Life is too short for ‘ifs’ and ‘buts’: it’s about grabbing it with two hands and making things happen! We hope you will find something to inspire you in the April LLm Bookshelf Newsletter.

The scent of spring is in the air! Life renews itself… so find a new YOU!

It all begins here with our guests:
author Steena Holmes

and book reviewer Kim Nash

plus some fab articles in our online emag – everything from sunning in the Algarve, purrfect cats, to Les Miserables:
Loveahappyending Lifestyle
- did you miss anything this month?

First, a huge welcome to author Steena Holmes! She currently lives in Calgary with her husband and three daughters and loves to wake up to the Rocky Mountains each morning.

What do you enjoy most, Steena, about being in touch with your readers?
I love getting to know them! I found once I changed my focus to my readers, everything changed for me in regards to how I write my stories. Knowing who my readers are and what they like/expect/want … its more important to me now that I’ve started to get to know some of them than it was before. Before, I wrote my stories for me, but now I’m consciously thinking about what my readers liked about my last book, the characters and what they didn’t like. Each email I receive, all the messages on facebook and twitter – they are more important to me now. What do I love most about being in touch with my readers? I think it’s getting to know about them – their lives, their passions, what drives them, who they are as a person.

Time management is a problem for everyone these days, what are your top tips?
Oh dear…time management is a problem for me as well Top tips – know what is important to you and learn to prioritize! I hear so much lately that social media is a huge time suck … and yet, its also a necessary part of an author’s life – if they want to stay in touch with their readers, find new readers etc. Instead of seeing it as the ‘big bad wolf’, I’ve learned to delegate time to social media. Another tip – make your time work for you, not the other way around. Again, it’s all about prioritization. Life is always going to throw curve balls at us, but if we are flexible and can learn to distinguish between our ‘wants vs needs’ then it won’t throw us off the course too much when something comes up and you either need that book completed earlier or anything else happens.

Thank you! And  those curve balls can be a nightmare… been there! Can you tell us a little bit about your latest novel?

Finding Emma…A mother’s near-obsessive devotion to her missing daughter threatens to destroy more than one family.

Megan is the harried but happy stay-at-home mother of three little girls living in a small town. Her life implodes when her youngest daughter, Emma, disappears on her third birthday.

Two years later, Megan is preparing to commemorate Emma’s birthday and the anniversary of her kidnapping, compelled to keep her name alive in the minds of her community and her family. Her commitment to Emma, however, borderlines on obsession as she follows the families of little girls who look like the daughter she lost.

Her obsession with finding Emma has distanced Megan from both friends and family. Her two older daughters are resentful of her relentless and fruitless search for their sister, and her husband pleads with her to accept that Emma is gone so that the family can move on with their lives.

Meanwhile, in the same small town, Jack is beginning to question his wife’s secrecy about their adored granddaughter, Emmie. As Dottie slips into dementia and becomes increasingly protective over Emmie, he can’t help but wonder if there could be a dark secret that Dottie is keeping from him.

Jack and Megan’s worlds finally intersect at the town carnival, when Megan snaps a photograph of a little girl on her grandfather’s shoulders.

Links: 

UK - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Finding-Emma-ebook/dp/B00A6BQ87W/ref=zg_bs_digital-text_6

US - Finding Emma: http://www.amazon.com/Finding-Emma-ebook/dp/B00A6BQ87W/

I’d love to connect with readers – visit me at www.facebook.com/steenaholmes.author or on my website:www.steenaholmes.com

I also managed to catch up with the fabulous Kim Nash, known to everyone as Kim The Bookworm. Kim has been reading and reviewing for a long time and her reviews are well-respected and sought out by authors and readers alike! I asked Kim about her non-bookish life.

Kim is a Sales & Marketing Manager for The Marketing Room (www.themarketingroom.co.uk) which is a full service marketing agency and also writes for Have A Lovely Time (www.havealovelytime.com) which is a family travel and review site.   Living near to Cannock Chase in Staffordshire, UK she loves to walk  in the gorgeous countryside and spending time with her son and best friend Oliver, as well as having her nose stuck in a book at every possibility, and reviewing and blogging about books of course at http://kimthebookworm.blogspot.co.uk. You can also find Kim on Twitter @KimTheBookworm.

