Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Meet Author Tanya Stowe!

I'm delighted to introduce you all to the lovely and talented Tanya Stowe! Tanya is a fellow White Rose Publishing author with a new release titled "Tender Touch." More info on that exciting development to come - but first, meet Tanya!

Tanya Stowe has written for the real estate industry, television, publicity firms and national publications. Her first novel, a time-travel adventure, Time’s Embrace, was released in the United States in 1993 and internationally released in 1995. Tanya has an eclectic career, doing market research, working at a performing arts center and for the American Cancer Society. Recently, Tanya contributed to a collection of women’s survival stories titled, Triumph! The Beautiful Face of Courage and collaborated on her first full-length play, a Christmas musical titled, The Night Before Christmas.

Tanya has been married to her high school sweetheart for thirty-seven years which is a romance story in itself. Currently they are visiting the East Coast and soon they will travel to the Middle East to begin a new adventure!


To give you a better look at Tanya's inspiration for Tender Touch, here's what I like to call 'The Story Behind the Story' - straight from the author herself:

Years ago when my children were young, my husband went back to school, leaving me to handle our four young, rambunctious children. To help me out, my sister organized a long summer vacation, touring the California Gold Country.

We visited Sutter’s Mill, Columbia, Angel’s Camp, most of the major gold camps of the past. I was struck by the beaut y of the gold country, the mountains, caverns and rivers, so different from the deserts of Southern California where I lived. I wondered what it must have been like for those early pioneers alone, in this rugged land, filled with gold fever and determination. But mostly I wondered how these lovely little towns survived after all the gold fever passed.

I was also a new Christian and I had witnessed some of God’s very miraculous healing power. Those experiences had amazed me, but also frightened me a little and left me with a lot of questions. Of course, our Lord had the answers for his young and inexperienced Christian. But Lacy’s story was born out of those early questions and that very memorable trip through the California Gold Country.


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Without further delay, please enjoy this introduction to Tender Touch - I'm sure you're going to love it!



Lacy Butler is graced with the gift of healing. She can save strangers…even those undeserving…yet fails to save her mother.

Rejecting her gift, God, and society, she's content to live alone high above the mining town of Harperville. But her solitude is shattered when Royce Darnell builds a water flume through the middle of her mountain. To protect her sanctuary, Lacy sabotages his efforts. Little does she expect Royce to track her through a blizzard and end up half frozen to death on her doorstep. She can heal him, but why should she when he threatens to steal her peace...and her heart?

With the livelihood of the miners and their families depending on his project, Royce refuses to stop building, no matter how good the reason or how lovely the masked saboteur turns out to be. Besides, he's convinced God wants Lacy to use her gift for good and not to hole up in her cabin like a reticent recluse afraid of human contact. But first, she must learn to trust, and Lacy doesn't trust anyone, not Royce and especially not God. Soon Royce finds himself in a battle to save the two things he loves the most…Harperville and Lacy. Is his faith strong enough to save them both?



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Excerpt:

"Lacy--look at me," Royce commanded. She looked up. "Feel the music, Lacy. Just move with me."

Her muscles eased. Her breathing slowed. She seemed to sense the rhythm of his body and took her cues from the slight touch of his hand. He dipped, she followed. He swept, she flowed, her skirts swinging in a graceful arc behind them. They sailed around the room in perfect motion.

Royce smiled. "I knew you could do it."

"Thank you for teaching me," she murmured.

Royce looked at the woman in his arms. He'd known the minute she'd entered the room. He was shocked to see her, knowing instinctively that the crowd and the noise would not be to her liking. But, when he'd seen the pink of her cheeks and the high color of her eyes, he knew she was enjoying herself ... and that made him happy. He liked the little giggle she tried to suppress and the way her eyes lit when the dancers came near her. So he’d asked her to dance.

“Thank you," Lacy repeated.

"My pleasure, ma'am. Is there anything else I can do for you?"

Her features turned somber. "You can let me go, now, before it's too late.”

She was asking him to do what he'd vowed to do. But looking at her lovely features, he knew he wouldn't do it.

"I can't, Lacy. I've tried and I can't."

