The 2017 RITA WINNERS

CONGRATULATIONS

to the

2017 RWA RITA WINNERS

Amazon

Carolina Dreaming

Virginia Kantra

Amazon

Christmas on Crimson Mountain

Michelle Major

Amazon

Off the Clock

Roni Loren

Amazon

Once and For All

Cheryl Etchison

Amazon

No Mistress of Mine

Laura Lee Guhrke

Bubbly for the table from my pal Lori Matthews

Michelle Major & me at the Harlequin party.

Amazon

A Duke to Remember

Kelly Bowen

Amazon

My Hope Next Door

Tammy L. Gray

Amazon

Miracle on 5th Avenue

Sarah Morgan

The Moon in the Palace

Amazon

Weina Dai Randel

Her Every Wish

Amazon

Courtney Milan

Amazon

The Pages of the Mind

Jeffe Kennedy

Amazon

Repressed

Elisabeth Naughton

The Problem with Forever

Amazon

Jennifer Armentrout

Have you read any of these award-winning books from 2016?

Michelle Major and A Baby and a Bethrothal

Get Lost in a Story Readers, it’s such a treat to visit and to bring with me a special guest. Award-winning, bestselling author Michelle Major. Her books not only make you smile, they yank at your heart strings until your hooked all the way in and ready for the next one. Please welcome, Michelle Major back to Get Lost in a Story.

A BABY AND A BETHROTHAL

WANTED: HUSBAND & DADDY Serious Candidates Only! 

Katie Garrity is proud of her work at her Life is Sweet bakery, but it's high time she showed the town of Crimson that she's more than just "The Cupcake Lady." She wants to be "Mrs." and "Mommy" so badly she can't stand it! But in the small mountain town, the pickings are slim…until the one who got away returns. 

As a forest ranger, Noah loves protecting the places and people he loves—he just can't commit to forever. Katie has been his best friend since high school, but when did she turn into such a lovely woman? And is that desire he feels? Still, Crimson holds too many memories, and Katie wants things Noah can't give. But after one explosive night, it just may be too late. Only nine months will tell…

Get Lost in a Story, it's time to learn more about Michelle Major! 

DONNELL:  Michelle, I’m still smiling after reading the excerpt to this wonderful book. Katie is such a sympathetic heroine, and who can’t relate to an awful first date, or wondering if you’ll ever meet “the one” or have a family.  Katie and Noah were secondary characters in one of your books. Which one, and did you know immediately when you created them that they’d have their own story?

MICHELLE: Aww, thanks Donnell! I could tell you some awful first date stories…yikes! Noah was introduced in the first Crimson book (A Kiss on Crimson Ranch) and Katie arrived in the 2^nd in the series (A Second Chance on Crimson Ranch). I think part of writing a series is figuring out how to develop readers’ interest in supporting characters and how everyone fits into the world you’re creating. I knew Katie and Noah would get their own story but it took them hanging out for a few books for me to create what I thought was the perfect set up for the two of them. 

DONNELL:  When you create these secondary characters, does that interfere with your muse or the current story you’re writing? How do you keep them in the background until you’re ready for them?

MICHELLE: Writing the Crimson, Colorado, series has become like revisiting my friends each time I begin a new story. If I had a gazillion pages and endless hours, I'd love to draw all of the bit players and previous couples into each book. It's fun to discover what everyone's been up to since we last saw them. But I think the key is pulling in the secondary characters that further the current story and making the most of their moments on the page. The central romance is the reason for the book, so sometimes I have to limit who we see outside the hero and heroine. Other times, a secondary character who I might introduce in one book can become the inspiration for a future story. In fact, one of my upcoming Crimson books introduces readers to the town's hottie sheriff, Cole Bennett. I'm working on ideas for his story now and can't wait to bring him fully to life!

DONNELL:  oooh me either J  I loved Katie’s response to the gluten-intolerant date. You write a lot of food into your stories. Are you a foody?

