Huzzah for Sweater Weather! (A Tag)

It's been a while since I've done a non-bookish sort of post. :) The fab Grace of Fictionally tagged me a while back for the Sweater Weather tag, so I'm finally responding. (Thank you, Grace!)

Who else is excited for sweater weather?? If only autumn wasn't slipping away so quickly...

Favorite candle scent

Hmmm. I like cinnamon and other holiday scents. (Not terribly big on pumpkin, though.) I also really like my Sundrenched Vineyard candle from Bath & Body Works. (It looks like this, but it's a bit bigger and has a bit of a different design. I just love these jar candles! I'm not sure if I love it so much because of the yummy scent or the adorable presentation. Both?)

Coffee, tea, or hot chocolate?

Most definitely hot chocolate! Although peppermint tea is nice when I'm in the mood for it. 

What's the best fall memory you have?

It's more like a bunch of little memories I hold dear. Years of watching Disney's animated The Legend of Sleepy Hollow with my family... Showing off my Halloween costume to my grandparents... Drinking the world's best apple cider at the Apple Harvest Festival... Enjoying the beautiful, haunting sight and sound of stalks of corn swaying in the wind while wandering through a maze... Listening to a bluegrass band play at a farm decked out for the harvest... Watching my mom carve the cutest pumpkin faces... Munching on salty roasted pumpkin seeds... Seeing Ashland, Oregon drenched in golden sunlight and dripping with autumn colors.  

In fact, I got to go back to Ashland just a week ago (the last time I went was with my Shakespeare college class). I went with my friend and her husband, and we had an absolute blast! The presentation of Much Ado About Nothing was hilarious and intriguing and beautiful! And while it wasn't quite as sunny and warm as my previous visit, we did get to enjoy the fall colors...

Best fragrance for fall

The scent of my mom's apple dumplings baking in the oven.

Favorite Thanksgiving food

Turkey and homemade biscuits. Mmm!

Most worn sweater

Probably one of my school hoodies. My baggy purple Corban sweater is comfy. :) Although, I also have a little black sweater that I wear all the time, no matter the season. It's a nice, light sweater, and black goes with anything!

Football games or jumping in leaf piles?

Give me a pile of leaves over football any day! (Sorry, Duck fans of Oregon. It's just not my thing!) I love the crunch of leaves and the way the little joys of autumn can bring out the kids in all of us. (Just remember Linus's advice: "Never jump into a pile of leaves with a wet sucker.")

Skinny jeans or leggings?

Jeggings! That's not cheating, right? I'll admit, I was skeptical at first, but the jeggings I've bought at Maurice's are pretty awesome. :)

Combat boots or Uggs?

I guess Uggs. Unless I can choose a third option: cute heeled boots.

Is pumpkin spice worth the hype?

I wouldn't really know. *shrugs* I haven't had pumpkin spice anything. Pumpkin = not my fave.

Favorite fall TV show

Not sure if these count, but we like to watch these shows every year: The Legend of Sleepy Hollow (Disney); It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown; Scared Shrekless. All classics!

What do you want to be for Halloween?

Well, I found my prom dress, so I think I'm going to dress up as Cinderella for the harvest party. I mean, just look at how blue and poufy and Cinderella-like it is!

And I can't resist the opportunity to actually wear it again. ;)

Hats or scarves?

Scarves. One of my coworkers taught me a couple of ways to wear a scarf, so now I'm not so unsure of them, haha. And I've added a ton to my collection over the past year!

What's your #1 favorite thing about fall?

I love the symbolism of the season - the letting go that is all at once freeing and beautiful and melancholy. It's that indescribable something that makes autumn a time of long nights, thought-provoking sights, and harvest joys. 

* * *

Your turn! I'm tagging Courtney at The Green Mockingbird, Meghan at A Northern Belle, and Kara at Flowers of Quiet Happiness - but I'd love to hear everyone's autumn preferences in the comments section. :) "Happy fall,  y'all!"

While You're Awake Release Day!

It's here! *throws flower-shaped confetti and sets out a plate of baklava drizzled with honey*

I'm thrilled to introduce to you my new contemporary novelette, While You're Awake. Read on to learn more about the book and find out what prizes are up for grabs in the celebratory giveaway...

