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The Story Behind Close to Perfect by Barbara Longley

By Barbara Longley

Each of the Perfect, Indiana books deals with issues our troops struggle with while reintegrating into civilian life after multiple deployments. Though the stories delve into sensitive and emotional issues, the overall tone is hopeful and healing. I write romance, so readers are guaranteed a satisfying resolution for each of my heroes and heroines.

The first four books are all contemporaries, and the stories are set in the fictional small town of Perfect, Indiana. Throughout the contemporaries, readers hear a lot about Tobias and Mary Lovejoy, who founded the river town shortly after the Civil War. Each July 4^th, the Lovejoy family, direct descendants of the founding couple, hosts a celebration for the residents of Perfect, complete with a pig roast and fireworks.

While writing the first four books, I couldn’t help but wonder about Tobias and Mary. What was their story? Why did they leave Atlanta and settle in Indiana? Who were they, and what were their hopes and dreams? I’d get emails asking the same questions. Readers wanted to know when their story would be told, and then the characters began to take shape in my mind.

Research is one of my favorite things to do. I traveled to Savannah, Atlanta Georgia, and southern Indiana, made notes, visited Civil War museums and worked on developing the backstories for the couple. Tobias and Mary, like the main characters in the contemporaries, also suffered the traumatic effects of war. Tobias spent the last year as a prisoner at Fort Sumter and barely survived the ordeal. Mary lost her entire family and her way of life. The two became very real to me, and I couldn’t wait any longer to tell their story. I really enjoyed writing this book, and I sincerely hope you will enjoy reading Close to Perfect.

The Perfect, IN series begins with Ceejay Lovejoy and Noah Langford in Far from Perfect, next (and my favorite) is The Difference a Day Makes, then A Change of Heart and The Twisted Road to You, and finally, Close to Perfect. I do hope you’ll take a look, and the first four books are on sale ($1.99/Kindle edition US) during the entire month of May, which is . . . perfect.

Barbara Longley is the author of the new book Close to Perfect.

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Interview with Taylor Marsh, author of Olivia's Turn

What can you tell us about your new release, Olivia's Turn?

Olivia’s Turn is a new direction for my writing. A psychological thriller made for an audiobook, which was exciting to read, as well as produce. It’s about the past a woman can harbor, shun and set aside until she breaks free of her fears to walk through the darkness to get to the other side, so she can use what has made her who she is without triggering insanity, or nervous collapse. A collision of two fierce women that drives them both to extremes.

What or who inspired you to become an author?

I started in non-fiction, with two traditionally published books. What inspired me to jump into fiction was a New York screenwriting competition started by Meryl Streep in 2015 to find women screenwriters over 40 years old. Didn’t win the competition but the exercise stoked my passion for storytelling, and my urge to tap the psychological aspects of strong, independent women in intense situations.

Which books would we be surprised to find on your shelves?

My shelves are filled with foreign policy books. I’ve moved so often in my life, the books I’ve kept represent something more to me.

American Rhapsody, by Joe Eszterhas

Doris Humphrey, An Artist First, An Autobiography

The Looming Tower, by Lawrence Wright

You’re hosting a literary dinner party. Which three writers are invited?

J.K. Rowling because of her fierce political wit.

Patricia Cornwell, crime writer.

Jon Meacham, author & historian.

What's your favorite thing about writing?

The ride. It comes after the release. Don DeLillo described it perfectly in The Paris Review:

“…You want to let go. You want to lose yourself in language, become a carrier or messenger. The best moments involve a loss of control. It’s a kind of rapture…completely surprising combinations that make a higher kind of sense, that come to you out of nowhere…”

What's a typical day like for you?

Nothing starts until I’ve meditated. It’s unexplainable what happens through this process. It makes the “rapture” described by DeLillo possible. Social media is central to my work as an author, as is collaboration, so it’s a daily thing. Like my cardio workout which keeps me sane. I check in with authors to find out who might need a retweet or a shout out. I read every day, and also keep tabs on cultural trends. I have an iTunes podcast on books, relationships, & women that requires research. Keeping up with world events ties into my foreign policy passion.

