Hearts Key & The Woodland Series Wrap Up

I have to admit it...I'm equal parts elated and sad. Hearts Key releases on November 4th...what a cause for celebration! Hearts Key is book 4 of my award-winning Woodland Series, and these characters took on a life of their own (in fact, secondary characters you meet in this book have spun their way into my Christian fiction debut with Harbourlight Books - Devotion!)

The sad part is, Hearts Key brings a close to a very special place in my heart: Woodland Church.

I can see its gleaming brass steeple, its waterfront location, so clearly in my mind, despite the fact that this church is fictional. I can see it's parishioners as if they are walking straight through the double door entryway... There'd be the entire Edwards clan, with Collin and Daveny...Pastor Ken Lucerne and his gorgeous wife Kiara...the sassy and sparky JB and Monica Edwards...they've all brought me to laughter, and to tears. I've rejoiced in their victories and feel like I've walked a journey right along with them.

Now it's time for the wrap up - and what better story to tell than that of love refound after trials, hardships, and even successes beyond imagining...

In the pages of Hearts Key, you'll meet Tyler Brock and Amy Maxwell - I hope you fall for them as hard as I did. And I bet your heart will be utterly stolen by that precious little cutie-pie, Pyper!

BLURB:

Life hasn't been kind to Amy Maxwell. Once the effervescent leader of the pack, her marriage should have been perfect. Instead, she escaped with nothing but the clothes on her back and her daughter, Pyper.

Tyler Brock is dazzling. The once shy teen has evolved into a powerhouse in Christian music, and when he returns to Woodland for a benefit concert, Amy can’t believe he is as faithful and tender as ever. He even manages to touch the heart of a doubtful Pyper.

But, Amy can’t escape her own self-doubt, and she questions the wisdom of her heart when it comes to the charismatic musician who is so different now, yet so much the same.

Can the key to their hearts unlock a lifetime of love?

EXCERPT:

The after-concert crowd ebbed and flowed around Tyler like a tide. He stood comfortably amidst it all, his arm looped around his mom’s waist, his father nearby as well. Back home again.

If only it were that easy.

Amy took a deep breath. It was time to move forward, and act like the friend she had always been. She made progress toward approaching Tyler, watching as he shook hands with members of his crew and received enthusiastic hugs of support. Then in came Rebecca. He saw her immediately and grinned while she made a dash for his ready embrace. She gave a happy shout as he lifted her up, and spun her in a full circle.

“You were great,” she enthused, her voice touched by the cadence of the south. “Honestly, what a show!”

“Inspired, wasn’t it, Becs? It feels so good to be home!”

Rebecca pecked both his cheeks and smiled into his eyes. Amy’s heart sank. His dynamic backup singer then greeted others around them and dissolved into the crowd of tour staffers. Amy winced, battling off turmoil, self-doubt, and inadequacy.

It was a battle she lost.

In that instant, her mature, straightforward intentions vaporized. Hiking up her purse and camera strap, Amy kept a tight hold on them both as she turned to leave. She took a few steps toward the exit. She’d beg off tomorrow’s dinner, and bid this entire, world-rocking episode farewell. In the morning, everything would be back to normal. In the morning, she could—

“Seriously?”

Amy froze at the sound of the smooth and deep voice that carried with it just a touch of the South. She closed her eyes, and she trembled. Bad.

“You were seriously gonna leave without sayin’ hello to me?”

She couldn’t pull in a proper breath. Her heart skittered wildly. Red-hot heat crawled up the skin of her neck and ignited her cheeks, melting and burning in one fell swoop.

Bravely she turned around, her lips pressed tight, though she fought through it all to offer a tentative smile. “Hey, Tyler.”

It was the best she could manage. His eyes were unspeakably gentle and tender. His attitude of warmth so typical of the Tyler she had known, once upon a life. Amy welcomed that fact, and at the same time, she was swept away by just looking at him.

