I also have to thank you, my readers. Today so many of you downloaded Christmas at Copper Mountain that it hit the Top 100 Free Books list at #31, and became the #1 Holiday Free Book, which is such a thrill. One of my family members asked why ‘free’ was so exciting and it’s because ‘free’ gets me out in front of readers who have probably never heard of me, or read me, and maybe with my story free and with prominent visibility they will ‘discover’ me.

Yes, I’ve written 43+ books but publishing is always so competitive and the market is so jam-packed with great new releases and talented writers that every little bit of exposure and support can truly help make a difference.

Readers, I love you. I’m grateful for you, and so I’m trying to give you another peek behind the creation of Marietta with a few more fun photos from my last research day in Montana back in May when Megan Crane and CJ Carmichael headed out, and Lilian Darcy and I got to spend an incredible day sightseeing with my wonderful friend, Kari Andersen, my original Montana girl who is a big part of my Montana inspiration. Kari made Montana come alive for me, and has filled my head with stories and characters and I wouldn’t love Montana so much if it weren’t for her.

Lilian and I spent our last night in Bozeman at the Voss Mansion (recommended to us by Kari!) which has become a charming B&B in Bozeman’s historic district. Lilian and I each had our own rooms, decorated with Victorian era wallpapers and lace and linens, but shared a yummy breakfast in the morning before going to the airport. The sight-seeing with Kari and the night at the Voss Mansionwas the perfect way to end our Montana ‘expedition’.

And as a thank you to you all for being part of my Montana Born Books journey, I wanted to share some festive holiday giveaways happening right now, today.

Most of these are one day giveaways so enter, enter, enter before you forget.

1) The 12 Days of Christmas Giveaway at www.MontanaBornBooks.com

There will be an awesome different giveaway every day for the next 12 days, as Montana Born features a different Montana Born author every day until December 14th. I am the first author in Marietta’s 12 Days of Christmas, and so head over and leave a comment on the blog for a chance to win my prize box: http://montanabornbooks.com/12-days-of-christmas-day-1/

But remember, the giveaways continue for 12 straight days…new prizes every day…go back every day to enter the new one!

2) The 12 Days of Christmas in Marietta on Facebook!

Go comment on the post over at https://www.facebook.com/MontanaBornBooks for a chance to win the adorable tea pot and treats for today’s 1st Day of Christmas there. Each day there will be a giveaway, too, but on Facebook, each day the contest grows….Day 1, 1 prize and 1 winner.

Day 2, 2 prizes, 2 winners.

Day 3, 3 prizes and 3 winners.

See how that works? Nice, huh? 🙂

And lastly, there’s a prize here happening just for commenting below. Tell me something good. It could be something you read, something you made, something you felt, something you saw. Just share something good and you’re entered to win something GREAT! (How does 3 gift cards, books and treats sound???)

The GREAT! Contest runs through Thursday night, midnight PST, winner announced Friday morning. So talk, talk, talk and maybe you’ll win! 🙂

Christmas at Copper Mountain!

November 30, 2013 by Jane · View all 141 comments

Christmas at Copper Mountain, my second story for Tule Publishing’s Montana Born Books is now available exclusively at Amazon as a Kindle download and you can find it here, http://amzn.com/B00H0LKQPG

I loved Brock and Harley’s story and knew their story could only be a Christmas story as these two need a miracle to bring them together and give them the happy-ever-after they both deserve. This story is filled with snow flurries, snowballs and snowmen, as well as faith, hope and love.

But if you can handle waiting, do wait to buy Christmas at Copper Mountain until Dec 3rd and 4th as its going to be free for two days then, and I want all my loyal readers to have the chance to read it for free. Its my way of saying thank you to you. I would not have this incredible career if it weren’t for all of my readers who love my books and continue to get excited about each new release!

I’m grateful for you, my readers, and so very grateful too for my writer friends that have been there in the trenches with me, encouraging me as a writer, pushing me to grow, and helping me weather storms and change.

My trip to Montana last May with CJ Carmichael, Megan Crane and Lilian Darcy was such an awesome escape. I was truly inspired by the week long trip with my friends, where we brainstormed, talked story and created our beautiful little town of Marietta that is very loosely based on Livingston, Montana and then…embellished. 🙂

It was fun writing Take Me, Cowboy, which is set on the North side of Marietta, and even more fun writing this second story which is set on Brock Sheenan’s rugged, remote cattle ranch in Paradise Valley. I wrote the story listening to Chritmas music (all Fall long!) and my favorite album for this book has to be Sugarland’s gorgeous Christmas album, Gold and Green. I shared my holiday playlist at the MontanaBornBooks website, http://montanabornbooks.com/good-stuff/playlists.

What is your favorite Christmas carol or song? Share with me one or two of your favorites in the comments section below and you’ll be entered to win a special Christmas at Copper Mountain prize that includes an Amazon gift certificate, a Starbucks gift card, chocolate, a holiday ornament, and a stack of signed Jane Porter novels. It’s a one and a half day contest with the winner announced on Monday, December 2nd so be sure to check back by Monday night to see who won!

Happy December to all, and thank you so very much for your friendship and wonderful support. And please don’t forget to tell your friends that Christmas at Copper Mountain will be free at Amazon for two days on December 3rd!

Jane

Bringing my friend Hope Ramsay back!

November 17, 2013 by Jane · View all 122 comments

In October I attended the NJRWA conf, Put Your Heart in a Book Conference, held just outside of Newark and it was so awesome. My seond Brennan sisters novel, The Good Daughter had finaled in their mainstream with romantic elements contest, and most wonderful of all, I had the pleasure of dinner with Hope Ramsay.

