Once again, friends, I’d like to spotlight one of the ladies I blog with on WordWranglers. Jana Richards is a prolific writer of numerous romance novels and it’s in these finely crafted tales that we find characters that truly resonate with us in their authenticity, as well as in the emotionally charged situations they find themselves in. Such is the case with her latest novel, To Heal a Heart, which just so happens to be on sale for .99 cents from Feb. 12—Mar. 12th. Happy Valentine’s Day to us!
Below is a little sneak peek at To Heal a Heart, and the link where it can be purchased. Following that is one of Jana’s blogs from WordWranglers, as well as a list of more of Jana’s books that will be on sale.
Happy reading, everyone!
Janie
TO HEAL A HEART excerpt:
“Okay, what would you like to do? In your heart of hearts, what would you really like to do with your life?”
He was slow in responding. For a long time, he pushed gravel around with his rake, until Blair thought he wasn’t going to answer her question. With a sigh, she started working again, almost missing his soft-spoken words.
“I always thought after my military career was over, I’d come back to civilian life and begin a career in policing or firefighting.”
“Those both sound like good options. So why haven’t you applied to some police forces or fire departments?”
The anger in his eyes took her breath away. “Are you deliberately trying to be cruel?”
Blair stepped back, shocked by his words. “No, of course not! What are you talking about?”
“I’m not exactly a prime candidate for either the police force or the fire department.”
“Why would you say
that?” Was he worried about his drinking as well? Did he think he’d be unable
to handle the rigors of policing or firefighting because of it?
He tilted his head. “You don’t know, do you?”
“Know what?”
He bent at the waist and rolled up his right pant leg till it was above his knee, revealing a device made of metal and plastic where flesh and bone should have been. He rose to his full height and looked her straight in the eye, as if daring her to pity him.
“As you can see, I’d have a tough time acing the physical.”
Blair wanted to cry. She wanted to run into Garrett’s arms and hold him forever, to make all the hurt go away. She wanted to scream and yell and rail against war and all the stupidity and intolerance in the world. But Garrett wouldn’t appreciate her tears, and crying wouldn’t solve anything. So, she sucked them back and raised her gaze to his, willing her chin not to tremble.
“I hope you’re not going to use your leg, or lack thereof, as an excuse to get out of work. There’s still plenty to be done here.”
He rolled his pant leg over his prosthesis once more, straightened and grinned at her. “I wouldn’t dream of it.”
Somehow Blair managed to smile back at him. “Good answer.”
Purchase at: https://www.amazon.com/Heal-Heart-Masonville-Book-ebook/dp/B0875SLGK6 https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/to-heal-a-heart-jana-richards/1136868654?ean=2940162717966 https://books.apple.com/us/book/to-heal-a-heart/id1508639914
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Strictly speaking, what I’m concerned with is not sophomore
syndrome since my latest release, TO HEAL A
HEART, is the second book in the Masonville series, not the first. But that
doesn’t make me any less worried about the next two books in the series.
Here’s the thing: The reviews I’ve received for TO HEAL A HEART have been some
of best I’ve ever received. Most of the reviewers talk about making an
emotional connection to the characters and their situations. I do my best to
bring strong emotion to every book I write, but apparently with this book I
really hit the mark. More than one reviewer mentioned that the book brought
them to tears; one said, “This book wrecked me.”
Now what do I do?
Don’t get me wrong. I’m thrilled readers have connected with this book and have
given it great reviews. But can I do it again? Will readers be disappointed
when they read the next two books in the series? Will they feel like the series
didn’t live up to the promise of this book?
I typically get nice reviews. There will always be some readers that really
like my book, but I’ve never had a book that was universally loved by readers. [Author’s
Note: After I wrote this blog I got a couple of reviews that were not quite so
complementary, so not universally loved.] It’s a new experience for me and
wonderful one, but maybe that’s why I’m so freaked out.
Was this just a fluke? Will I ever be able to repeat the magic?
When I asked some friends in my writing group if they would be willing to beta
read the next book in the series, I told them my fears. One very wise friend
told me to simply enjoy the success and then let it go. I should do everything
I can to make the next book the best it can be, but if doesn’t reach the
success of its predecessor, that’s okay. I’ll always have the success of the
previous book.