“Hey, Amy,” he greeted softly. His smile bloomed when he took her hands. A beat later, he drew her in for a long, tight hug that left her aching. He felt so hard, and strong. So wonderful. A lump formed fast in her throat—a bit of mourning, she supposed, for all she missed.

“I, ah, didn’t want to interfere or anything.” As soon as the words crossed her lips, she realized how lame they sounded.

Tyler kissed her cheek, and Amy went a bit dizzy. A bit weak at the knees. “You couldn’t interfere if you wanted to.” He leaned back and drew a fingertip against her chin; he looked deep look into her eyes. “I’ve missed you.”

PURCHASE LINK:

http://www.pelicanbookgroup.com/ec/hearts-key


GIVEAWAY ALERT!

To celebrate the release of Hearts Key, and the culmination of the Woodland Series, I'm going all out!

I'm giving away an autographed, print edition of Hearts Crossing, Hearts Surrender, Hearts Communion and Hearts Key to four lucky commenters! I'm also giving away two PDF editions of A Face in the Clouds (a Woodland Series short story!) That's six prizes in all!

HOW TO ENTER!

Leave me a comment, right here, right now, telling me why you'd like to win. Be sure to leave your e-mail address so I can connect with you if you win! It's just that simple. I'll choose winners on Sunday November 6th and announce them right here, as well as on Facebook and Twitter.

So join the fun as we celebrate Woodland Church ~ Nourishing Faith...Nurturing Love.....

God bless ~ and thank you for sharing this adventure with me!

Marianne

Thank you, Reviewers!

As you may have noticed, my sidebar to the right features a number of new additions. First, Hearts Crossing is a CAPA Nominee for Best Inspirational Romance of 2010 over at The Romance Studio. I'm so excited and honored to be nominated!

A couple of weeks ago, Crystal at Kwips & Kritiques posted a 5-Klover review of Hearts Surrender! Click on the link to read her fabulous review! Crystal even designated it a "Recommended Read."

Then, just today, I was contacted by Matilda at Coffee Time Romance & More, notifying me she had posted a review of Hearts Surrender - and given it a coveted 5-Cup review! The link is to the right - check it out!

To give you an update on what's new in my writing world, I've turned in edits for Hearts Communion - that one is Book 3 of the Woodland Series. We're shooting for a late 2011 release. I finished Hearts Key a few weeks ago, so Woodland Church is hopping! Stop by www.whiterosepublishing.com to learn more. I'm so thrilled with White Rose Publishing. As both an author and reader of inspirational romance, I have to tell you, this publisher is outstanding!

Finally, remember Sandy Pierson, Collin Edwards' fiancee from Hearts Crossing? A short story is under way giving her a very special romance of her own. I was gratified when a number of readers asked about her after reading Hearts Crossing, wondering if she'd get t0
'star' in a story. Well, I'm hoping so! An idea took root a while back, and I'm delighted with the results. I'll keep you posted details are ironed out! I hope it will be coming to a computer near you very soon!

That's the news for now - thanks as always for your support, prayers and friendship!

God bless ~

Marianne

Everybody Loves A Winner!!!

Whew!!

My month-long blog tour to announce the arrival of Hearts Surrender has come to a close, and I'm delighted to announce the prize winners! These are folks who left comments at one of the wonderful blogs I visited this past month! Prizes were awarded, via e-mail and blog notice, just a little while ago. Hope you enjoy!

Drum-roll please!!!!!

Miss Mae - $10 to White Rose Publishing - For visiting Regina Andrews blog!!
Rebecca Booth - $10 to Amazon.com - For visiting the Inspirational E Books blog!!
Rebeka Stowe - Autographed copy of Hearts Surrender - For visiting Tanya Stowe's blog!!

Congratulations, Miss Mae, Rebecca and Rebeka - and thanks to everyone who paid visits, offered love, support and encouragement. It means far more than these mere gifts can ever express.

Until next time ~ Blessings!

Marianne

The Hearts Surrender Tour!