What scene in Olivia's Turn was your favorite to write?

It wasn’t one scene. Olivia Stark is the star of this novel but there is an abducted and murdered girl that haunts her. The process led me to an epiphany that rocked the plot. Excavating what it meant was thrilling.

Do you have a motto, quote or philosophy you live by?

Listen to your voice, trust your intuition, walk into what terrifies you, and never give up. Oh, and as artist Donald Robertson said in Vanity Fair, “don’t bury the crazy.”

Taylor Marsh is the author of the new book Olivia's Turn.

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The Story Behind Wild Rugged Daddy by Sienna Parks

Bu Sienna Parks

Wild Rugged Daddy was born out of the feeling that most of us have at some point. The sense of being lost in your own life.

Travis suffered a devastating loss the night his wife died. As she took her final breath their son took his first. Travis found himself thrown into parenthood and didn’t know how to piece his life back together. I think this is something we can all relate to whether it be loss of a loved one, loss of relationship or even loss of familiarity in our lives. For me, it was a combination of things¾the loss of a friend and a loss of health. My journey has had many ups and downs, and that always translates into my writing. Creating new characters and new worlds affords me complete control, which is amazing when you find yourself in a real life situation you can’t control. Travis and Juliet helped me come to terms with my limitations and find a way to move forward with purpose and positivity.

When Juliet comes crashing into Travis’s world she throws everything into chaos. She knows exactly what she wants and is on the path to achieving her goals. She’s stubborn and single-minded, and anyone that knows me would agree I share those traits. It can be both a positive and a negative in your depending on how you apply it in your life.

These two were heartbreaking and wonderful to write. They constantly butt heads because they both have strong personalities. I loved writing Jules with her sharp wit, and Travis with his fierce sense of loyalty. Falling in love is a gift and I hope readers will fall for this couple as hard as I did.

Sienna Parks is the author of the new book Wild Rugged Daddy.

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Interview with Mimi Flowers, author of Love Lust and Serendipity

What can you tell us about your new release, Love Lust and Serendipity?

Love Lust Serendipity is a novel about a brave young woman named Chantel who comes to New York City with ambitions of making it in the beauty business. Chantel has lots of personality. And she faces many challenges in her personal life with men. At the beginning of her journey, she is fairly gullible but learns how to survive and succeed in the big city. Along with her best friend Dora, they experience life with wit and eventual wisdom. While some solemn events do happen, there is also spicy action and humor throughout. And although this novel is fiction, it was written from my perspective of growing up in New York and my life there. Many scenes are from places where I have been and enjoyed myself. I think there are parts of the novel that are very funny and will connect with readers in many different ways. It has good guys, bad guys, and even some high stakes gambling. The twists and turns between that characters and how it turns out in the end is genuinely serendipitous. I think it is a must read for people interested in New York and has an intense flavor of life in the city.

What was the last book you read?

The last romantic book I read was P.S from Paris by Marc Levy.

What or who inspired you to become an author?

Ever since I was a young child, I have always enjoyed writing. I can’t say there was one specific writer that inspired me because I have always liked so many.

You’re hosting a literary dinner party. Which three writers are invited?

While not exclusive, perhaps Debbie Macomber, J.K. Rowling, and Nicholas Sparks.

What's your favorite thing about writing?

I don’t have one favorite thing. I do love the creative process with words. I enjoy getting into the characters minds and bringing life to them. I also like the ability to reach other people by writing.

How do you spend a rainy day?

I spend rainy days on catching up with everyday things. Rainy days are also great for writing. The sound of rain can be relaxing.

What scene in Love Lust and Serendipity was your favorite to write?

There wasn’t a particular scene that was my absolute favorite to write. However, I favor the love scenes, scenes with humor, and revenge.

Do you have a motto, quote or philosophy you live by?

Yes. Listen to your inner voice and follow it.