I know she’s right. I can’t obsess over how the next two books will be accepted
or I’ll drive myself nuts and possibly derail the writing. But still …
I would love every one of my books to achieve critical acclaim, not to mention
best seller status. But that is likely unrealistic. So I should enjoy my moment
in the sun while it lasts.
But it’s easier said than done. I’m the kind of person who worries about things
that may never happen.
So fellow Word Wranglers and readers, do you have any words of wisdom for me?
How does a writer make each book in a series better than the one before it? Or
is that even possible? As a reader, would you be disappointed if the next
book in a series didn’t hit the high notes of the previous one? Would it keep
you from reading that author's books again?
WordWranglers: https://wordwranglers.blogspot.com
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Left at
the Altar series 50% off regular price at Amazon:
HER BEST MAN
Sarah Stevens
experiences a bride's worst nightmare; being dumped at the altar. When she goes
on the
Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/Her-Best-Man-ebook/dp/B004I6E4ZY
THERE GOES THE GROOM
Eight years ago Tony
left Olivia at the altar, sure she didn't really want to marry him. Now he's
back, and they're forced to work together.
Coming home isn't easy
for Tony. The choices he’s made with his career and his life have resulted in
an uncomfortable relationship with his father. Even before Tony's return,
Olivia began questioning the depth of her love for her fiancé, a man she chose
because he was safe and reliable. The last thing she wants is a faithless
marriage like the one her parents suffered through.
When Tony, who never
stopped loving her, insists her fiancé is the wrong man for her, Olivia sets
out to prove him wrong. But the sexual chemistry between them is still strong,
and so are her feelings for him. Even so, how can she break her engagement,
hurt her fiancé as she was once hurt? And how can she trust Tony not to abandon
her like he did before?
If anyone does the
jilting this time, she will.
Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/There-Goes-the-Groom-ebook/dp/B00CUQR7RG
ALWAYS A BRIDESMAID
Dani Dipietro has
always considered herself an ugly duckling in a family of swans. She's the
bridesmaid her friends count on, but never the woman any man wants for his
bride. So she plays the funny girl and guards her emotions, and her secrets,
closely.
When Zach Morrison was
dumped at his wedding, Dani was there to help him through the humiliation. A
year later they meet again and once more Zach needs her help. To fend off the
unwanted attentions of his former fiancé, he asks Dani to pretend to be his
girlfriend. They play their roles a little too well, and make believe turns
into reality. But their relationship comes crashing down around them when
Zach's trust issues cause him to accuse Dani of cheating. Telling the truth
means that Dani will betray a friend, something she will never do. But keeping
her secrets means she may be destined to remain a bridesmaid forever.
Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/Always-Bridesmaid-Left-At-Altar-ebook/dp/B00HX34F94
A LONG WAY FROM
Zane Martin's teenage daughter is pregnant. Meg Evan's son is the baby's father. Because Zane grew up not knowing who his father was, he'll be damned if he'll let his grandchild live with that shame. Meg was forced into an abusive marriage because of an unplanned pregnancy, so she knows that love is the only good reason to marry. Neither Meg nor Zane expects or welcomes the attraction that sparks between them. As they await the impending birth of their grandchild, old wounds open and long hidden family secrets come to light. The young couple builds a newer, stronger relationship, while Meg and Zane reach for a love passionate enough to overcome the past--if they're strong enough to trust it...and each other.
Buy Link: https://www.amazon.com/Long-Way-Eden-ebook/dp/B004I6E80U
--
Judy
Reynolds
w/a
Jana Richards
Laugh.
Cry. Love. Feel the Romance.
Website http://www.janarichards.net
Newsletter http://janarichards.com/contact.html#newsletter
Facebook http://www.facebook.com/JanaRichardsAuthor
Amazon Author Page http://www.amazon.com/author/janarichards
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Janie, thank you for doing this! You are the best. Anytime I can return the favor, I'm there!
ReplyDeleteMy pleasure, Jana!
DeleteA great spotlight, ladies!
ReplyDeleteThanks Liz. Janie did a great job, though I've got to say it's always disconcerting to see my face pop up on the internet!
DeleteI'm glad I'm not the only one who feels that way about my picture. Well, I guess it's better than a mug shot.
Delete