Today Kim is talking about her review for Sue Fortin’s United State of Love:

“Set in the towns of Arundel and Chichester, Anna is a single mom and a tour guide who gets rescued by the gorgeous and hunky AmericanTex.  What she doesn’t realise is that he is the new owner of a disused church which is about to be turned into a pizza restaurant, much to her disgust. 

Anna’s really annoying ex-husband Mark, is currently sleeping on Anna’s sofa and is trying very hard to cause trouble between her and Tex and also between her and their teenage son. Anna doesn’t know which way to turn to make life easier and her feelings for Tex and her feelings for Mark are pushed to the limits in this exciting, romantic tale.   

I immediately disliked Anna’s back stabbing, jealous ex-husband and found myself getting really wound up by things he did to try to spoil her life while pretending he wants to get back with her.  Sue creates her characters beautifully, you either love them or hate them, I loved both Anna and Tex and would quite like Tex to have cooked me a romantic meal! 

Sue writes very descriptively, and her words flow really well with the book getting you interested from the very first few pages, leaving you constantly wondering what’s going to happen.  The twists and turns along the way, leave you guessing right till the very end, how the plot will turn out and whether she’ll get back with Mark or take a chance on a future with Tex.  And no – of course I’m not going to tell you!  You’ll just have to buy the book and find out for yourself.  

I thoroughly enjoyed reading United State of Love and will look forward to reading lots more from this budding new author.”  Visit Sue’s bookshelf page for more details.

Check out the April features you might have missed over at LLm:

Destinations you’ll love – a fabulous place to visit – The Algarve
Furage fun – cat lover alert!
Make the most of your garden - is it contented?
May Day traditions in Germany, what fun!
Have you seen Les Miserables? Stage v film?
In search of a happy ending – 5 Dumb reasons for getting married
The village green – rural life in the UK
Bookshelf reviews – discovering new authors, what do the reviewers recommend?
People with a passion – Donna Trinder talks about life with MS & blogging
Some great new books for your Kindle and bookshelf!

Some of the featured LLm articles April 2013

We hope you’ve enjoyed our April highlights – it’s been great fun chatting to both of our inspirational guests and we have lots more exciting news, features and articles lined-up for the summer! Thank you for dropping by and if you get a moment, let us know what you would like to see featured in the LLm emag.

Linn

The Bookshelf Newsletter Editor

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Goodbye Christmas rose…

…hello daffodils!

2013 continues with great excitement and lots happening to brighten those rainy, or snowy, days before spring finally brings us all some much needed sunshine!

In the spotlight today:

 Daniela Sacerdoti

Carol Wright from Dizzy C’s Little Book Blog

plus the latest Lifestyle news!

Welcome Daniela, it’s a great pleasure to have you here today! Our focus is supporting authors and celebrating those amazing book reviewers who do such a great job of spreading the word.

How Important is social media to you as an author?

Social media is very, very important, especially in building relationships with readers, bloggers and other authors. I’ve found Twitter the most useful because it is easy to set up and to comment on and can reach people quickly, but I don’t enjoy Facebook as I’ve had a few issues with it in the past. Still, I think any social media is good. I try to write at least one tweet every day, and sometimes I get caught up in conversation. It is addicting but essential!

Have other authors been supportive?

Other writers have been very supportive and generous. There are a lot of people out there who have offered kind words and have helped me find my way in the giant world of writing. By using social media like Twitter I’ve found some great friends and mentors, and their input and encouragement has been so great and means so much to me. I have really enjoyed getting to know people and to develop friendships with so many. I think connecting with other authors is helpful and insightful, and the fact that these people who you admire can become your friends is also incredible!

I think you have summed it up admirably when you say ‘the giant world of writing’ and, of course, things are changing very quickly in the publishing arena. It’s great to hear your thoughts and thank you for being candid. Now I HAVE to ask you about your latest novel, the cover is stunning!

