A #Holiday Gift from Karen Rose Smith--Toys And Baby Wishes #99cents

This time of year thoughts turn to gift giving. I like to give my readers a bargain for the season. This year I'm running a sale for the ebook format of my romantic comedy, TOYS AND BABY WISHES, for 99 cents. My hero, Josh Flannigan, owns a toy store and is young at heart.  My heroine, Lexa Kittredge, is a job counselor who is helping Josh's aunt find a new lease on life. They clash at the beginning but soon find their attraction trumps all.  Christmas plays an important role in the finale. 

I hope TOYS AND BABY WISHES brings you joy in the season and warm, fuzzy feelings that can last all year. 

******************

Excerpt from TOYS AND BABY WISHES...
Available audiobook format too!

Josh stood and went behind his desk.  "I apologize for my attitude yesterday.  I'd driven all day and was looking forward to taking Clare to dinner.  When I found chaos instead..."  He shrugged and smiled.

It was a disarming smile.  She'd known many men who didn't know how to apologize.  She relaxed and smiled back.  "I'm afraid I didn't help much.  I'm sorry I...blew up."

"Maybe I needed to hear what you had to say.  I really do have Clare's best interests at heart."

Lexa sat forward, feeling she was making progress.  "I know.  She's told me you're more of a son than a nephew."

He pulled out the swivel chair and sat behind his desk.  "And what else did she tell you?"

An imp made Lexa say, "Something about catching you skinny dipping with your girlfriend after your high school graduation party.  How difficult it was to teach you how to drive under the speed limit.  How you traded two of her oldest silver dollars for a frog..."

"Stop.  Stop!" he pleaded.  "Or you'll have me blushing before your eyes."

"As if anything could make you blush."

"I could think of a few things," he teased.

That winsome smile of his could melt Antarctica.

TOYS AND BABY WISHES on sale for $.99 at Amazon

TOYS AND BABY WISHES on sale for $.99 at Barnes and Noble

*****************

USA TODAY Bestselling Author Karen Rose Smith is an only child who delved into books at an early age. She learned about kindred spirits from Anne of Green Gables, solved mysteries with Nancy Drew and wished she could have been the rider on The Black Stallion. Yet even though she escaped often into story worlds, she had many aunts, uncles and cousins around her on weekends. Her sense of family and relationships began there. Maybe that's why families are a strong theme in her novels, whether mysteries or romances. Her 91st novel will be released in 2016.

Readers often ask her about her pastimes. She has herb, flowers and vegetable gardens that help her relax. In the winter, she cooks rather than gardens.  And year round she spends most of her time with her husband, as well as her four rescued cats who are her constant companions. They chase rainbows from sun catchers, reminding her life isn't all about work, awards and bestseller lists. Everyone needs that rainbow to chase.

Karen looks forward to interacting with readers. They can find her at the links below. 

*****************

Karen's Newsletter IN TOUCH

******************

Karen Rose Smith's romance website 

Karen Rose Smith's mystery website 

Karen's Cat-Themed Zazzle Store

Karen's Facebook Author Page

Karen on Twitter

#Romances for a Simmering Summer by Karen Rose Smith

Spring is finally here and we've already had a few 80 degree days in Pennsylvania.  Summer can't be far behind.  When I read, I like to read a book that's in the same season that I'm experiencing.  Scents, smells, and descriptions seem that much more vivid.  So here are a few of my summer romances that can bring you smiles, tears, and summer delights. These novels are available in ebook and in audiobook formats.  (CASSIDY'S COWBOY is also in print. )

I hope you enjoy them and tons of summer fun!

Karen Rose Smith

Kit trusted a man who conned her.  Grey is keeping a secret. Can Kit learn to trust and can Grey confide in Kit about his special needs sister who will always need his protection? (Kit's cats make an appearance in this novel.)


KIT AND KISSES on Amazon








Shara and Nate became friends after she became a widow.  She has a child on the way.  When Nate helps deliver her baby, an irrevocable bond is formed. But Nate has a thirst for danger and Shara needs stability.  Can true love conquer all?


A MAN WORTH LOVING on Amazon

Seth is a cynical child custody attorney who is looking for a change in his life. When circumstances lead him to Darcy's auto repair shop, they are highly attracted to each other.  But Darcy is the type of woman who needs commitment.  Seth doesn't believe he can give it.  Can Seth trust Darcy to keep his heart safe forever?


FOREVER AFTER on Amazon







In this romantic comedy, WHEN MOM MEETS DAD, two eight-year-old girls have a plan.  Kristy needs a mom and Heather needs a dad.  Why not get their parents together?  But the best plans can go awry even when Amanda and Alex are wildly attracted to each other.  Can children hold a couple together or...must they trust the message of true love in their hearts?