MICHELLE: Well, I like food a lot. Especially baked goods, although I don’t bake too often because I have very little willpower when it comes to sugar. But I love to post new recipes on Pinterest and my daughter likes to cook and bake so it’s something we do together. I’m about to embark on a kitchen remodel and the stove I have in the current kitchen seems to have two settings – off and burn. So it’s not that motivating for me right now. I hope to be re-inspired once things change. J

DONNELL:  Here’s something I’m dying to know. You’re writing for Montlake and for Harlequin. You’re creating a lot of characters. Do you ever get them mixed up, which character belongs in which book and goes with which publisher?

MICHELLE: Actually, no, although maybe I’m jinxing myself now. The two series are different lengths (one is category and one is single title) and they have different tones and settings. When I’m writing characters, they become such fully-formed individuals in my mind with unique voices that I don’t mix them up. Eye color is another story. I have trouble keeping eye color straight.

DONNELL:  Which author(s) did you read growing up, and who inspires you?

MICHELLE: Probably my favorite series growing up was Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery. I think that was my first official book binge. There is a passage in the third of the series, when Anne and Gilbert Blythe finally admit they’re in love, and I swear those few subtle pages hooked me on romance forever. Historical romance has always been my escape but I read lots of genres and I’m inspired by any one working to create amazing stories.

DONNELL:  Is category romance your passion for the foreseeable future?  – and here’s something else I’d love to see.  Will we ever see one of your books on the Hallmark channel?

MICHELLE: I love writing the category-length book but am also grateful to balance those shorter stories with the single-titles I write for Montlake. It’s fun to mix it up and I’m about to start my first novella so I’m excited to try that out, too. I write a lot these days (4-5 books a year – a lot for me anyway) but the more I write, the more ideas I have.

DONNELL: What comes next for Michelle Major?

MICHELLE:  I’m honored to be part of the 20^th anniversary of the Harlequin miniseries, The Fortunes of Texas. My contribution, Fortune’s Special Delivery, comes out in April. My first British hero and I loved writing him. I also have another 2 Crimson books coming out this year and one more for Montlake in October. Otherwise, it’s more writing with an occasional dog walk thrown in to keep my fur babies happy!

Michelle, thank you. You are rockin' with your career.  Now it’s your turn to ask  readers a question. (and Readers, you’re in luck. Time for a giveaway from Michelle Major!)

MICHELLE'S QUESTION FOR READERS:  My kids have spring break at the end of the month and we’re heading to Ohio to visit my grandma, who recently turned 94. But I’m yearning for a trip to the beach – preferably a tiny island with white sand and blue water. Where is your ideal vacation spot right now? Two people who comment will win a copy of A Baby and A Betrothal (print or ebook – winner’s choice).

To find Michelle and learn more about the rest of her fabulous books, follow this link: http://www.michellemajor.com/

Get Lost in a Story welcomes back Michelle Major

Get Lost in a Story Readers, please welcome the talented, heart warming Michelle Major as she promotes her new release Second Chance at Crimson Ranch.

GOOD WITH HIS HANDS, BAD FOR HER HEART… 

Ever since her marriage went up in flames, Olivia Wilder hasn't had the desire for love. But one magical dance with Logan Travers might change all that. The blue-eyed hometown hunk is a bit younger and a whole lot sexier than any man she's ever dated before. This is one carpenter Olivia would like to get to know better, and not just because of his building skills… 

From his first dance with Olivia, Logan knows there's something special about the beautiful brunette. The more she's determined to keep him at arm's length, the more Logan wants her in his embrace. And the more Olivia says she's just passing through, the more resolved Logan is to make her his, forever.

DONNELL:  Michelle, welcome back!  Are you having fun with Harlequin.  How many books does A Second Chance at Crimson Ranch make now?

MICHELLE:  Hi, Donnell! Thanks so much for having me again – such fun to virtually visit with you. A Second Chance At Crimson Ranch is my 5^th release with Harlequin Special Edition and I love writing for the line. There are two more books coming in the Crimson series this year and three more under contract. I also got a chance to take part in one of their continuities, The Fortunes of Texas, for the first time this year and that book comes out in April. It was exciting and daunting to jump into a series that’s been a fan favorite for years and I’m happy to report I’ll be writing another Fortunes book for the 20^th anniversary next year.

