Friday, December 18, 2015

Ho Ho Ho Harlequin Holiday Extravaganza - Sarah Morgan - Some Kind of Wonderful ** Two Giveaways **



Well its hard to believe we've reached the end of my annual holiday blog bash starring all my Harlequin authors and I've got a special treat for my finale. First I have an interview with Sarah Morgan about the 2nd in her Puffin Island novel,  Some Kind of Wonderful that comes out 12-29-15 bundled with Susan Mallory's The Ladies Man. Sarah is offering a copy of Maybe This Christmas from her last trilogy starring the O'Neil brothers. 
Plus Harlequin is topping the party off with a Huge giveaway, details below.
Thank you to my authors, to my readers and to some hopefully new friends who've found their way to the blog.
Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year!!



ISBN-13:
 9780373010363
Publisher: Harlequin
Release Date: 12/29/15
Length: 608 pp
Buy It: B&N/Amazon/Kobo/IndieBound


Sarah, Hi! Merry Christmas and, welcome back to the blog.
Tell everyone a little about your new upcoming release Some Kind of Wonderful.
Hi Debbie, so good to be back! Thank you for having me.
Some Kind of Wonderful is a lovers reunited/second chance story, and it’s the second book in my Puffin Island series (although each one stands alone). My heroine Brittany was just eighteen when she married Zach. When the marriage fell apart after ten days, she picked up the pieces and went off to college. Since then she’s travelled the world in her role as an archaeologist. She hasn’t seen Zach since he left her all those years ago, but when circumstances bring Brittany back to Puffin Island she discovers Zach is living there too. That’s the part where it all gets interesting!

Who was the most unpredictable character to write Zach or Brittany?
Without doubt it would be Zach. He is living down his bad boy past and on a small island where people have long memories, that isn’t an easy thing to do. He didn’t always behave the way I – or the inhabitants of Puffin Island – expected him to. 

Sarah I noticed you added a lot of facts about planes and archeology the trades of your two stars in your novel.
How important are the facts in your fiction?
I don’t think it’s the facts themselves that are important, but what is important is giving the reader the feeling that these characters know their jobs. It’s about adding color and authenticity to the story. So with Zach, who is a pilot, I want readers to feel that he knows what he’s doing and that if they stepped into that plane with him at the controls they’d be in safe hands. Obviously I’m not writing a manual on how to fly a plane (although I did read large chunks of one!). And with Brittany, who is an archaeologist, I wanted to convey the fact that she is an expert in her field and well regarded.

Sarah most folks know you live in Merry Olde England and yet your two full-length series are based in the US.
Do you come across the pond for novel research or do you let the internet do your navigation?
I come across the pond as often as I can but no research trip can give you all the details you need. Fortunately the internet is a fabulous research tool (how did we ever manage without it?). Right now I’m researching which apple trees would grow in a certain part of Maine and all the information for that is right at my fingertips. In the past I’ve used web cams to stare into nests of Puffins, and to check snow conditions in Vermont.

Speaking of living across the pond.
How often do you visit the US and is it just for book related stuff or do you play tourist while you're here too?
Both! I come as often as I can, which is usually two or three times a year and always try and see friends if I can. One of the many wonderful things about writing romance is the wonderful community of people. I’ve made so many friends through this job. We also visit as a family. We all love the US and have a long list of places we want to visit (look out – I might be landing at a place near you J )
Oh Sarah That is on my bucket list definitely ;)

Sarah fans met your Puffin Island characters first in a Harlequin Presents novel.
Will that be the same for your next series?
No, my new series Manhattan With Love will start with a novella called Midnight at Tiffany’s. It’s fun and shamelessly romantic and although the story focuses on Matilda and Chase, it showcases some of the characters who appear in later books. I really love this story.

So you’ve put to bed your latest novel.
Do you do anything special to celebrate?
I start the next one J Seriously, finishing a book is the best feeling. I often wish I could write more because I like the feeling of finishing so much. Ideally I would take some time off at the end of every book but honestly it rarely happens that way. I usually dive straight into the next one, partly because I love it and partly because I like to keep ahead so that if things happen (and don’t they always happen?) I can take time away if I need to.

Sarah we know you’re a fabulous writer but what do you like to read?
I read widely. I love mountains and will read books on mountaineering, also biographies. But my big love is romance. I write what I love to read.  I have so many favorite authors, but always on my bookshelf are Nora Roberts, Sarah Addison Allen, Jill Shalvis, Sarah MacLean, Nicola Cornick, Lisa Kleypas – the list is never ending.