WATCH OVER ME by Daniela Sacerdoti

“The strangest, most amazing day of my life, the day that changed my perception of life and death, started like any other. I woke up in a world I’ve always known, I went to sleep wrapped in a mystery.”

Watch Over Me was my first novel, and just recently it has been reprinted in pocket edition. It is a moving story about love and overcoming obstacles. The book focuses on Eilidh Lawson, a woman who has endured a lot in her life, and who has reached crisis point. She decides to flee from her past to a place where she was happy, the Scottish Highlands, her childhood home. There she reconnects with an old friend, Jamie McAnena, who is raising his young daughter, Maisie. Jamie and Eilidh are both dealing with different kinds of heartbreak, lost in their own worlds, but they are also connected, and soon a series of unexpected circumstances, along with a little help from beyond the grave, brings them together.

The book has done really well, especially in e-book, where it’s currently sold over 150,000 copies. I am so happy to see my first novel finding so many delightful readers. It means a lot to me and it’s also wonderful to see it in its new pocket edition.

You can find out more at: http://www.blackandwhitepublishing.com/index.php/books/view/watch_over_me1
Watch the original book trailer:
http://youtu.be/20L_moYbUsA
Bookseller feature http://www.thebookseller.com/news/black-white-publish-paperback-e-book-hit.html 
Follow Black and White Publishing:
Twitter: @bwpublishing
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Black-White-Publishing/35624882298?ref=hl

Introducing DizzyC – a Lifestyle reviewer

DizzyC, aka Carol, Mum or Mummy, is currently a Stay at Home Mum of 3 (not as glamorous as it sounds) living in Suffolk, East Anglia. She is a Townie but enjoys getting out and about in the countryside and down to the beach with the family. She loves to visit historical houses and estates, too.

DizzyC loves to read Historical Fiction/Romance, Chick-Lit, Chick-Lit 40+, and contemporary fiction.  She has been book blogging for over 2 years over at DizzyC’s Little Book Blog. It all began when she decided to join the wonderful book blogging community and share her love of books.

Carol has featured many published and self-published authors on her website and has a popular feature, W.I.P. Wednesday, where authors can connect with readers in between books. The busy blog also has a mix of reviews, giveaways, bookish news and family news.

As if that isn’t enough to keep Carol busy she can also be found tweeting and on her Facebook Blog page. DizzyC reviews:

Somebody to Love by Sheryl Browne

Sheryl Browne loves writing about men in uniform. She also loves writing about fur babies. In Somebody to Love she mixes the two perfectly. My thoughts on the novel….

Donna, hardworking single parent to Matt and her fur babies is still reeling from what her ex-husband did to her. Mark is also a single parent with an autistic son, Karl.

The two main characters’ paths cross quite often, even after their disastrous attempt at dating should see them go their separate ways. Several misunderstandings and some explosive situations follow, making this novel a real page-turner.

Sheryl Browne has written into this on/off romance some very moving scenes, not only for the main characters but those around them. She explore the subjects of getting old and autism with empathy.

This is one fiery read! Can I also recommend A Little Bit of Madness by Sheryl Browne

Website: http://dizzycslittlebookblog.blogspot.co.uk
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DizzyCLBB
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/DizzyCs-Little-Book-Blog/209614725766997

A HUGE ‘thank you’ to Daniela and Dizzy C for their interviews – two amazing ladies! As The Bookshelf heads into spring we are sporting a new header and our full line-up of authors, who will be keeping you up to date with all their news on a regular basis.

Over at our sister website,  Loveahappyending Lifestyle magazine,  it’s been a busy time with our members and guests talking about a wide range of topics – from a review of the film Life of Pi, smoothies to energise you, how to encourage your children to do more than play games online….’anyone for tennis’…check it out! Recent articles include:

Seasonal visitors to Vancouver Island – spring arrives!

Film Fatales review Life of Pi and Hitchcock

Launch of Escape to Love by Emma Calin

Love India… a fascinating place to visit

Encourage your children to be innovative online

Step into spring with some revitalising smoothies

In the coming weeks and months we will be bringing you more ‘guest author’ and ‘book reviewer’ interviews, plus the latest from LLm. So don’t forget to come back and visit very soon!