Throughout the month of September, I'm blog touring to announce and support the release of Hearts Surrender. Join me, won't you, at the following locations? Those who comment on any of the blogs listed below will be entered in a contest to win:

1. A $10 gift certificate to White Rose Publishing

2. A $10 gift certificate to Amazon.com

3. An autographed print edition of Hearts Surrender

The three winners will be announced here on September 30th at the end of the tour - so stay tuned!

JoAnn Carter

September 03 2010

http://whiterosesinbloom.blogspot.com/

Dawn Roberto (Love Romances & More)

September 06 2010

http://loveromancesandmore.blogspot.com/

Regina Andrews

September 07 2010

http://reginaandrews.wordpress.com/

Robin Bayne

September 08 2010

http://wwwwritingbetweensundays.blogspot.com/

Mary Manners

September 09 2010

http://marymannersromance.com/

Holly Hewson (The Romance Studio)

September 09 2010
http://theromancestudio.com/party

Clare Revell

September 11 2010

http://telscha.blogspot.com/

Therese Travis

September 13 2010

http://theresetravis.net/

Tanya Stowe

September 15 2010

http://www.creativewritingforces.blogspot.com/

Gina Welborn

September 15 2010

http://www.inkwellinspirations.blogspot.com/

Delia Latham

September 17 2010

http://my-book-bag.blogspot.com/

Mary Eason

September 18 2010

http://www.maryeason.blogspot.com/

Casey Herringshaw

September 20 2010

http://encourageanauthor.blogspot.com/

Book Discussion-White Rose Readers Group
September 20-24 2010

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/WhiteRosePublishing/

Carol Ann Erhardt

September 29 2010

http://www.carolannerhardt.blogspot.com/

Shawna Williams

September 22 2010
http://inspirationalebooks.blogspot.com/

Each comment earns you an entry, and here's a bonus - comment here, and that counts as well!!

Good luck, and I hope you enjoy Hearts Surrender! It's an awesome story of finding love and God's grace in the most unlikely - but wonderful - of places!

God bless!

Marianne

I want you to meet some friends of mine...

First off, say hello to Jeremy Edwards and Monica Kittelski:

Jeremy “JB” Edwards dreams of one thing: Having a loving wife and children of his own. Not a surprising ambition, since he was raised at the heart of a large, tight-knit family.

Monica Kittelski spends her days at Sunny Horizons Daycare Center pouring her heart and faith into other people’s children. But Monica harbors one impossible dream: Having children of her own someday.

JB and Monica seem the perfect match, but what will come of their electric, sassy relationship when Jeremy learns of Monica's infertility?

Hopes and reality collide when they must confront the idea of finding God's plan and following His will when a dearest hope is destined to remain unfulfilled.

Can these two loving, passionate hearts survive a communion of dreams and reality?

Hearts Communion, Coming Soon from White Rose Publishing!

~~~~~

Next, I’d love to introduce you to Tyler Brock and Amy Maxwell (oh...and that adorable little pixie, Pyper, too!):

A chorus of faith sung in the key of second chances.

Life hasn't been kind to Amy Maxwell. Once, the effervescent leader of the pack, her marriage should have been perfect. Instead, she escaped with nothing but the clothes on her back and her daughter, Pyper.

Tyler Brock is dazzling. The once shy teen has evolved into a powerhouse in Christian music, and when he returns to Woodland for a benefit concert, Amy can’t believe he is as faithful and tender as ever. He even manages to touch the heart of a doubtful Pyper.

But, Amy can’t escape her own self-doubt, and she questions the wisdom of her heart when it comes to the charismatic musician who is so different now, yet so much the same.

Can the key to their hearts unlock a lifetime of love?

Hearts Key, Coming Soon from White Rose Publishing!

~~~~~

These beloved characters of mine comprise books three and four of the Woodland Series, and they’re coming very soon to White Rose Publishing! The Woodland Series takes its name from the church, and characters, you first met in Hearts Crossing. Readers and reviewers asked for a sequel to Hearts Crossing, and I’m thrilled to be able to deliver on that request through an extraordinary publisher of Christian romance.