Special--99 cents for a limited time!!!


WHEN MOM MEETS DAD on Amazon

Cassidy Sullivan's twin sister had found her with the help of Gillian Moore's intuitive gift.  The sisters had lost their mom and never knew who their father was.  Should they try to find him? What might happen if they do?  Cassidy doesn't count on her foreman's nephew stealing her heart or his daughter confiding in her as if she were her mom in the midst of their search.  The search for a father and true love is a lot to handle at the same time.  But Cassidy isn't your ordinary cowgirl and Ben O'Donnell could possibly become CASSIDY'S COWBOY.


CASSIDY'S COWBOY on Amazon

*******************

USA TODAY Bestselling Author Karen Rose Smith is an only child who delved into books at an early age. She learned about kindred spirits from Anne of Green Gables, solved mysteries with Nancy Drew and wished she could have been the rider on The Black Stallion. Yet even though she escaped often into story worlds, she had many aunts, uncles and cousins around her on weekends. Her sense of family and relationships began there. Maybe that's why families are a strong theme in her novels, whether mysteries or romances. Her 87th novel will be released in 2015.

Readers often ask her about her pastimes. She has herb, flowers and vegetable gardens that help her relax. In the winter, she cooks rather than gardens. And year round she spends most of her time with her husband, as well as her four rescued cats who are her constant companions. They chase rainbows from sun catchers, reminding her life isn't all about work, awards and bestseller lists. Everyone needs that rainbow to chase.

Karen looks forward to interacting with readers. They can find her at the links below. 

Karen's Newsletter IN TOUCH

***************

Karen Rose Smith's romance website 

Karen Rose Smith's mystery website 

Karen's Facebook Author Page

Karen on Twitter

©2015 Karen Rose Smith

WHEN MOM MEETS DAD, A Parent-Trap #Romance for Mother's Day by Karen Rose Smith

Do you remember the movie THE PARENT TRAP starring Hayley Mills, Maureen O'Hara and Brian Keith?  It came to theaters in 1961.  It was one of those childhood movies that left an impression for many reasons.  I adored Hayley Mills.  I wanted to watch any movie she made.  Whether it was her perkiness, charm or sweetness, she attracted movie goers.  I admired Maureen O'Hara and though Brian Keith was hunky!  (Even if we didn't call it that back then.)  The storyline of little matchmakers bringing their parents together came to mind during my romance-writing career and I decided to do my own take on the idea.

WHEN MOM MEETS DAD is a parent-trap romance!

Alex Woodsides is a single dad who want the best for his daughter.  His nine-year-old daughter Kristy believes her father needs a wife and she needs a mom!  When Kristy lets her math grade drop, she suggests Amanda Carson--her best friend's mom who is a third grade teacher--tutor her over the summer.  She believes Mrs. Carson is the perfect mom and would make a wonderful wife for her dad.

Neither Alex nor Amanda suspect they're being pushed together by two nine-year-old matchmakers until it's too late.  Sparks fly when they meet and keep flying as they become involved in each other's lives.  But Amanda has been burnt in the past by a controlling husband, and Alex gained sole custody of his daughter because her mother walked away.  Will Amanda and Alex fall for each other and the parent trap their daughters have set?

Did I mention THE PARENT TRAP also focused my story writing attention on Happily-Ever-After?

WHEN MOM MEETS DAD is a perfect Mother''s Day romance.  I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.

WHEN MOM MEETS DAD on Amazon

WHEN MOM MEETS DAD on Barnes and Noble

FINDING MR. RIGHT BOXED SET, Vol. 1 (including WHEN MOM MEETS DAD) on Amazon

******************

USA TODAY Bestselling Author Karen Rose Smith is an only child who delved into books at an early age. She learned about kindred spirits from Anne of Green Gables, solved mysteries with Nancy Drew and wished she could have been the rider on The Black Stallion. Yet even though she escaped often into story worlds, she had many aunts, uncles and cousins around her on weekends. Her sense of family and relationships began there. Maybe that's why families are a strong theme in her novels, whether mysteries or romances. Her 87th novel will be released in 2015.

Readers often ask her about her pastimes. She has herb, flowers and vegetable gardens that help her relax. In the winter, she cooks rather than gardens. And year round she spends most of her time with her husband, as well as her four rescued cats who are her constant companions. They chase rainbows from sun catchers, reminding her life isn't all about work, awards and bestseller lists. Everyone needs that rainbow to chase.

Karen looks forward to interacting with readers. They can find her at the links below. 