DONNELL:  I love, love, love Second Chance stories. What is it about them that makes them appeal to readers, do you think?

MICHELLE:  I think most of us can relate to making mistakes (sometimes big ones) so there’s a universal appeal to the idea of a second chance to make things right. And with romance, we get to go on that journey with the characters so the payoff at the end is even sweeter.

DONNELL:  Now, I see that Logan falls for a beautiful brunette.  Hmmm. You’re a beautiful brunette.  How much is Olivia like Michelle Major?

MICHELLE: Gosh, Donnell, you’re making me blush. I’d say the first thing Olivia and I have in common is that we both really like Chris Hemsworth (the actor who played Thor). He was one of my inspirations for Logan and, let me tell you, it’s not a hardship to hang out with him all day. When we meet Olivia at the start of the book, she’s new to Colorado but looking to make the mountains her home. I can definitely relate to that since I drove west after graduating from college with everything I owned in the trunk of my car and I’m still here over 20 years later.

DONNELL:   Readers, Michelle is not only an author, she’s my neighbor, and as such we’ve both gone through remodels.  Now I see that Logan is a carpenter.  Seriously, Michelle, haven’t you had enough remodeling?

MICHELLE:  You’d think so, right?! I guess I could call all of our house projects hands-on research. But as much as I’ve liked the contractors we’ve had, none of them looked like Chris Hemsworth. That helped. J

DONNELL:  Where will we find you when you’re not glued to the keyboard?

MICHELLE: Glued to my Kindle or with my nose in a book. I like to read both ways, but with my current writing schedule I don’t have as much time as I’d like. I tend to binge read until the wee hours when I get a break. I’m also a devoted dog mom so I walk the dogs almost every day – they don’t seem to mind the never-ending winter we’re having.

DONNELL:  What’s next for Michelle Major, and any upcoming engagements?

MICHELLE: I have releases with Harlequin in April, June and November this year and will be writing the next installment of Crimson books between then. I’m going to be at a Colorado Springs library district event on April 4^th and at RWA in New York City this summer. Hope to see some friends in the Big Apple! Thanks again for having me on GLIAS, Donnell!

Thanks for being our guest, Michelle.   

  

Thanks for having me, Donnell. I’d be happy to giveaway a print copy of Second Chance. Hope this snow melts eventually!!!!

Me, too, Michelle, but the good news is we can stay inside and read! 

 www.michellemajor.com
Twitter:  @michellemajor1

GLIAS welcomes back Michelle Major and Romantic Times Top Pick!

GET LOST IN A STORY READERS, I have the distinct privilege of calling the lovely Michelle Major my neighbor and friend.  Which is why I cannot believe I dropped the ball on today's interview, and hope she (and you) will forgive her humble GLIAS correspondent for failing to send her the appropriate questions when she was clearly marked on my calendar.   But enough of my groveling.  Michelle Major doesn't need any help from me.  Today, I'd like to present an author readers will want to get to know and  add to their "Automatic Buy"  lists.

But don't just take my word for it.  Romantic Times called her March 1 release a TOP PICK!!!

HER ACCIDENTAL ENGAGEMENT

When the local police chief comes to a single mom's rescue—with a pretend marriage proposal!—fake sparks become all too real Her Accidental Engagement! 

Julia Morgan is in the midst of a nasty custody battle, trying to prove she provides a stable environment as a single mother for her son, Charlie. When the opposing lawyer starts to play dirty, she has a few tricks up her own sleeve…one that involves the hunky, most eligible bachelor in town. 

As Brevia's police chief, Sam Callahan is used to saving others, so when he sees a cute, sassy blonde in need of help, he gladly plays hero. Not only will pretending to be her fiancé help Julia's case, it will also get his father off his back about finding "the one." But what happens when pretend doesn't seem so—well—pretend anymore?  

Michelle Major, Author of Love, Life and Happy Endings

EXCERPT:

Julia Morgan lit the final match, determined to destroy the letter clenched in her fingers. She was well aware of the mistakes she'd made in her life, but seeing them typed on fancy letterhead was more than she could take at the moment. She drew the flickering flame toward the paper but another gust of damp wind blew it out.