Sweet New Adult Contemporary Romance Novelette

There’s no rest for the fearful.

Ava always knew the bees would come. Just when she’s settled into a place of her own, freelance editing and savoring her independence, her rental house is invaded by a swarm of honey bees. And with their arrival, her lifelong fear morphs into a full-fledged panic that steals her sleep—and her peace of mind.

Keegan knows all about fear. When he meets Ava at the coffee shop where he works, he can’t help but come to her rescue. Together with his German shepherds, Sun and Moon, he sets out to break the “curse” that hovers over Tired Girl. But is it possible to conquer nightmares and live a dream while you're awake?

This sweet novelette is a contemporary re-imagining of the Sleeping Beauty fairy tale that sheds light on the worries that bind us and the love that leads to peace.

Now available for $.99!

(Don't have a Kindle? No problem! You can download the free app for your computer or other device.)

Giveaway!

Enter to win a little something sweet from Ava, Keegan, and the author (that's me)! One winner will receive a lovely yellow and gold flower necklace & earrings set from Baubles, Beads and Stuff; a $10 Starbucks gift card (delivered electronically); and a Kindle copy of While You’re Awake (can be gifted to a friend, if desired!). Open to US residents only due to shipping costs.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
P.S. Want to see more pictures of the jewelry prize and check out the details of the lovely pieces? Click HERE to see the reserved listing on Etsy!

P.P.S. Baubles, Beads and Stuff is a brand-new Etsy shop run by a dear blogging friend of mine, Rissi of Dreaming Under the Same Moon. Won't you join me in congratulating her on the opening of her shop? :) And please do browse all the pretties!

Fun Extras!

Found on Pinterest

• I love this picture (above) for Keegan and Ava! From a quick Google search, it appears that these actors are from the show Under the Dome. Not really my cup of tea. ;) But I like the pic!

• You can find more character look-alikes, quotes, Sleeping Beauty pictures, and random information about honey bees on the While You're Awake Pinterest board.

• I think this song is fitting for Ava and Keegan's story. :) Plus, it's Owl City - you really can't go wrong listening to an Owl City song, in my opinion! (Can you tell I'm a fan?)

• You can hear the rest of the "soundtrack" I picked out for the story on the While You're Awake "Soundtrack" board.

• And if you would like to try my other new adult contemporary romance novella, it's FREE for Kindle today and tomorrow (October 20-21)! You can get How a Star Falls HERE.

Thank you so much for stopping by to help me celebrate this day! And many thanks to my street team (AKA the Gems) for helping to spread the word on their blogs, as well. ((Hugs))

I didn't set up any author interviews for this release, but if you have any questions you want to ask about this story, the characters, my writing process, etc., please leave a comment. :) And help yourself to another piece of baklava and a big cup of mochaccino!

Blog Tour: The Sound of Silver

Isn't it wonderful to see dreams unfolding all around you?

My blogger friend and proofreader, Rachelle Rea, has been hard at work these past months, polishing up the gems of her debut historical romance trilogy, Steadfast Love. And now Book 2, The Sound of Silver, is being presented to the world in all its loveliness! It's a pleasure to help her celebrate this release (as well as the beautiful cover reveal for Book 3 a few days ago).

Check it out!

About the Book

The stalwart saint, fighting for faith… the redeemed rebel, fighting for honor.

 After Dirk rescues Gwyneth from the Iconoclastic Fury, she discovers that faith is sometimes fragile—and hope is not as easy as it may seem. Gwyneth continues her quest to learn more about the love of God preached by Protestants she once distrusted.

Meanwhile, Dirk’s quest is to prevent his sullied name from staining hers. Will his choice to protect her prove the undoing of her first faltering steps toward a Father God? Once separated, will Dirk and Gwyneth’s searching hearts ever sing the same song?

Available now!
Order on Amazon | Add to Goodreads

My Thoughts

It's refreshing to experience such an epic love as Dirk and Gwyn's, spanning the length of a trilogy filled with hardships and obstacles and complex emotions. There's something very authentic about a romance that grows and matures beyond the first happily-ever-after ending.