You write wonderful contemporary romance.
Has your muse ever whispered in your ear to try another genre?
Yes, and I would never rule out that possibility for the future. I’ve always wanted to write a thriller and in fact I did get half way through a medical thriller a few years ago (I used to be a nurse) but I scared myself and had to write with the lights on J Not sure if I’d ever try again – maybe, but for now I’m focusing on contemporary romance.

This is the second in your Puffin Island trilogy but you’re already hard at work on a new series/trilogy.
What’s it all about?
My new series is called From Manhattan With Love, and will be out 2016 in both the US and the UK. It’s about three close friends, Paige, Frankie and Eva who are working for an events company in Manhattan. They share a beautiful brownstone in Brooklyn owned by Paige’s older brother and every day they make the trip into Manhattan for work. The series begins with Sleepless in Manhattan and things go wrong for them right from the start. It’s about handling change, having confidence in yourself and learning to take risks. This series contains all the elements readers tell me they love about my stories – friendship, community, a beautiful setting and, of course, romance!

Thanks Sarah, good luck with the new novel.
What do you and your family do for Christmas?
Christmas is all about spending time with family and that’s what we’ll be doing. It will be crazy busy and so much fun. Have a great Christmas Debbie, and thanks for having me back!


My Review of Some Kind of Wonderful
Sarah Morgan’s second in her Puffin Island series, Some Kind of Wonderful is a breath-stealing second chance romance. Reintroducing fans to her unpredictable, funny, intense and heartbreaking too young heroine and too damaged hero to appreciate the extraordinarily powerful love they accidentally discovered 10 years before.  And now brings them kicking and screaming back together, wringing every emotion out of them while kindly inviting her readers along for the ride. Her tight-knit, idyllic/meddling, wagon-circling, remote community is the perfect comedic/heartwarming backdrop and her unsinkable circle of friends is an impressive and genuine accessory. How this master storyteller handles the real travesty of abuse is the true standout in this profoundly emotional page-turner.
Archeologist Brittany Forrest has no problem digging up the past except when it comes to her decade-old, 10-day train-wreck of a marriage. When she comes home to Puffin Island Maine to regroup and recuperate after an injury, unfortunately her ex is the first person she sees but the last person she wants to because no matter how many times she says she’s over him, seeing him only proves she’s a liar.
Zach Flynn has many regrets in his reprobate past, but the biggest one is leaving his ex-wife to pick up the pieces of their five-minute marriage after walking out on her. He didn’t think he deserved her then and seeing her now he knows he still doesn't. But that doesn’t make his wanting her any less real.
Will being thrown together on a small island convince them that the second time’s a charm or show them once and for all how wrong for each other they really are?

 


USA Today bestselling author Sarah Morgan writes hot, happy contemporary romance and her trademark humour and sensuality have gained her fans across the globe. She has been nominated four years in succession for the prestigious RITA Award from the Romance Writers of America and has won the award twice, in 2012 and 2013. She also won the RT Reviewers' Choice Award in 2012 and has made numerous appearances in their 'Top Pick' slot. 
http://sarahmorgan.com/


Sarah is giving away one print copy
OPEN INTERNATIONALLY!!
Maybe This Christmas
Good Luck!!



Harlequin is sponsoring a bundle of
Books some Holiday some not
US & Canada only!
Good Luck!!



Don't forget those special readers
on your shopping list go to
Gonereading for great gift ideas

55 comments:

  1. We only decorate outside with a wreath--not enough outlets to do lights correctly!
    And of course, I've been nice...hope my stocking is full of books, not coal!

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    1. I hope Santa brings you all on your list holdenj

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    2. Hope your stocking will be full of books too :) xx

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  2. I agree about making the reader feel the part of the characters. Yes facts are important in a historic book but more than anything, the whole thing needs to be believable.

    Great interview!

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  3. Great interview and review! Webcams! Very clever, Sarah!
    I just love your style of writing Sarah, it has all the qualities and elements I enjoy in a great romance♥
    I decorate a little on the outside, I used to more in the past when my kids where younger, or maybe since I'm getting older and busier, I worry about it less.
    Wreaths are always on my door and outside lamps.
    Thanks for the wonderful chance and all your great posts throughout the year, Debbie! Merry Christmas and happy New Year to all! Smiles, Lorelei

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    1. Oh so festive Lorelei, we only light up the two small evergreens on each side of the front porch and of course I have a lit reindeer too!

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    2. Thank you for your kind words Lorelei! You've made my day. Wishing you and yours a Happy Holiday! xx

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  4. I have been very good this year. We don't decorate outside. Sarah's books are captivating and special. Thanks.