The mountains surrounding her hometown of Brevia, North Carolina, were notoriously wet in late winter. Even though it hadn't rained for several days, moisture clung to the frigid March air this afternoon, producing a cold she felt right to her bones.

With a frustrated groan, she crumpled the letter into a tiny ball. Add the inability to burn a single piece of paper to her colossal list of failures. Sinking to her knees on the soggy ground, she dropped the used matchstick into a trash bag with all the others.

She ignored the wail of a siren from the highway above her. She'd pulled off the road minutes earlier and climbed down the steep embankment, needing a moment to stop the panic welling inside her.

For a few seconds she focused her attention on the canopy of pine trees below the ridge where she stood, her heartbeat settling to a normal rhythm.

Since she'd returned to her hometown almost two years ago, this love of the forest had surprised her. She'd never been a nature girl, her gypsy existence taking her from one big city to another. Thanks to her beautiful son, Julia was now rooted in Brevia, and the dense woods that enveloped the town gave her the sense of peace she hadn't known she'd missed for years.

The makeshift fire hadn't been much of a plan, but flying by the seat of her pants was nothing new for Julia. With a deep breath, she smoothed the wrinkled letter against the grass. She'd read it compulsively over the past week until the urge to destroy it had overtaken her. She knew the words by heart but needed the satisfaction of watching them go up in flames.

Unfit mother. Seeking custody. Better options.

Tears pricked the backs of her eyes. Burning the letter wouldn't change the potential it had to ruin her life. She'd tried to dismiss the contents as lies and conjecture. In a corner of her heart, she worried they were true and she wouldn't be able to defend herself against them.

Suddenly she was hauled to her feet. "Are you hurt? What happened?" A pair of large hands ran along her bare arms, then down her waist toward…

Whoa, there. "Back off, Andy Griffith," Julia sputtered as parts of her body she thought were in permanent hibernation sprang to life.

As if realizing how tightly he held her, Sam Callahan, Brevia's police chief, pushed away. He stalked several yards up the hill toward the road, then turned and came at her again. Muscles bunched under the shoulders of his police uniform.

She had to work hard to ignore the quick pull of awareness that pulsed through her. Darn good thing Julia had sworn off men. Even better that big, strong alpha men were so not her type.

Julia gave herself a mental headshake. "What do you want, Sam? I'm sort of busy here."

She could have sworn his eye twitched under his aviator sunglasses. He jabbed one arm toward the top of the hill. "What I want is to know what the hell you're doing off the side of the road. Again."

Right. She'd forgotten that the last time Sam had found her, she'd been eight months pregnant and had wrapped her ancient Honda around a tree trunk. He'd taken her to the hospital where her son, Charlie, had been born.

That day a year and a half ago had been the start of a new life for her. One she'd protect at any cost.

Sam had been new to Brevia and the role of police chief then. He'd also been a whole lot nicer. At least, to Julia. He'd made the rounds of the single ladies in town, but ever since Charlie's birth Sam had avoided her as though he thought he might be the first man in history to catch a pregnancy. Which was fine, especially given some of the details she'd heard about his history with women.

"Julia."

At the sound of her name, she focused on his words. "There are skid marks where your car pulled off."

"I was in a hurry," she said and swiped at her still-moist cheeks.

His hands bunched at his sides as he eyed her bag. "Do I smell smoke?"

"I lit a match. Lots of them." Her chin hitched. "Wanna call Smokey Bear for backup?"

He muttered something under his breath at the same time a semi roared by on the road above.

"I didn't quite catch that."

Sam removed his sunglasses and tucked them into the front pocket of his shirt. He was almost too good-looking, his blond hair short but a little messy, as if he needed a trim. The effect softened his classically handsome features and a square jaw that fell just short of comic-book chiseled. His gaze slammed into hers, and Julia knew if ice could turn molten, it would be the exact color of Sam's blue eyes.

"You were on your knees," he said slowly.

Julia swallowed. "I lost a contact."

"You don't wear contacts."