The truth of his words flowed over both of them. They stood still in the middle of the dance floor. He wondered where the words had come from, and how he would take care of this fragile, beautiful creature in his arms.

Purchase Tender Touch Right Here

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Tanya, thanks so much for joining me on the blog today! I've thoroughly enjoyed your company and wish you much success and abundant blessings with Tender Touch! As part of Tanya's blog tour, if you leave a comment, you'll be entered to win a copy of Tender Touch! Tanya is also giving away a copy of Rodeo Redemption, by fellow White Rose Publishing author Teri Wilson, so you've got two chances to win two great books! Enjoy the contest, and good luck!!

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

The Royal Wedding to Come


I freely admit it. I was one of the millions who savored the coverage of the wedding of the century between Prince Charles and Lady Diana. I’m a romance writer – I’m a romance fan. How could I not watch the extravagant, beautiful nuptials and sigh with the bliss of a happily completed fairy tale?

Now it’s Prince William and Kate Middleton who take center stage, their son and his long-time girlfriend. The idea of watching them get married can’t help but be a bit of history repeating itself. I’m sure the ceremony will be fantastic.

But what about the couple?

Prince William seems to have genuine commitment to the life he was born in to. I think Kate, while gorgeous and appealing in much the way Diana was, seems ready to take on the title and life of being part of the royal family in ways Diana probably wasn’t. I pray God blesses them both with the ability and strength, and love, to persevere in what is most definitely a gilded cage.

I admit to being surprised that Prince William gave Kate the ring which Prince Charles gave to Diana? How do you all feel about that? Is it a bad omen? Bad karma?

I had to think about it a bit before coming to a lasting conclusion on that topic. After all Charles and Diana’s marriage didn't end the way we all dreamed when we watched them walk down the aisle of St. Paul’s Cathedral. But then I dug a little deeper. I read up on the “Royal Wedding Hubub,” and realized that there’s a loving, sentimental significance to the ring for William. To him, their son, the ring honors two of the people he loves the most - his mother and his father - even if they didn't find the happily-ever-after that was dreamed of back on that fateful day in July of 1981.

Chime in with your $0.02 on the Royal Wedding to come! I’d love to hear your thoughts!!

Until next time – blessings!

Tuesday, November 9, 2010

Happy Birthday, With This Kiss!




WITH THIS KISS RELEASES!!

It's been two years in the making, but With This Kiss is finally available. Please check it out at:

WITH THIS KISS - THE WILD ROSE PRESS


Here's a blurb and excerpt to tempt you along!

BLURB:

‘So Bella, do you still like the way snowflakes feel when they touch your skin?’

Many Christmases ago, a stolen kiss beneath a snowy sky sealed their fate. Now, will love be enough?

Jonathan Santini heads a preeminent labor law practice in New York. He’s driven by passion – unrelenting in his pursuit of two things: A better life through labor law, and Isabella Alfano.

But the Santinis possess a somewhat checkered family history - one that puts Jonathan on the outside of Isabella’s branch of the Alfano clan.

Bella’s tangled emotions can’t stop what she feels for the bad-boy turned good. Taking over her grandma’s deli brings them together again, and the chemistry is electric.

But the obstacle of family honor isn’t the only thing in their way. A jealous colleague at Jonathan’s firm is bent on revenge - revenge that puts Isabella’s store into legal peril…

EXCERPT:

“Isabella Julianna Alfano,” Jonathan repeated in a murmur. “That’s not a name, that’s poetry. I’m delighted to meet you.”

The comment snared her wide-eyed attention. The blush deepened but she replied, “Thank you. It’s a pleasure. And, unfortunately, Grandma never fails to use the unabridged version of my name. I’m usually called Bella.”

Translation: Beauty. Jonathan grinned. “Indeed.”

Grandma Rach chuckled low; Bella averted her gaze, but rebounded quickly. When she looked back up at him there were questions in her eyes. Questions, and intrigue.

Aunt Bella!”

Bella’s attention slid to Jonathan’s left. He turned, following the direction of her gaze.

“Hey, Nick!” Isabella called, her voice a perfect blend of smoke and satin. “Come here and give me a hug. I haven’t had a chance to see you yet. Did you get a look at all the gifts under the tree?”