Book two, Hearts Surrender, releases in just a few weeks, on September 3^rd! I’m so eager to share this story with you! Hearts Surrender, the story of Woodlands pastor, and the woman who claims his heart, will be available in both print and electronic formats via White Rose Publishing and Amazon.com.

Rest assured, each book in the Woodland Series stands alone as a touching, heart-stealing romance, but when you connect the storylines, from Hearts Crossing onward, I think you’ll find yourself carried away into a church family, and the lives of characters you won’t soon forget.

So dive on in! Join the Woodland family of faith, and fall in love…again, and again!

~ Woodland Church...nourishing faith, nurturing love! ~

Until next time, blessings!!

Marianne

I Dreamed a Dream...

And White Rose Publishing is making it come true!

When I made the switch from writing secular romances to writing Christian inspirationals earlier this year, one of the factors that motivated me was the idea of creating a series of books based upon a single place of faith and worship – a church not unlike millions of others around the world, where people gather, bond, share and grow. After all, as we grow, we help and enable others to grow.

In book form I longed to paint that picture with words and stories that would, of course, feature a stirring romance, but reveal the beauty of a circle of faith and worship.

As most of you know, Hearts Crossing, my debut Christian inspirational, came about as the result of a writing contest sponsored by White Rose Publishing. While I waited and sweated the results, a second story took off – and I even had niggles of what I wanted to do with books three and four. Ultimately, I could see these stories becoming “The Woodland Series.” Though – bear in mind – I hadn’t gone anywhere with Hearts Crossing yet…

Talk about dangerous “prepare thee for disappointment” territory…

Well, nothing is dangerous when it comes to God, and His will. Shortly after the sale and debut of Hearts Crossing, I was able to present my editor with its sequel, Hearts Surrender. In that offering I explained that I also had ideas brewing for two more books after that.

She reviewed Hearts Surrender, and placed it under contract – and she asked for a synopsis and opening chapters of books 3 and 4, which I provided. I cloud danced for a bit, then got to work! Now, contracts have just been executed for Hearts Communion and Hearts Key, and I'm thrilled! Although, it hasn’t taken me long to figure out that it’s an exciting kind of terror to write on speculation.

So, a dream becomes reality – and beyond the Woodland Series, I’m very optimistic about my continuing relationship with White Rose Publishing. This publishing house holds my heart and loyalty. They do things the right way with regard to everything from author support and responsiveness to editorial talent and production quality. I feel so blessed and honored by this show of confidence as White Rose continues to grow and prosper.

There's much more to come, naturally! But for now, please enjoy the stunning cover for Hearts Surrender (artist Nicola Martinez absolutely outdid herself!). Meanwhile, I’m hard at work on Hearts Communion and Hearts Key. Please keep these efforts in your prayers. We need messages of faith, hope and love in today’s world! I've said it before, but I'll say it again: It's not about 'me' and 'books sold' - it's about honoring my God, and my beliefs in Him, His grace, mercy, provision and love.

For a bit more about Hearts Surrender, here’s a blurb:

Kiara Jordan is a sophisticated modernista, but beneath an engaging personality and super-model looks, her heart hungers, and she longs for deeper meaning in her life.

Ken Lucerne is the charismatic young pastor of Woodland Church; he's adjusting to life on his own following the death of his wife and copes by keeping as busy with parish life and mission work he can.

A home-building mission in Pennsylvania brings them together, and forces them to look hard and deep at the relationship they share, and where God means for it to go. Already bound by mutual respect and caring, love dawns, a love that takes them to a life-point neither would have expected.

After all, can a chic, vivacious woman find fulfillment within the quiet, mission-centered life of a clergyman? Can they trust God's hand strongly enough to surrender their hearts to one another…forever?

Blessings, friends!!