"How do you.? Never mind." She bent to retrieve the bag of worthless matches.

His finger brushed the back of her arm. "What are you doing out here, Jules?"

Something about the sound of her name soft as a whisper broke through her defenses. She straightened and waved the letter at him. "I have a meeting in town and needed some fresh air to collect my thoughts."

"At the salon?"

She shook her head. "No. Hair dye doesn't require much mental fortitude. I have a real meeting, with an attorney."

He didn't ask for details but continued to watch her.

"It's about Charlie," she offered after a minute. "About my custody." To add to her humiliation, she choked on the last word.

"You're his mother. Of course you have custody."

"I know." She lifted the letter. "But Jeff and his parents think-"

"Who's Jeff?"

"My ex-boyfriend." She sighed. "Charlie's father." Sam's eyes narrowed. "The one who's never set eyes on him?"

Off to buy my copy.  How about you?  But wait, there's more.  Since Michelle's not here, I get to ask readers a question on her behalf . . .

I know first hand that Michelle is a sucker for pets.  She LOVES animals, and she and Indiana Jones have nothing in common.  One day when we were talking she sent her kids into my backyard to keep them busy.  Her suggestion to coax them...."You might want to go into Mrs. Bell's backyard.  I think there's some snakes back there."  And off they ran!

So here's my question for Readers, and I'll do a book giveaway of HER ACCIDENTAL ENGAGEMENT in either paperback or digital (US only for paperback please.) 

What's your favorite pet?  And when it comes to snakes, are you more like Indiana Jones or Michelle Major?

Michelle Major Contact Information:

www.MichelleMajor.com

https://www.facebook.com/MichelleMajorBooks

Twitter:  @michelle_major1

Michelle Major & Still the One

Get Lost in a Story Readers, today I'm pleased to present one of my chaptermates and an author to watch.  Please welcome debut author Michelle Major.

 

Still the One: 

Only a distress call could summon Lainey Morgan back to the small hometown she had run from, leaving her family—and the man she adored—standing at the altar. Yet even fame as a globe-trotting photojournalist couldn't erase the pain of losing the baby Ethan Daniels had been marrying her for. Still, he always had been the best veterinarian around—and the stray dog that had attached himself to her needed attention. Almost as badly as she did…

As for Ethan, Lainey was driving him crazy all over again, and ten years away had only made him want her more. She had done the unforgivable, true, but he was beginning to discover that she had suffered more losses than even he knew about. Both of them had done some growing in the past ten years. Maybe this time, forever could be within their grasp….

 And now let's learn about Michelle Major . . .

DONNELL:  Welcome to Get Lost in a Story, Michelle.  I love reunion stories and “Still the One” sounds perfect to get lost in.  So, how often do you get lost in a story and what genres will we find you reading?

MICHELLE: Thanks so much for having me, Donnell! Yes, I love to get lost in a story every chance I get and have even been known to hide out from my family (don’t tell them!) to carve out a few extra reading minutes. I read across genres from contemporary to historical to YA (dystopian stories are my fave YA). I have a little problem in that once I start a good book I often can’t stop even if that means staying up most of the night. For that reason I usually read non-fiction before bed since I need my beauty rest!

DONNELL:  I see that your debut novel includes pets.  Why am I not surprised?  You love dogs, right?  What about cats and other critters?  Do you have a preference?

MICHELLE:  Funny you should mention that as I have our newest addition, a 3 month old Weimaraner puppy, snoozing on my lap at the moment. I’m definitely a dog person but pretty much love any type of animal. Our cat rules the house, and at any given time we have a variety of creatures underfoot. Probably the most ‘out there’ pets we have are my son’s two snakes. If you can get past feeding time (live mice), they are fairly low maintenance although not exactly snuggly. It was fun to include the dogs in the book!

DONNELL:  What is something you’ve learned as a published author that you didn’t see coming?

MICHELLE: That there’s so much more that goes into being an author besides writing even though that’s the number one priority. Being a bit of an introvert I’m amazed and still a little overwhelmed at the amount of promotions, social media and the whole marketing aspect of being an author. It’s been a big learning curve and a lot of fun to connect with readers and learn to balance the time I spent writing and editing with the business side.