The youngster, maybe six or seven, all but rocketed into her open arms. A look of love bloomed from Bella’s smiling lips to the depths of her eyes.

Fleetingly Jonathan envied the boy for being on the receiving end of her tenderness and enthusiasm.

Bella crouched and flipped her hair to the side so she could give her nephew a quick peck on the cheek.

The back of her gown, like the front, scooped discreetly; once more the sight of her exposed skin turned into a siren call, prompting him again toward a light, soft caress. Again Jonathan’s fingers twitched, but for the second time he quelled the impulse.

Nick pulled urgently on Bella’s hand, yanking her free of their group, saying, “C’mon! You’ve gotta come to the window and look outside. It’s snowing like crazy!”

She looked back at Jonathan, apology in her eyes. He smiled and nodded in understanding.

When Bella drifted away from the table, a middle-aged woman took her spot. Carrying a goblet of red wine, she regarded Jonathan with unhidden speculation and more than a touch of hauteur when she asked, “You are?”

"Jonathan Santini.”

In an instant her attitude graduated from haughty to ice-cold. That left him confused; he’d never met her before.

“Santini. Would Carlos Santini be your father?”

Oh yes, he thought. Here we go. This woman knew his dad, the scrappy, opinionated, tough-minded businessman and former union boss.

Life experience had taught Jonathan to remain smooth and calm in the face of hostility. Further, he refused to ever hurt or offend Grandma Rach, so he regarded the woman politely. “That’s right, yes. You would be?”

“Isabella’s mother,” she answered with succinct cool. “My name is Emily Alfano.”

Rachel gave her daughter-in-law a quelling look. “Em, did you know that my Jonathan here is attending Columbia Law School? In his spare time, he’s been helping me out at the store. I wouldn’t make it without him. He’s a God-send.”

Jonathan took Rachel’s soft, gnarled hand in his and held it firm. “Labor of love, Grandma Rach.”

Emily, however, remained stoic and unswayed from a suspicious demeanor. “Interesting style of help you’ve recruited for the Deli, Mom. I hope you keep as close an eye on him as he does on you.”

Rachel’s mouth went taut, her lips pressed tight as she glared at Emily. Jonathan addressed his next comment solely to Rachel. “I’ll be back for a visit shortly.” But before he walked away he couldn’t resist looking once more at Isabella’s mother. “Mrs. Alfano, I’m glad to have met you. Enjoy the evening.”

Jonathan’s struggle to remain proper evaporated once he left. He clenched his jaw and strode toward the bar. Right about now something cold, and preferably spiked, was definitely in order.

Thursday, September 30, 2010

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

Sunday, September 19, 2010

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


Dawn Roberto (Love Romances & More)
September 06 2010


Regina Andrews
September 07 2010


Robin Bayne
September 08 2010


Mary Manners
September 09 2010


Holly Hewson (The Romance Studio)


Clare Revell
September 11 2010


Therese Travis
September 13 2010


Tanya Stowe
September 15 2010


Gina Welborn
September 15 2010


Delia Latham
September 17 2010


Mary Eason
September 18 2010


Casey Herringshaw
September 20 2010


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


Carol Ann Erhardt
September 29 2010


Shawna Williams


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

Friday, August 6, 2010

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!

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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!

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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 3rd! 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

Saturday, July 31, 2010

Happy 3rd Anniversary, Long & Short Reviews!


Hi, everyone!

Long & Short Romance is celebrating its third anniversary - and I'm one of the party hosts! The gifts, however, are all yours! Participate in a scavenger hunt where LASR is giving away THREE Nook eBook Readers, along with a $50 BN.com gift certificate. Bonus? The Nook comes pre-loaded with dozens of romance and juvenile fiction eBooks...my current release, Hearts Crossing, included!

All you have to do is "Find Marianne's NOOK!!" It's somewhere on my website, http://www.marianneevans.com/
Here's a hint: Think about...uhm...stuff I have coming up in the future - LOL!
Find my nook, and then fill out the form you'll find on the entry toggle below! It's that easy! What are you waiting for? Click, and go huntin'!!! Have fun, and good luck!!