Linn

The Bookshelf Newsletter Editor

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Our logo has changed! Our sister website, Loveahappyending.com became Loveahappyending Lifestyle on 17 February 2013!

Loveahappyending began on 29 June 2011 as an author/reader project. After just over 18 months it was time to move on, many of the author members now had several published books and Lifestyle continues our group ethos of focussing on the good things in life!

Whilst it still brings you a wealth of wonderful new books by some amazing new authors, we realised that our group has a very diverse range of skills, professions and experience. Lifestyle is an online magazine and three times a year a free, downloadable version will be available!

We have also linked up with some wonderful ‘guests’ who will be adding to the wide range of topics the magazine will be featuring. Do drop by Loveahappyending Lifestyle and check out the amazing range of features and contributors from around the world! From film reviews, to relationship advice; holiday destinations, interior design ideas, tips on writing, recipes … something for everyone! This includes twice-monthly Bookshelf Reviews, where our Lifestyle associate reviewers will be giving you the low-down on some fabulous new novels.

Today I caught up with one reviewer who has been with Loveahappyending right from the start! So, let me introduce you to one amazingly busy lady!

“I am JB Johnston and I am a bookaholic! I have always had an addiction to books and once I began to review books that addiction spiralled out of control. JB Johnston is the name I write under and I like having a little bit of anonymity. I hope someday to find some talent and write something half decent myself. Until that time comes, I work full-time as a social worker and indulge my love of books by reviewing them on my blog Brook Cottage Books. I started the blog after I realised that my personal blog could simply not handle the amount of book requests I was receiving, and thus the new blog was born, covering book reviews, cover reveals, book tours and so much more!”

Thank you JB! We love your reviews and Brook Cottage Books is a really wonderful blog to visit. Always something new going on and a tribute to the many hours you spend developing it. It really does hit home that ‘reader power’ is real – you are helping the careers of so many new authors and it does make a difference!

JB and I have been talking the impact a review can have – and often reviewers have no idea because they don’t get feedback on a book-by-book basis. As a new writer myself, I know how hard it is to get noticed.  I thought it might be interesting to share with you what happened when JB posted a review about my latest novel, Never Alone, on her blog, read the full review here:  7 February, 2012 .

“Some of the situations Holly finds herself in are pretty spine-tingling and on occasion I could feel the hairs on the back of my neck prickle! This is a well-thought out and extremely clever plot with a twist that the reader will not expect! A perfect read for those dark winter nights! For those interested in the paranormal this is the book for you. Whilst the subject matter focuses on psychic abilities, it is a story of mysteries and twists and turns that leaves the reader fearful for Holly and desperate to find out where her life is going!  It’s a book that’s hard to put down. Written from Holly’s viewpoint, it offers an interesting take on the ethical difficulties faced by those with a ‘gift.’ It is a book that won’t disappoint!”

Never Alone launched on 16 January 2013, and began a virtual tour with the fabulous Fiction Addiction Book Tours. 

 The two days following JB’s review going live, sales of Never Alone reached its highest level since the launch. For a new author that is the shot in the arm that keeps us going and can make the difference between being able to write the next book, or giving up. It can take years to establish oneself and gain a following, so when we say ‘reader power is real’ – we MEAN it!

Find JB’s blog: www.brookcottagebooks.blogspot.com and follow her on:

Twitter: @BrookCottageBks

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brookcottagebooks

So who are the contributors to Loveahappyending Lifestyle?

Adam Hornyak

Anneli Purchase

Bonnie Trachtenberg

Caroline James

Elizabeth Cassidy

Emma Calin

Harvey Black

Janice Horton

Kenneth Rosenberg

Kim Nash

Kit Domino

Linn B Halton

Mandy Baggot

Mark Hulkus

Melanie Robertson-King

Miriam Wakerly

Nicky Wells

Nicole Dauenhauer

Patricia Sands

Sheryl Browne

Stephanie Keyes

Sue Fortin

Sue Moorcroft

Lifestyle will shortly be running an article on Lifestyle reviewers and introducing you to the people who really are the focus of The Bookshelf Reviews, co-ordinated by author Janice Horton aka ‘Scottish fiction with humour and heart’.

