Countdown To Love
by Julie N Ford
Paperback, 240 pages
Published July 14th 2011
by Bonneville Books
ISBN 1599555166
source: Tristi Pinkston Blog Tours
5 stars
Abandoned at the altar, Kelly Grace Pickens finds herself left holding not only the bouquet but also the exorbitant bill for an A-list wedding. Homeless, a once promising singing career floundering, and her life bearing an uncanny resemblance to one of her country music ballads, she reluctantly accepts a last minute offer to appear on a reality TV show akin to the bachelor. Pitted against silicon-enhanced supermodels in four-inch heals, Kelly feels confident that she will be among the first would-be fiancés to be excused. Only, when the mysterious bachelor from New York City, Dillon Black, invites her to stay, Kelly finds herself thrust into the vortex of a game she doesn’t have the first idea how to play. Nursing her hopelessly broken heart while avoiding the foils of her fellow contestants, Kelly is oblivious to Dillon’s affections as she wades through hurt and betrayal to discover, in the end, that she has landed firmly on both feet.
Leaving behind Nashville’s Music Row for the majestic Grand Teton mountains, Count Down To Love takes readers on a journey from duplicity to sincerity as Kelly discovers that being true to oneself is the first step in finding happiness and everlasting love.
What a fun summer read! Countdown to Love is one of the few books this year that I can definitely say I would pick up and read again. Fans of the movie Sweet Home Alabama and the T.V. series the Bachelor will eat this one up. Countdown to Love opens with Kelly Pickens, a sweet Southern singer on the rise to stardom abandoned at the alter. Left with no where to live and no idea where her fiance has gone, Kelly’s not quite sure what to do with her life. In sweeps Kelly’s cousin Sissy, the producer of a popular reality show who is also left in a lurch as she’s down one female contestant. While Kelly certainly isn’t looking for love herself, she has bills to pay from a wedding that never happened so she accepts a spot on the show.
You might also like: Austenland by Shannon Hale or Previously Engaged by Elodia Strain
About the Author: Julie N. Ford has a BA in political science and a minor in English literature from San Diego State University. In addition, she earned a master’s degree in social work from the University of Alabama. Professionally, she has worked in teaching, childbirth education, and family therapy. Along with Count Down to Love, she is the author of two other women’s fiction novels due for release in 2011. Currently, she lives in Nashville with her husband, two daughters, and one very feisty fish.
In her spare time, Julie loves to ride her mountain bike, practice yoga, spend time shopping, walking and listening to music with her daughters and of course reading. Some of her favorite authors include, Daphne Du Maurier, Bronte, P.D. James, Michael Crichton, Linda Davies and Sophie Kinsella.
Where to purchase Countdown to Love
Visit the author’s website and subscribe to her blog by July 31st to be entered to win a copy of Countdown to Love. Good Luck! And thanks so much to Julie N. Ford as well as Tristi Pinkston for inviting us to be a part of the blog tour.
I am so excited to announce that Fire and Ice is expanding! Currently seeking book reviewers for our two sites. All positions are non pay, compensation comes in the form of access to the hottest new titles. If you are interested, click here to apply.
We’re excited to have author Karey L White in an exclusive interview today talking about her new release…
Gifted
Paperback, 224 pages
Published February 8th 2011
by Cedar Fort, Inc.
ISBN 1599554747
Susan and Brent Weller have been waiting for years for a baby of their own. But as Anna grows, her unique gifts become more apparent, and the choices she makes while trying to help others could threaten her family’s happy, comfortable life. With a strong message about family and having hope for the future, Gifted is sure to change your outlook on life.
Tell us a little about Gifted
Gifted is the story of a couple who adopt a baby girl and discover as she grows that she has some unusual gifts or qualities about her. Those gifts are wonderful, but as Anna grows, the gifts present unexpected challenges. A central part of the story is the relationship between Anna and her best friend, Kelsey. Kelsey comes from a broken and abusive home. They forge a friendship that is more like family. The thing I love about Gifted is that I think it illustrates how important love is and how our lives can be a source of light for those around us.
Where did the idea for the book come from?
We had a neighbor whose pregnant grand-daughter was killed in a car accident. Although she died, they were able to save the baby and this elderly couple had to find her a home. I went to bed one night thinking of them and what they were going through and I had a dream about the baby. In the dream, she had these wonderful, almost magical gifts. I couldn’t stop thinking about what would happen if a baby really had these gifts. That’s what led to the story of Anna. In fact, in the book Anna’s mother, Susan has a dream about her daughter. It’s the same dream I had.
What advice would you give to beginning writers on the road to trying to get published?
Love your characters. I love the characters in Gifted. As I wrote the story, I felt their frustrations, their pains, their triumphs. I cared so much about them and their story that I wanted others to know them. As corny as that sounds, I think when you love the characters and they feel real to you, you want to do right by them.
Do you have any writing rituals or snacks?
I usually write when it’s quiet and I rarely eat while I’m writing. But after I’ve put in a few hours, I like to reward myself with a delicious baked treat. Or marzipan.
What books have most inspired you?
I’m going to limit this answer to fiction because there are lots of non-fiction books that have inspired me. But I love fiction that makes me think and teaches me something. I was inspired by everything written by Bess Streeter Aldrich. A Lantern in Her Hand, A White Bird Flying, and Spring Came on Forever are my favorites. And East of Eden by John Steinbeck completely changed the way I look at people. I think that’s the sign of really great fiction.
Any projects in the works currently?
I’m working on a romance called For What It’s Worth.
What have been some of the most rewarding parts of the journey so far?It has been a thrill to see some of the reviews from people who loved Anna and Kelsey. And talk about a rush–walking into a store and seeing my book on the shelf still takes my breath away. It’s definitely a dream come true.
Thanks so much Karey for stopping by Fire and Ice. To learn more about Gifted visit her site at http://www.kareywhite.blogspot.com/
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