End of Summer Bash: Welcome Leanna Ellis!

Leanna Ellis is talented at writing unique and engaging stories, and her latest book, Plain Fear: Forsaken, is no exception! I had the pleasure of reviewing this book a couple of months ago. If you missed my review, you can read it HERE.

And now, let's welcome Leanna Ellis!

Amber: Thank you so much for joining us today! Could you share with us one of your favorite memories from this past summer?

Leanna: Hi, Amber! Thanks so much for having me here today! Boy has it been a busy summer! I’m glad an end is in sight even though it’s been a lot of fun.

My son was busy during the first half with fencing, having two-a-days all June, as he was getting ready for Nationals. My daughter was in a camp with Dallas Summer Musicals, performing parts of Newsies, and playing the part of Jack.

At the end of June, it was time for me to head to New York for RWA (Romance Writers of America) where I was speaking with my friends Shelley Shepard Gray and Heather Webber. I took my daughter this year so she could get a taste of Broadway. What fun we had seeing Sutton Foster in Anything Goes, and then we had a great time at Mary Poppins! It was a short trip but packed with fun! I had one day at home then I flew to Reno with my son for USFA’s Summer Nationals. He did really well and came in 15th in his event. Then we hit a little snag with our return flight and ended up having to stay a couple of extra days.

Meanwhile, my daughter had started a summer camp where she was playing Jennyanydots in CATS. So as soon as we returned from Reno I jumped back into my role as Taxi driver. Wish I could charge the prices of a driver in NY! It was one busy summer but I’m glad it’s starting to cool off. These triple digit days in Texas are tough. I’m ready to settle in for the final editing of my manuscript so I can get it off to my publisher.

Amber: Wow! Sounds like a crazy (but fun!) summer!

If you could choose one of the characters from your latest novel to join you for an “end-of-summer” party, who would you want to celebrate with in person and where would you go?

Leanna: It would probably not be Akiva. LOL! Although I do find him very interesting. I would probably choose Levi and Roc. Levi would probably choose a family gathering with food involved. And if you haven’t had a taste of Amish cooking, then you are missing out! Roc on the other hand might choose something very adventurous, like chasing vampires or a bonfire.

Amber: Hahaha, yes - maybe not Akiva... ;)

Please tell us about your latest release. If you could share a scene from the book to whet our appetites, that would be fabulous!

Leanna: Plain Fear: Forsaken just came out August 1st. It’s my Amish/vampire story. I am incredibly excited about its release. Hannah Schmidt, a young Amish woman mourning the mysterious death of her beloved Jacob, must decide between two brothers, between good and evil. When she learns her first love is now the vampire Akiva, she must forsake him and cling to a new love, a lasting love, one that will save her soul.

There is a scene on my book page on my website. You can download it HERE.

Book Trailer:

Amber: What do you look forward to most about the coming autumn season?

Leanna: Cooler weather! Really, it’s incredibly hot here and I’m starting to melt. Or have a meltdown. I need fall’s cool breezes. Besides autumn is my favorite time of the year. The leaves start changing, the temperature cools, and there are so many fun activities—football (my husband says!), my birthday, Halloween, Thanksgiving, shopping and decorating for Christmas, and of course all of my kids’ activities like fencing tournaments and shows.

Amber: I love autumn, too! So glad you could visit with us today, Leanna!

Readers, Leanna has generously agreed to give away a copy of Plain Fear: Forsaken to one lucky winner! So if you'd like a chance to win, just leave a comment with your e-mail address. All winners this week will be announced on Saturday, August 27th.

*This drawing is open to U.S. residents only.*

Tomorrow's guest is MaryLu Tyndall, so be sure to stop by!