Mimi Flowers is the author of the new book Love Lust and Serendipity

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Books To Read If You Like Mary Alice Monroe

Mary Alice Monroe is the New York Times Bestselling Author of Women's Fiction novels including the Beach House and Lowcountry Summer series. She is best known for her intimate portrayals of women's lives and their compelling stories. If you're looking for some inspirational or insightful tales from women about women, check out these amazing new books to read if you like Mary Alice Monroe!

Love Lust and Serendipity

by Mimi Flowers

Release Date: December 17, 2017

Chantel Du Maurier came to New York City from Maine to make it in the beauty industry. Upon arrival, she lands a job at the glamorous Champs of Paris counter in Bloomingdales. Soon, she makes friends with Dora Moore, who invites her to a company holiday party. It is here when Chantel meets her first love, Marco Puccio.

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A Rubber Face with a Stripper's Name

by Katja Berg

Release Date: October 3, 2017

Katja never planned on having twins, she also didn't plan on raising them as a single mother... Pepper and Magnus were born in Richmond, London, far away from Katja's native home of Denmark. Katja was stretched to breaking point. Her flower shop, which she raised from the ground up, was about to be hit by the 2008 recession. Her relationship with her children's father was in tatters and the bills were piling up. But there is always light at the end of the tunnel.

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By Invitation Only

by Dorothea Benton Frank

Release Date: May 15, 2018

By Invitation Only begins at an engagement party in the Lowcountry of South Carolina. The party is being thrown by Diane English Stiftel, her brother Floyd, and her parents to celebrate her son's engagement. It is a tale of two families, one struggling to do well and the other well to do and one young couple.

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Ecstasy

by Mary Sharratt

Release Date: April 10, 2018

Ecstasy gives center stage to Alma Sharrat, one of the most controversial and complex women of her time. Coming of age in the midst of a creative and cultural whirlwind, the young and beautiful Alma yearns to make her mark as a composer. A new for women is dawning and she is determined to make the most of it.

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You Me Everything

by Catherine Isaac

Release Date: May 1, 2018

Jess and her ten-year-old son William are about to spend the summer at Château de Roussingol, deep in the sunlit hills of the Dordogne. Jess's ex-boyfriend and William's father runs a beautiful hotel in a restored castle. Jess is amazed at what Adam has accomplished, but she's in France for another reason... to make Adam fall in love with his son.

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The Female Persuasion

by Meg Wolitzer

Release Date: April 3

Greer Kadetsky is a shy college freshman when she meets the woman she hopes will change her life. At Sixty-three, Faith Frank is dazzlingly persuasive and elegant and has been the central pillar of the women’s movement for decades. When Greer sees her speak for the first time, she feels her inner world light up.

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Books To Read If You Like Samantha Chase

Samantha Chase is the New York Times and USA Today Bestselling Author of contemporary romance novels. Her first book was released back in 2011 and she now has over 40 novels to her name. If you're after a new romance book and love the writing style of Samantha Chase, we think you will adore these latest romance releases!

An American Cinderella

by Krista Lakes

Release Date: April 29, 2018

Arias's life is a complete mess thanks to her controlling stepmother. But when she's knocked over by Henry Prescott, everything changes. Henry is the second-strong rugby player for the Paradisa Royals. He's got a rock hard body and tackles her in bed as fiercely as he tackles in the park. Aria finds herself falling for him. But there's one problem, Henry Prescott doesn't exist, the man she thinks she loves is actually Prince Henry.

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Close to Perfect

by Barbara Longley

Release Date: April 17, 2018

The highly anticipated prequel to the bestselling Perfect, Indiana Series by Barbara Longley. Mary Stewart is haunted by tragedy after losing everything during the war. She fears the worst about her fiancé, as she hasn't heard a word from him since he left for Houston more than a year ago. When she learns Tobias Lovejoy plans to lead a wagon train to Texas, she is determined to join him.

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Manic Monday

by Piper Rayne

Release Date: April 24, 2018

I didn't swear off men after my divorce, but I definitely swore off anyone remotely like my ex. On the top of the list are attorneys. They can't be trusted. When I move back into my childhood home in Chicago, my focus is on my daughter, mom and me. I/m content putting my happily-ever-after on hold. Then I see Reed Warner again and I'm reminded of all my mistakes.