I had the privilege of revisiting these beloved characters first introduced in The Sound of Diamonds through reading and critiquing an early version of The Sound of Silver, and once again I was impressed by the unique themes and circumstances, as well as the likability of the characters, despite their stubborn natures and mistakes.

In this second installment of Rachelle's poignant historical romance series, Dirk, Gwyn, and their friends and loved ones must face threats from the past and from within their own uncertain hearts. It's a dramatic continuation of the story and a great set-up for all that is to come in the last chapter of the series.

Silver doesn't sparkle in quite the same way as Diamonds did with its many adventures and dangers and fledgling relationships. Silver is more of a solid setting in which Diamonds (as the beginning) and Emeralds (as the end) shine even brighter; it provides the testing and bonding in-between story that explores fears, betrayal, and doubts.

While I haven't fully re-read the final version of Silver yet, glancing through the pages reminded me of the tenderness of the love story and showed me that the story has been strengthened even more since I first saw it. I definitely recommend experiencing the inspiring journey from start to finish - and luckily, that finish is only a few short months away (February 2016)!

Learn more about the Steadfast Love series.

About the Author

Rachelle Rea plots her novels while driving around the little town she’s lived in all her life in her dream car, a pick-up truck. An Oreo addict, she is also a homeschool graduate and retired gymnast. She wrote The Sound of Emeralds (the final book in the Steadfast Love series) during her senior year of college.

Find Rachelle online:
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Cover Reveal: The Sound of Emeralds

It's so crazy (crazy awesome) that today is the cover reveal for Rachelle Rea's third novel, the conclusion to her Steadfast Love series. How did that happen already?? It is with great pleasure that I introduce to you the cover of The Sound of Emeralds...

My Thoughts on the Cover

Gwyn is looking gorgeous in green! ;) (I love alliteration, hehe.) But seriously, Rachelle said it well on her blog, about the wistful expression on the model's face. There's definitely a tinge of melancholy and nostalgia to this cover, But there's also a lot of hope, with the bright color (the color of growth and new life), the sun shining warm on Gwyn's face, and the promise of home awaiting. Which emotions will win? Will Gwyn choose to embrace the hope around her? (Trust me, historical romance fans will want to give this one a read!)

About the Book

What once was blazing hatred has turned to lasting love, but could the union of a wild heart with that of a lady ever result in more than heartache?

With the help of an old friend with uncertain loyalties, Dirk inches ever closer to clearing his name. Gwyneth throws her faith into good tidings and the promise of a future as a family. But an old evil comes to call, just as tragedy rips apart a fledgling truce. Enemies from the past and grief for the future threaten to tear asunder what God had brought together…

As the date of Dirk’s trial approaches, his fate and his family hang in the balance. Will he be proven innocent of Gwyneth’s parents’ murders—or separated from her forever? How much pain does it take to erode a love steadfast?

Releases February 15, 2016!

Pre-order on Amazon | Add to Goodreads

Learn more about the Steadfast Love series.

About the Author

Rachelle Rea plots her novels while driving around the little town she’s lived in all her life in her dream car, a pick-up truck. An Oreo addict, she is also a homeschool graduate and retired gymnast. She wrote The Sound of Emeralds during her senior year of college.

Find Rachelle online:
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

My Review of Love in the Details

About the Book

A November Wedding

She left him to save his future, but they’ve never gotten over each other.

When Josh returns to his hometown of Martinsburg, Texas, to help his best friend get married, he didn’t intend to run into church wedding coordinator—and ex-girlfriend—Holly. He can’t help but pine after the girl he never got over.

Holly broke up with Josh years ago in an attempt to ensure his future success. But she loved him then and still loves him now. As she helps him plan his best friend’s wedding, she can’t help but feel horrible for the pain she caused him. And even though she longs to be with Josh, she doesn’t feel worthy of his big-time lifestyle when she is more comfortable in her small town world. Will Josh and Holly be able to keep things as they are when their true feelings threaten to surface at every turn?