I’d “won” dinner with Hope in Brenda Novak’s auction last May and was thrilled to finally have the chance to sit down with her, have dinner and a drink, and talk about, books, writing, faith, and life.

I’ve always loved Hope’s writing, but our dinner together made me a forever and ever Hope fan.

Hope is…incredible. Inspirational. And so when I heard she had a new book out I had to share because she’s got this huge heart and I’m a fan.

So, yes, many of you have met her before. For others, she might be new to you. Either way, I do hope you’ll enjoy her guest post, as Hope Ramsay tells us about her new release, Last Chance Knit & Stitch.

Busy Hands, Warm Hearts (and Heads)

My mother was a knitter. She always had knitting needles in her hands. And I have deep, deep memories of the sweaters she made me. Putting on one of her hand-made sweaters was like wearing a hug. And I remember putting in orders for specific kinds of sweaters. I will never forget the beautiful argyle sweater vest she made me when I was in high school – at a time when argyle was not popular.

Mom tried to teach me how to knit, and I did learn how to do it, but my projects were. . . well. . . ugly. I was so much better at crochet and sewing, so I stuck to those things.

Until Mom passed away in 1997, and I inherited her knitting needles. In my sorrow, I tried to take up knitting a second time, and I failed. This time I think it was because holding her needles was just too emotional for me. I needed time to come to terms with losing her.

And then a few years ago, several of my author friends found out that I knew how to knit but had given it up because, well, I basically sucked at it. Let me just point out that these dear friends were complete yarn junkies. And they were determined to make me one, too.

I got emails with patterns. I got links to yarn blogs. I got pushed and shoved. And then my son announced that I was about to become a grandmother. I suddenly realized that there was no one to knit the new baby a blanket and sweater using the pattern Mom used for every baby born from 1948 until the day she died.

EllaSweaterBlankie

I couldn’t stand the idea that my grandbaby would be denied a hand-knit lace blanket and newborn sweater. So I picked up the knitting needles again. And this time, for whatever reason, I found myself utterly lost in joy of knitting. I’ll be honest, when I knit I feel as if Mom is right there in the room with me, warming my heart with so many memories. And, of course, I now have a bunch of dear friends, all of whom are as addicted to yarn as I’ve become. I’ve come to see that knitting is a way to keep my restless hands busy. But it’s also a way connect to past and future generations of the mothers, sisters, and friends in our lives. Knitting, I’ve discovered, is a blessing.

Just recently, one of my readers contacted me, and knowing that I knit, she asked me if I would spread the word to my knitting friends about The Hatbox Foundation, Inc., a non-profit group that provides hand-made hats to patients undergoing chemotherapy. I was happy to spread the word, but I quickly decided that I could do more than that. So I’ve organized a cyber-knit along in support of this charity. I’m asking knitters and crocheters to make at least one hat this November and send it to me or directly to the Hatbox Foundation. The details of my knit along can be found here, and I invite any of you who knit to join with me. Knitting for others is one of the best thinks about this hobby.

Given all this backstory, no one should be surprised that I have included knitting in some of my books. My new book, Last Chance Knit and Stitch, which goes on sale tomorrow, is all about the yarn shop in the little town of Last Chance, South Carolina. It’s the story of Molly Canaday, a yarn whisperer, who happens to also be an auto mechanic. As much as Molly loves to knit, her dream is to start her own body shop where she can restore classic cars. But Molly’s mom, the proprietor of the yarn shop in town, throws a big monkey wrench into those plans. Mom runs away from her less-than-thrilling marriage and leaves Molly in charge of the shop. Enter the Purly Girls, a quirky group of charity knitters who are not about to let Molly permanently close the yarn shop.

And if dealing with a group of slightly senile knitters isn’t enough, Molly’s plans are also upset by the tall, dark, and handsome Simon Wolfe, who has just returned to Last Chance on the occasion of his father’s death. Simon wants to deal with the estate quickly and get back to his life as an artist in California. But his father’s estate is more complicated than he imagined. So he’s stuck in town for a while and takes a short-term lease on an abandoned building that would be perfect for studio space. Unfortunately, Molly had her eye on that same building for her car restoration business.

Of course the sparks fly — in more ways than one — when Molly and Simon butt heads over the real estate. Leading to the question: can two headstrong people, both of them commitment phobic, ever find happiness?

It was fun writing about a group of quirky charity knitters that wreak havoc on Molly’s life. I’m pleased that they also managed to teach Molly a few lessons along the way. Knitting will do that, you know.

So, are you addicted to a craft like knitting or scrapbooking or quilting? Tell me about it. And tell me about how you learned your craft and how doing it makes you feel. One lucky commenter on today’s blog will win a free, autographed copy of Last Chance Knit & Stitch.

Thank you, Hope, for joining us today! I am so glad you could join us to talk about Last Chance Knit & Stitch. I love having you around! 🙂

Readers, I’m adding to Hope’s giveaway a $10 Starbucks drink card, a digital copy of my new cowboy story, Take Me, Cowboy, and some treats and sweets. So comment below and you could win. The giveaway will run through Wednesday and we will announce the winner Thursday morning.

And don’t forget, you guys are amazing. Each and every one of you!

Have a wonderful week!

xoxox

The Year & A New Year

The Pieces We Keep

Prizes Galore! Celebrating Marietta’s 12 Days of Christmas!

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