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I Dare You

by Ilsa Madden-Mills

Release Date: April 26, 2018

Delaney Shaw is a good girl. She's a lover of fluffy kitties and Star Wars. And she's curious... A late night text from 'Badass Athlete' dares her to spend one night in his bed. He promises an unforgettable night. She know's she shouldn't, but what else is she going to do with her boring Valentine's Day? Plus she can solve the mystery of who he is. One sexy hook-up later and the secret's out... He's maverick Monroe, the most talented football player in the country.

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Birthday Girl

by Penelope Douglas

Release Date: April 15, 2018

I had nowhere else to go and he took me in. He doesn't use me, hurt me, or forget about me. He doesn't take me for granted and makes me feel safe. I can feel his eyes on me over the breakfast table and my heart beats faster. I have to stop this. It can't happen. My sister once told me there are no good men, and if you find on, he's probably unavailable. Only Pike Lawson is available... but I'm not.

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Love at Last

by Melissa Foster

Release Date: May 2, 2018

Cal Hayden has loved Rachel Gray since the moment he set eyes on her. But Cal's careful and responsible. He doesn't start a relationship before he can give it his al. He bided his time while he cared for his father. Now he is gone and his mother is settled, but did he wait too long to make his move?

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Interview with Jeff Gunhus, author of Gypsy Blood

What can you tell us about your new release, Gypsy Blood?

Gypsy Blood marks a return to horror for me after several recent thrillers. A down-on-his-luck writer living in Paris witnesses a gruesome murder in a back-alley in Paris. When the victim’s blood gets in his mouth, he becomes infected with the man’s soul and dragged into a terrifying war between two cults living in the shadows of modern society. However, at its heart, the book is about our human need to belong to a tribe and our desire to feel part of something greater than ourselves.

What or who inspired you to become an author?

I lived overseas from ages 5-12 in Greece, Cyprus and Saudi Arabia. We had no TV and only a few movies on video, so I read a lot. Tolkien, CS Lewis, Frank Herbert, Jules Verne, all transported me into different worlds. Then Stephen King showed me you could scare someone silly while they were sitting comfortably in their own bed. I liked that emotional response so decided to try my hand at it at an early age. Started writing and never stopped.

What's on your top 5 list for the best books you've ever read?

Dune, Fellowship of the Ring, The Stand, A Canticle for Leibowitz, Wonder Boys.

Say you're the host of a literary talk show. Who would be your first guest? What would you want to ask them?

Stephen King. I love how he can traipse his way through multiple genres without falling victim to tropes. He also has that great voice throughout his work.

What's your favorite thing about writing?

The freedom to have no limits. When I talk to young people in school visits I always make a big deal about how writing is absolute freedom. It’s the creator’s story. If I want a purple elephant to suddenly appear in a scene, I can do that. I might decide not to because it doesn’t create the story I want, but I could. That’s a liberating level of freedom.

What's a typical day like for you?

When I’m into a project, I write 5am-8am, 6-7 days a week. I go for the consistency and I’m able to jump right into work in the morning (benefit of being sleep deprived!) By day, I have five kids and run a national company with over 2000 employees, so those hours get spoken for pretty quickly. When I’m in editing mode I’ll add a 9-11pm session for a week or two. Writing never feels like a job. If it did, I definitely “wouldn’t have time” to do it.

What scene in Gypsy Blood was your favorite to write?

The chase scene in Notre Dame cathedral was fun. I went to Paris and explored the area for possibilities. During that I asked a security guard to help me and he took me behind the scenes to show me some secret doors that led on the the cathedral roof. I added his ideas into the chase and that made it fun to write.

Do you have a motto, quote or philosophy you live by?

Writer’s write. It’s the idea that keeps me from getting to drawn into marketing or conferences or thinking about reviews. Writer’s write gets my behind in the chair and gets me going in those early morning hours. Also, let them happier than you found them. Whether a check out person at the grocery, a man working the toll booth or even a telemarketer, I try to leave people a little happier than I found them. I hope that my books are able to do that to the people who invest the time into them!