Learn More and Purchase | Add to Goodreads

My Rating

Spring/Summer

My Review

There's nothing sweeter than reading about a cute couple. Except maybe reading about a cute couple who are sweet, wonderful individuals on their own!

Love in the Details is a fun and tender story about first love for the second time, and the fears that can hold us back from running after our second chances. I really enjoyed watching Holly and Josh find ways to spend time together even while battling reasons why they shouldn't get their hopes up. There's a magnetism in their relationship that makes for a lovely romance.

And while the romance itself is precious, so are Holly and Josh's personalities. We get occasional glimpses into the young-and-in-love versions of themselves, but I loved learning about the mature adults they have become and the life journeys they find themselves on. While they battle with things like discontentment and writer's block (and obsessively checking the phone for texts or phone calls), they also work hard, follow their passions, and help others in generous ways.

There aren't any big "fireworks" moments of suspense or drama, but there's a great balance of everyday authenticity, frustrating misunderstandings, and joyous revelations and occasions. The cast of secondary characters rounds out this delightful little story of a small-town reunion full of big-time love.

*With thanks to NetGalley and the author for providing me with a temporary e-ARC of the book in exchange for my review.*

If you loved Becky Wade's Love in the Details...

you're really going to love the Porters!

Read my reviews of the first three books in The Porter Family series:

Undeniably Yours | Meant to Be Mine (♥) | A Love Like Ours

Honey Bees, Coffee, and an Unexpected Angel... (Cover Reveal of My New Novelette!)

Couple covers are such fun! And I'm so excited to share my second "couple cover" with you today. :) This is for my next release: a novelette titled While You're Awake. (You might have heard of it by its first title, Sting Me to Sleep. Once again, I have been saved from an unromantic title. Gotta appreciate honest feedback!)

While Your'e Awake is about a freelance editor whose rental home is invaded by honey bees. Too afraid to bother her acquaintances and ask for help, but also too afraid to sleep, her panic and insomnia grow exponentially. And then she visits Coffee by Angels, a local coffee shop, and meets someone who sees her fear and can't help but get involved...

A Cover Story

My dear friend and awesome cover designer, Lena Goldfinch, works with me via Pinterest's secret boards to find the right images for my covers. For this design process, I began with pinning some contemporary covers I liked that conveyed a similar mood to this story. I threw in a few bee covers, because honey bees play a large role in the story. (But, as you can see, no bees ended up on the cover. I guess the main characters and the romance play an even larger role than the bees. ;))

Then came the model pictures from the stock image site, Dreamstime. I think the final couple we decided on was actually the first one I posted. There was something about the atmosphere of their shots that resonated. That, and I just love the female model for my heroine! We did look at some other images, though - a lot of really cute outdoor couple scenes.

Lena created two comps with the couple we both liked...and we found pros and cons for each. So I turned to my e-newsletter subscribers for help. :) These are the two cover comps (with watermarks) that they chose between:

While there were a good number of votes for Cover 1, you probably know which one was the winner! (And I confess I was quite pleased. There were some elements in Cover 2 that I wanted to incorporate in the book. I love tying a cover and story together!)

So there you go! This cover came together quickly (because Lena's fab like that!), but this cover story is extra special because my readers joined the process. :)

(If you'd like to subscribe to my author e-newsletter, you can sign up HERE.)

About the Book

Sweet New Adult Contemporary Romance Novelette

There's no rest for the fearful.

Ava always knew the bees would come. Just when she's settled into a place of her own, freelance editing and savoring her independence, her rental house is invaded by a swarm of honey bees. And with their arrival, her lifelong fear morphs into a full-fledged panic that steals her sleep—and her peace of mind.

Keegan knows all about fear. When he meets Ava at the coffee shop where he works, he can't help but come to her rescue. Together with his German shepherds, Sun and Moon, he sets out to break the "curse" that hovers over Tired Girl. But is it possible to conquer nightmares and live a dream while you're awake?

This sweet novelette is a contemporary re-imagining of the Sleeping Beauty fairy tale that sheds light on the worries that bind us and the love that leads to peace.

Pre-order for $.99! 