DONNELL:  Lainey, your protagonist is a photojournalist.  So I assume she’s been to some exotic places?  How much is she like Michelle Major and how are the two of you different?

MICHELLE:  Yes, Lainey travels all over for her work but a lot of that stems from the way she’s been running from the pain of her past which she finally has to face in Still The One. I think we’re alike in that home and feeling like we have a place to belong is very important to both of us. I was very lucky to find my ‘adopted’ home in Colorado and love living here and the friends I’ve made. When I was in college I was a double major in Journalism and French. I loved to travel and studied abroad for a quarter. Unfortunately, I got sick and lost my hearing in one ear. It was fairly serious and took a while to figure out what was going on (complicated by the language barrier). After that, I sort of lost any desire to travel - a little gun shy. Slowly I’m branching out but I could never stay on the road the way Lainey does.

DONNELL:  What’s in your refrigerator right now?

MICHELLE:  The good news is if a blizzard hits my neighborhood, I can feed everyone within a 5 mile radius for days. I like a well-stocked fridge for sure! Right now, you’ll find milk, chocolate milk, juice, diet cherry dr. pepper, Greek yogurt, hummus, ketchup (my 7 year old loves it on everything!), cheese, sundried tomato turkey, pickles, watermelon, grapefruit, carrots---gosh, that all sounds so healthy! I keep the stash of Oreos and Girl Scout cookies in the pantry. J

DONNELL:  What is something about Ethan Daniels that surprised you while writing him?  What makes him the perfect hero?

MICHELLE:  Because Still The One is my first book, the story went through a lot of edits and revisions on the path to publication. Whether it was from my critique partners, contents, feedback from my agent and then editor, so much evolved in the story. I guess what I love about Ethan as a character is that no matter what I changed or put him through, at his core he stayed an honorable, good guy who wanted to do the right thing. Since it’s a reunion story, Ethan and Lainey have some major past mistakes to overcome but despite his pain, he always wanted to do the right thing by her (even if it takes him a large chunk of pages to figure out what that is. To me, that makes him a perfect hero.

DONNELL:  What’s your favorite board game?

MICHELLE: I’m just grateful my kids are past the point of playing hundreds of rounds of Candy Land! I think my favorite would be ‘Sorry’. It’s a game I played a lot with my family as a kid so now when my family plays I enjoy the game but also the memories.

DONNELL:  If you could meet anyone past or present, who would it be and why?

MICHELLE: I’m not sure how to pick someone to meet for the first time--there are so many fascinating possibilities. If there’s one person I could see it would be my grandfather. I was really close to him growing up, he taught me the meaning of unconditional love. It would be an amazing gift to have him hold my book. I’m pretty sure he’d say ‘I’m so proud of my little stinker’ and hug me so hard it would almost hurt. I could cry (good tears!) just thinking about it.

MICHELLE, NOW IT’S YOUR TURN. TIME TO ASK READERS A QUESTION.  AND HERE YOU CAN SPECIFY IF YOU’D LIKE TO DO A BOOK GIVEAWAY.

I’d love to know what makes a book a ‘keeper’ for your readers when they get lost in a story. Is it characters or plot or some perfect combination of the two? What makes a story worth staying up half the night or makes you keep revisiting it days after you’re finished?

 Comment for a chance to win a copy of Still The One.

LINKS AND CONTACT INFORMATION

www.michellemajor.com

 http://www.facebook.com/MichelleMajorBooks

 https://twitter.com/michelle_major1

 Note: Offer void where prohibited. Prizes will be mailed to North America addresses only unless specifically mentioned in the post. Don’t feel comfortable leaving your email on the blog? Send it directly to Angi at GetLostInAStory@gmail.com. Odds of winning vary due to the number of entrants. Winners of drawings are responsible for checking this site in a timely manner. If prizes are not claimed in a timely manner, the author may not have a prize available. Get Lost In A Story cannot be responsible for an author's failure to mail the listed prize. GLIAS does not automatically pass email addresses to guest authors unless the commenter publicly posts their email address.