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    1. thank you for sharing traveler and I agree. I Love Sarah's books too!

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    2. Thank you for your kind words! Happy Holidays xx

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  5. Really I don't even need to know more than second chance romance. I am a SUCKER for those. I still need to give her books a try. They always sound so good!

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    1. So glad you love second chance romance Anna - I love writing those too :) Happy Holidays! xx

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  6. How fun that she gets to come visit and meet friends across the pond. And I imagine internet has made research so much easier.

    We decorate with greenery, lights, and a wreath. And I've been naughty and nice so Santa will have his job cut out for him. :)

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    1. Oh Sophia Rose you've got me very curious ;)

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    2. Internet has made research easier Sophia, you're right about that. Happy Holidays! x

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  7. Fantastic interview. I love Morgan, and read book one of Puffin Island series, but the covers must have changed because someone I missed the next releases..I need to fix that!

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    1. Harlequin pushed back the releases and changed the covers, so you haven't missed anything! Book 2 out December 29th :) Glad you enjoyed the interview and Happy Holidays x

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    2. Like Sarah said Kim you didn't miss it!

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  8. Midnight at Tiffany's? I love it already! And the title of this novel is reminiscent of my favorite 80's movie ever!!!

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    1. I'm glad you like it! I had so much fun writing that story :) And I love that movie too. Happy Holidays! x

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    2. I can't wait to get my hands on it either Braine!

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  9. Great questions as always, and I really loved reading this one. Sarah as got very good taste in the authors she reads!! I look forward to reading the third one in the series and then reading her new series. She is an author I really like!

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    1. Thanks for your kind words Kathryn! Hope the holidays are wonderful for you xx

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    2. Kathryn I should have known you love her, we have very same tastes in books, all good too :)

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  10. Er I don't decorate outside and ahhh not much inside either!!!

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    1. We decorate a bit outside but inside I kind of go crazy :)

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  11. Hi Sarah, I loved the O'Neil Brothers Trilogy!!! And I've read First Time in Forever (I still hear the song from Frozen every time I think about this book. LOL), can't wait to read Some Kind of Wonderful! As for decorating, we only put some lights around the outside of the house, most of the decorating is inside. Hope you have a Merry Christmas! Thanks so much for the awesome giveaways Debbie!

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    1. And I forgot to say that I've been very nice this year so no lumps of coal from Santa, just more books in my stocking please!

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    2. Ada, you're welcome and I loved The O'Neil brothers trilogy too. Fingers crossed that Santa was visiting the blog :)

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    3. Hi Ada, thank you so much for your kind comment! So happy you enjoyed O'Neil Brothers. And started off hearing Frozen too when my publisher suggested the title for First Time in Forever :) I hope you have a wonderful Christmas! xxx

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  12. I liked the O'Neil brothers series and am enjoying the new Puffin Series. I look forward to reading the new book. We don't decorate outside, but I always admire houses that are. I've been nice this year, so Santa should have no complaints.

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    1. Thanks for sharing Kim, I'll let the North Pole know your nice status ;)

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    2. Hi Kim, so glad you're enjoying my books! Thank you :) I love admiring other houses too. We're not as good at doing the outside as people in the US. Have a wonderful Christmas x

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  13. We don't decorate outside. I can't convince my hubby and sons to go out in the cold to do it.

    I'm always nice. ;)

    Marcy Shuler

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    1. Sounds like you need to do a little Bribing!! :)

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    2. Hi Marcy, I can imagine that would take some persuading! Have a lovely Christmas xx

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  14. I love decorating so whenever I start decorating I decorate inside and outside I do not spare an inch of the house lol

    Happy holidays

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  15. I love decorating so whenever I start decorating I decorate inside and outside I do not spare an inch of the house lol

    Happy holidays

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    1. ooh I'd love to see that Natasha! Have a wonderful holiday season x

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  17. I definitely decorate outside my house :) There are lights, two snowmen (one blowup) a blowup penguin and a blow up Mickey. We added Santa's boots to our walk this year :)

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    1. Oh...and I have been nice. I think :)

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    2. Oh that sounds so festive Kim, I've wanted the blow up decorations but I live in a rural town and this time of year when all the crops are down the wind just whips through and I'm not sure they'd survive
      Merry Christmas!

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  18. Great interview with Sarah! My family just decorates the inside of the house, we get so much snow everything outside tends to get buried under! I've been mostly nice this year with a smattering of naughtiness! Merry Christmas and thank you for the chance to win!

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    1. Merry Christmas Anita, I love that nice with a smattering of naughty I may steal it ;)
      Thanks!

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