(Releases October 20th)

Add to Goodreads

How Do You Inspire Others? (A Quiz)

Are you Sleeping Beauty, a barista, or an angel? This fun and quirky personality quiz takes some of the personality types from While You’re Awake and offers you a chance to discover how you inspire others. Hopefully you’ll be encouraged to keep being awesome, wonderful you!

*Disclaimer: This is just a for-fun quiz. The results are designed to encourage but not to diagnose! ;)

Cover Reveal Participants

It wasn't just the cover... This whole campaign came together rather quickly! So I'm so very grateful to my "Gems" for being willing to jump on board and help spread the word through participating in today's cover reveal and some release-day fun on October 20th. :)

If you'd like to join my street team, Amber's Gems, you can sign up HERE. And feel free to send me an email at amberstokes@corban.edu if you'd like to review While You're Awake this month!

Here's a list of the lovely gems participating in the cover reveal:

• Alyssa at 1 Six 1 Five
• Carissa at Carissa's Bookshelf
• Melanie at Christian Bookshelf Reviews
• Meagan at Crumpets 'n' Cream
• Rissi at Dreaming Under the Same Moon
• Courtney at The Green Mockingbird
• Amanda at Inklings and Notions
• Rachelle at Inspiring Daring
• Julie at My Favorite Pastime
• Meghan at A Northern Belle
• Sonja at Sunnie Reviews
• Jansina at Rivershore Books
• Faith at Writing, Ramblings, and Reflections

I know I usually do a giveaway with my cover reveals, but since release-day is only two weeks away, I thought I'd save the giveaway for then. It's going to be sweet, though, IMHO. ;) 

Tell me, do you think we picked the right cover/couple? And are you Sleeping Beauty, a barista, or an angel? :)

Book Spotlight: The Sunken Realm

Guys, The Sunken Realm is here!! The long-awaited sequel to The Seahorse Legacy and the fourth installment in the Eyes of E'veria fantasy series! (Here are my reviews of the first three books: The Ryn, The Remedy, The Seahorse Legacy)

Such an exciting time. :)

Learn more about the book and author below...

About the Book

She is an outcast among knights 

Her reputation in ruins, her knighthood revoked, and her future bleak, Erielle de Gladiel would have welcomed death as her due. Captured by pirates, she was beaten, whipped, branded a thief—and worse—and then set adrift to die. She did not expect—or even want—to be rescued. Especially not by the dashing blasted pirate now calling himself her husband.

He is the King of Pirates 

His oath satisfied and his Legacy secured, Cazien vows vengeance on all who harmed Erielle. But before he can hunt them down, a strange visitor appears with an urgent message—a message that aligns with prophecy Erielle has written in her sleep: The Seahorse Pirates must reach Nirista before the famed Tournament of the Twelve . . . or hundreds of stolen children will die. 

Together, they are relentless 

With the fate of many resting upon them, Cazien and Erielle sail to Nirista. Once there, they are forced to follow separate paths to achieve their aims. Treacheries are uncovered and allies are gained, but in the shadows, a hidden foe plots a grievous betrayal that could shatter not only their hope, but the Seahorse Legacy itself.

The epic conclusion of this series-within-a series, The Sunken Realm sweeps Erielle and Cazien along a pulse-pounding voyage to discover all they are meant to become, together. Giving subtle nods to several fairy tales, including an unexpected twist to the story of The Twelve Dancing Princesses, this romantic YA pirate adventure is the final novel in the Eyes of E’veria series . . . but the Seahorse Pirates and their friends in E’veria may yet have stories to tell.

Available now on Amazon!

(Get the prequel for $.99 for a limited time!)

About the Author

Serena Chase lives in Iowa with her husband, two teen daughters, and a big white dog named Albus. A frequent contributor to USA Today's Happy Ever After blog, Serena is an avid reader of young adult fiction and inspirational romance and has become a respected influencer within those communities. When not engaged in her varied roles within the publishing industry, Serena can be found watching action movies and dreaming about someday living in a cottage by the sea. Connect with Serena Chase on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter (@Serena_Chase) and visit www.serenachase.com to subscribe to her newsletter and gain access to exclusive, subscriber-only content.