Until next month, when I will be bringing you an interview with a guest author, another ‘in the spotlight review’ and all the latest news – which will include some new faces appearing on The Bookshelf pages! Hope to see you then.

Linn

The Bookshelf Newsletter Editor

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Today we have a guest interview with author Dana Mason and would like to introduce a reviewer who is joining us for the first time…

First, a big welcome to The Bookshelf, Dana Mason! It’s great to have you here!

Authors are very generous sharing information and supporting each other. How important do you think this is, especially to a new author still celebrating the release of her debut novel?

It’s huge, and it’s also the reason I didn’t give up on my dream. The support of other authors and the writing community at large is so inspiring. There are some stinkers out there, but the majority of other writers will support you and help you on the journey. I’m a member of a few groups and the support they give, and the advice, is priceless.

As a newly signed author with Sapphire Star Publishing, what one piece of advice would you give to a new writer?

Follow the advice of more experience authors—but also follow your instincts.

I’ve spent a lot of time second guessing myself. I’m slowly learning to relax and follow my instincts and stop questioning everything I write.

Can you tell us a little bit about your wonderful debut novel, Dangerous Embrace?

Sarah Jennings wants nothing more than a quiet life—alone.

Raised by an eccentric mother, their life on the road only taught her how to run away from hard times. But when she finds herself in an abusive relationship, this lesson serves her well.

Now, back in her hometown, she’s found a place she loves. She’s a first grade teacher, and with few friends and less family around, she has what she wants, a quiet life under the radar where she can be free of her past and live quietly. Finally comfortable in her own skin, she’s settled, and less fearful than she’s ever been in her life.

But it only takes one night and one act of violence for everything to change. Injured and afraid, Sarah wants to run again, but Mark Summors refuses to let her go.

Just when Sarah thinks she can have Mark and the life he promises, her past comes back to haunt her.

Mark Summors was born and raised in Santa Rosa. He married his high school sweetheart and never questioned his life, until he found his wife with another man.

Now divorced, he wants something more. He’s passionate about his job, he wants to protect people, and he devotes his life to it.

This time he’s protecting more than just another client, he’s protecting his future; at least, Sarah Jennings will be his future, once he convinces her she loves him.

Find out more about Dana:

Website Facebook Twitter To buy

Book reviewers and bloggers are insatiable readers – and their reviews can really help raise the profile of a new author! Today we are thrilled to introduce Heidi, from:

www.cosmochicklitan.wordpress.com

“This was the first time I read a book written by Mandy Baggot and it will definitely not be the last!

Taking Charge is all about Robyn Matthers, a girl who seems so sweet and innocent when the reader first gets to know her, but who is battling with so many hidden secrets from her past. Robyn is forced to re-visit this past when her father becomes ill. She leaves England to go back to her father and her hometown in Michigan to take charge of her father’s roadhouse and the local ice hockey team. At the airport she meets Cole Ryan, her knight in shining armour (quite literally when he is all kitted up in his ice hockey outfit J). Just like Robyn, Cole is battling with demons from his past. Will they both be finally able to put all this behind them and find true happiness?

I absolutely loved the storyline and Mandy’s descriptive writing style. From the first page onwards I took an immediate liking to the main female character Robyn. She is portrayed so sweetly and bubbly that it makes it child’s play for the reader to identify with this character. In fact, all characters have a truly loveable and endearing side to them (well, apart from the less pleasant ones, but I don’t want to give any spoilers away). Some of the paragraphs are written from Cole’s point of view which I really liked as it let the reader in on his feelings and emotions.

As a huge ice hockey fan, I especially loved all the paragraphs describing the Panthers (the local ice hockey team that Robyn is temporarily managing) matches. Mandy’s fluent writing style made me feel as if I was in the arena myself. I nearly started jumping up and down when the first goal was scored J. I really like the fact, that Mandy included a list of explanatory terms for readers who are not familiar with ice hockey rules, in the beginning of the book.