Jeff Gunhus is the author of the new book Gypsy Blood.

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Interview with Krista Lakes, author of An American Cinderella

What can you tell us about your new release, An American Cinderella?

This book was inspired by the upcoming royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. The plot is a modern take on Cinderella, and it has the same feel-good happily ever after that Cinderella is known for.

What or who inspired you to become an author?

My husband is the reason I became an author. He is the reason that I even considered being an author. Without him, I'd probably still be in the medical field!

Which books would we be surprised to find on your shelves?

I love fantasy. Most of my shelf is taken up with elves, dragons, and magic. And medical books. It's an interesting assortment!

What's on your writing desk?

Right now, I have paper flowers that a reader made for me (out of my own book! They're so cool), my computer stuff, a cup of tea, a random cup of playdough, 3 bookmarks, and the mail I need to go through.

What is a typical day like for you?

I take my oldest son to school, stop at the gym, get groceries/errands, come home and work until it's time for pickup, then make dinner. Sometimes I work after dinner if my husband can watch the kids, and I do some writing after everyone is in bed.

BAM. You're a superhero. What's your superpower?

Elemental manipulation. I want to be able to control water, wind, fire, and earth- or at least one of them.

What scene in An American Cinderella was your favorite to write?

I actually loved writing the evil stepmother scenes. She's so evil and insidious!

Krista Lakes is the author of the new book An American Cinderella.

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Interview with Ilsa Madden-Mills, author of I Dare You

What can you tell us about your new release, I Dare You?

I Dare You is an all-new swoony sports romance from yours truly... There's a hot football guy, a slightly nerdy girl, and one hot hook-up...

What's on your top 5 list for the best books you've ever read?

I have very eclectic tastes:

The Bronze Horseman

The Shining

Pride and Prejudice

Darkfever

Lover Unbound

What's your favorite thing about writing?

I love the freedom it gives me, to pick an adventure and write from the heart. It's freeing.

BAM. You're a superhero. What's your superpower?

I can clean my house and cook a gourmet meal with the blink of an eye. Ha.

When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to be a nurse and live on a houseboat in Australia. I was obsessed with accents...and boat.

What scene in I Dare You was your favorite to write?

They meet through a random text, so I really enjoyed the texting bits. There's definitely freedom in anonymity.

Do you have a motto, quote or philosophy you live by?

To thine own self be true...

Ilsa Madden-Mills is the author of the new book I Dare You.

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Interview with Katja Berg, author of A Rubber Face With A Stripper's Name

What can you tell us about your new release, A Rubber Face With A Stripper's Name?

It’s a memoir based on my own life to try and inspire women who have experienced the same and for them to not feel alone.

What or who inspired you to become an author?

It was my happy place to write the last 8 years and I feel stories can connect you with people all over the world. It is a magical feeling and makes me happy.

You're hosting a literary dinner party. Which three writers are invited?

J.K Rowling, her political views part from being a great storyteller are amazing, Maya Angelou her insight and kindness and power is incredible, Maj Sjowall and Per Wahloo ae Nordic authors and, their detective stories are out of this world and I have read their series several times.

What's on your top 5 list for the best books you've ever read?

Maj & Sjowall series, John Grisham’s books, stories by H.C Andersen, Karen Blixen –Out of Africa and Tove Ditlevsen – Barndommens gade.

What's your favorite thing about writing?

I get all kind of emotions from writing. It is like travelling through a course of learning to evolve on all levels.

What's the best advice you've ever received?

My editor Bronwyn telling me to believe in myself and the story I want to tell.

What scene in A Rubber Face With A Stripper's Name was your favorite to write?

There are a few as they all resemble me growing and learning and sharing this with the reader. I can’t write the favorite as it would give away some of the story.

Do you have a motto, quote or philosophy you live by?

By Maya Angelou “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel”

And my own is “Never let them change who you are, accept the apologies you never received”

Katja Berg is the author of the new book A Rubber Face With A Stripper's Name

Connect with Katja:
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