Karen's Newsletter IN TOUCH

***************

Karen Rose Smith's romance website 

Karen Rose Smith's mystery website 

Karen's Facebook Author Page

Karen on Twitter

©2015 Karen Rose Smith

Narrating #Romance, An interview with Johnny Peppers

I have developed fifteen romances into audiobooks and worked with many different narrators. Johnny Peppers was my first audiobook narrator and he's still one of my favorites.

My first interview with Johnny was about his background and the technical side of narrating.  I enjoyed working with him and his style of narrating so much on TOYS AND BABY WISHES that he recorded a second romance for me WHEN MOM MEETS DAD as well as a third APRIL'S PROMISE. THe first two are romantic comedies and the third is more of an emotional family drama.  They are all a slice of real life so I decided to explore with Johnny more details about a narrator's everyday life--from recording love scenes to favorite books.

So about those love scenes....   Here we go with my interview with Johnny Peppers.

The topic of love scenes surfaced when I asked Johnny--What is the funniest thing that happened to you while you were recording?

The funniest thing that has happened to me is when I recorded my first "love scene" for my first romantic novel, TOYS AND BABY WISHES.  My wife was listening at the door, and I had to stop recording because of the noise she was making on the other side.  It's not what you think--she was laughing at me.  I suppose she has never heard those words come out of my mouth in that order, and she was a little embarrassed and blushing outside the door.

If you could have lunch with one famous person, who would that be?

If I could have lunch with one famous person, it would be Henry Clay.  He ran for President four times and lost.  He is the Buffalo Bill of Presidential Elections.  He was a statesman and a smart man, but just didn't have the political clout to win.

What is your favorite all time book?

I don't really have a favorite book, but I love reading Johnathan Kellerman, Dean Koontz, J.D. Robb and similar authors who write thrillers.

How about a favorite theater production?

My favorite theater production has to be Father of the Bride.  I played Stanley Banks (the father) in the play.
It was my first leading role on the stage, and I could perform that play 100 times without getting bored.  My favorite play I have directed is Mrs. John Marsh--The World Knew Her as Margaret Mitchell.  This was a one-woman play that ran in Atlanta, Georgia during the summer of 2012, discussing the life of the author of GONE WITH THE WIND.  My wife, Kandace, played the role of Mitchell, and I was the technical director on the project to start.  A month before we left for the run, the playwright fired the director and asked me to step in and finish it up.  I did, and my wife and I had a marvelous time working on this project together.  And, Kandace received high praise from the local community of theater goers and critics for the work.  By the way, she is a former Miss Mississippi and has a new jazz album out now on ITunes and Amazon and Spotify as Kandi Peppers (ON MY MIND). We are a performing family!!!

Do you read through a manuscript before you narrate it?

I do read through the chapter before recording.  I don't read the whole book, though, because I don't want to give anything away thorough my vocalizations.  I want to know what happens chapter by chapter like the readers do.

How do you create different voices?

As an actor and generally silly human being, I have been creating voices since I was a kid.  I simply change pitch, placement of the voice, accent or whatever else to make it different.  I usually channel a family member or character voice that I love.  My favorite voice is "Toby", a character I created that is sweet, innocent, has a slight lisp, talks in the back of his throat, and love life.  I have yet to find a place for Toby in my narrations, but I hope to soon!!!

How do you keep the characters straight?

I use Markers on the audio tracks the first time a character appears.  That way, I can go back and listen if I need to.  Also, if there are a lot of characters, I create a separate character file and keep lines form each character on one line (using markers to keep them separated).

If you had to name TV shows that hold your interest, what would they be?

My favorite TV show of all time? Has to be Quantum Leap.  Of course, favorites change.  I love Friends, Seinfeld, King of Queens, Big Bang Theory, Dexter, 24, Breaking Bad, Mad Men, and Survivor!

Do you have a snack that you prefer above all others?

My favorite snack is Banana Chips. I am a muncher, and those are healthier than potato chips and oh, so good.

Do you have any pets?

I have two dogs that I love!  Ella is a 6 year old white Toy Poodle and Gilly is a 2 year old red Teacup Poodle.  Ella and Gilly weigh 8 pounds total. (Ella 6 lbs. and Gilly 2 lbs.)

I just want to repeat again what a joy Johnny is to work with--a talented narrator, professional and a great technician. His contact info is jpeppers02@gmail.com

Copyright by Karen Rose Smith 2014

APRIL'S PROMISE on Amazon

AMAZON

Audible

AMAZON

Audible

IN TOUCH with KAREN ROSE SMITH ezine
Karen Rose Smith's romance website 
Karen Rose Smith's mystery website