I can highly recommend this read. It only took me a couple of days to finish it – such an amazing, heart-felt and addictive storyline! I cannot wait to read Mandy Baggot’s other books.”

My rating: 5 out of 5

Congrats Mandy and fantastic review Heidi – welcome aboard!

Follow Heidi’s reviews on www.cosmochicklitan.wordpress.com and catch her on Twitter – @Cosmochicklitan.

Linn

The Bookshelf Newsletter Editor

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 Festive cheer to one and all! The tree is trimmed, the presents are wrapped and the holidays are nearly here!

What’s new on the Loveahappyending Bookshelf? Well, Mandy Baggot has a new Christmas release Public Property – get your copy now!

Sapphire Star Publishing have some great Christmas competitions running – check out their website for details http://www.sapphirestarpublishing.com/

Today we have a guest author interview and a chat with Lindsay Healy, a great blogger and book reviewer – let’s see what they had to say!

We talked to author Susan Buchanan and here’s the interview:

Welcome Susan, you’ve had a busy year so far! Your second novel, The Dating Game, was released on 2nd Nov 2012 and we hear you are working on your third novel, due for release Spring 2013.

Authors need readers, but they also need other authors – on The Bookshelf our authors and publishers work together, how do you rate fellow author support?

My main source of author support has been via Twitter and quite frankly it has been overwhelming. However, I am a great believer in you get out what you put in. This was borne out when I launched The Dating Game and asked 45 authors to donate ecopies of their books for my launch. They were more than happy to help.

We so agree with you there, team working gets results! Can you tell us a little about The Dating Game?

Workaholic recruitment consultant, Gill McFadden, is sick of her friends trying to match-make for her. Up until now her love life has been a disaster and she’s going through a drier spell than the Sahara desert.

She realises she has to act, as work keeps piling up and at this rate she will have retired before she has time for a relationship.

Seeing an ad on a bus one day, she decides to visit Happy Ever After dating agency. She quickly discovers men are like buses. They all come along at once. Unsure what her type is, Gill decides to keep her options open. Soon she has problems juggling her social life as well as her work diary. Will she ever strike the right balance?

Before long she is experiencing laughs, lust and… could it be love? But like everything in Gill’s life, nothing is straightforward and she ends up wondering exactly who she can trust.”

Find out more about Susan and her books (Sign of the Times and The Dating Game):

Twitter @susan_buchanan
Facebook – www.facebook.com/susan.buchanan.author
Blog – www.susancbuchanan.blogspot.co.uk
Buy links:
The Dating Game http://amzn.to/RuSl7Y (UK) http://amzn.to/WZQtZK (US)
Sign of The Times http://amzn.to/GKqZGd (UK) & http://amzn.to/IYN0Fc (US)

Thank you Susan, we’ll be watching out for your new book in the Spring of 2013!

I popped in to see Lindsay Healy – guess where I found her? In The Littlereader Library … and she told me all about Carol E Wyer’s Mini Skirts and Laughter Lines…

“What a fun book Linn! This novel genuinely did have me laughing out loud numerous times. Some of the situations and some of the conversations really ring true, and made me chuckle. I really enjoyed it as a light read with some very fitting observations about modern life.

Written as a blog, with posts in chronological order, and with comments from fellow bloggers at the end of the posts. This is thus written in a chatty style, as would befit a diary style blog.

It’s a lovely, genuinely funny modern read of contemporary women’s fiction, this is an easy read that you could happily sit back with and pass a few hours in light hearted pleasure. I am looking forward to reading Surfing in Stilettos which is the new book from this author and which features Amanda and Phil once again.”

Thank you Lindsay for a superb review – check out the full post on Lindsay’s blog and find out all about Carol E Wyer on her publisher and author page on The Bookshelf!

That just leaves me to wish you all a wonderful break, the happiest of holidays and the very best for 2013!

Linn

The Bookshelf Newsletter Editor

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News, reviews and interviewing some lovely authors – we’re kicking off The Bookshelf Newsletter in style!

First I caught up with the fabulous Talli Roland after her recent launch of The Pollyanna Plan – which is out now!

Thanks for join us Talli now you have a moment to breathe! What do you think of this new idea?

I think The Bookshelf is a great idea! Anything that provides readers with a selection of books priced reasonably is worth its weight in gold, as far as I’m concerned! There are so many novels to choose from these days that a ready-made list is invaluable.

You are an icon and we love your books. How important do you think it is though, for authors to support each other?

I can’t say enough how important I think this is, and how much I value my fellow authors’ support and advice. I’ve learned so much from generous writers and I try to share the small amount I’ve learned, too. But beyond sharing tactics and strategies, I value other authors’ emotional support tremendously. Only writers can understand how difficult it is to put your work out there to be judged. Without my author friends, I’d probably be having daily nervous breakdowns!

Can I ask for your Top Tip for new writers?

Just keep writing! Learn about structure, outlining, and the nitty-gritty, sure, but don’t stop writing. Persistence is the key not only to getting better but also to creating something you’re happy with in the end.

OK, so I just HAVE to ask you about your newest, book which is hot off the press!

The Pollyanna Plan:

Thirty-something Emma Beckett has always looked down on ‘the glass is half full’ optimists, believing it’s better to be realistic than delusional. But when she loses her high-powered job and fiancé in the same week, even Emma has difficulty keeping calm and carrying on. With her world spinning out of control and bolstered by a challenge from her best friend, Emma makes a radical decision. From here on in, she’ll behave like Pollyanna: attempting to always see the upside, no matter how dire the situation.

Can adopting a positive attitude give Emma the courage to build a new life, or is finding the good in everything a very bad idea?

About Talli:

Talli Roland writes fun, romantic fiction. Born and raised in Canada, Talli now lives in London, where she savours the great cultural life (coffee and wine). Despite training as a journalist, Talli soon found she preferred making up her own stories – complete with happy endings. Twice shortlisted for the UK’s Festival of Romance, Talli’s novels have also been chosen as Amazon Customer Favourites and top books of the year by industry review websites. She’s a bestseller in Britain and the United States. To learn more Talli, go to her website, follow her on Twitter, or check out her blog.

Thank you Talli, thank you so much for featuring in our first Newsletter! And wishing you every success with The Polyanna Plan! Buy your copy now

Amazon.com for $2.99 and Amazon UK for £1.53

I am also delighted to introduce blogger and fabulous book review Anne Cater, joining us as a Bookshelf reviewer!

Check out Anne’s first review for The Bookshelf, Kit Domino’s Every Step of the Way, on her website:

Random Things Through My Letterbox

What did Anne have to say?

I was very impressed by the quality of the writing, the descriptions of murky London transport the reader back into the midst of the smog. Each of the characters were well-rounded, realistic and likeable, especially the heroine Beth, who with her forward-thinking ways really makes the reader stop and think about how much women today owe to those who fought the equality cause all those years ago.

This is a historical family drama done very well. The ending is left wide open for a sequel and I’d like to think that Kit Domino will let her readers know what happens next for Beth.

Gainsborough, Lincolnshire, United Kingdom

Anne lives in Gainsborough, in the UK. When she was a small child at primary school she ordered a book called ‘Free Stuff for Kids’, and that’s when her obsession with receiving things through the post began. Now in her 40s, she still receives random items on a weekly basis. Books, hair dye, loaves of bread, stop-snoring devices are just a few of the delights she’s opened recently. You can find her on Twitter @annecater or via anne.lcdp@hotmail.co.uk.

We will be posting other reviews by Anne on The Bookshelf novels in forthcoming Newsletters – so watch out for those!

If you would like to review an ecopy of any of the books on our carousel, please get in touch: loveahappyending.com@gmail.com

Thank you for joining us today and a huge thank you to our two lovely guests, Talli Roland and Anne Cater!

Linn

The Bookshelf Newsletter Editor

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