Showing posts with label sweet romance. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sweet romance. Show all posts

Wednesday, August 31, 2016

Need a #Fall #Romance to Read? Heartfire by Karen Rose Smith is #Free!


Fall is slow in coming this year.  Soon the leaves will be turning brilliant colors.  If you need a romance to read I have two you might enjoy that are set in this season.  And HEARTFIRE, a sweet romance, is FREE!  HEARTFIRE wraps up on Thanksgiving Day.  In my Wyoming-set romance ALWAYS HER COWBOY which is a contemporary sweetly sexy ranch romance, my hero and heroine begin their romance in fall and find their happily-ever-after on Christmas Day.


HEARTFIRE is Book 5 in Karen Rose Smith's Search For Love series. Contemporary, reunion romance with family themes.

"Ms. Smith is one of the best contemporary family drama authors." Harriet Klausner, Reviewer

Tessa Kahill, renowned journalist who traveled the world, is falling in love with her best friend's husband all over again! Tessa and Max Winthrop dated before he met Leslie. But then Tessa left with secrets and dreams to follow her career, and Max married her friend.  With a child and what he considered a "perfect" marriage, Max was devastated when he lost his wife, his son's mother, and Tessa's best friend. A rocky road, a man and woman who are searching for love and a little boy who holds his own secret. They could be a real family if they could all become vulnerable and honest with each other. A heartfire has been burning for years. Will it lead to everlasting love?




ALWAYS HER COWBOY, Search For Love series, Book 4

A sweetly sexy contemporary ranch romance with an old-fashioned flavor but a modern twist.

"For heartwarming, romantic tales of love about realistic people in true to life situations, you can always count on Karen Rose Smith." Jane Bowers, Reviewer Romance Reviews Today 

Once a doctor, Zack goes on the road with his Harley to leave the past behind and find a future. He lost his wife and unborn son. He couldn't save Kay and the powerlessness was as difficult to deal with as his grief. Growing up on a ranch that his parents later lost, Zack heads for a life that once brought him peace. After selling his practice in LA, he finds temporary jobs on western ranches until the work is finished. Then he moves on. Until he arrives at the Rising Star.

On the Rising Star, the McIntyre family accepts Zack into their fold. At first his heart is hard against emotions he doesn't want to feel. But Lucy McIntyre begins to change all that...she thaws his heart and leads him to love and emotional healing. Through this healing, Zack realizes exactly what future he wants. Accepting love in his heart helps him save Lucy's brother and find everlasting love.




Also watch for other contemporary novels, each with a different twist, in KAREN ROSE SMITH's Search For Love ebook, print and audiobook series.

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NATHAN'S VOW, Book 1 Search For Love series romance/paranormal
JAKE'S BRIDE, Book 2 Search For Love series romance/marriage of convenience, secret baby
ALWAYS DEVOTED, Book 3 Search For Love series romance/mystery
ALWAYS HER COWBOY, Book 4 Search For Love series, contemporary ranch romance
HEARTFIRE, Book 5 Search For Love series, contemporary reunion/family romance
CASSIDY'S COWBOY, Book 6 Search For Love series, women's fiction/romance
HER SISTER, Book 7 Search For Love series, women's fiction 
THE WEDDING PROMISE, Book 8 Search For Love series, sweet romance, romantic suspense
FOREVER IN HER EYES, Book 9 Search For Love series, paranormal contemporary sweet romance

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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 95th novel will be released in 2017.

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




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Monday, August 1, 2016

Preview--FOREVER IN HER EYES by Karen Rose Smith #Paranormal #Sweetromance



Melanie has dreams that can't be explained by science. If she follows her heart and intuition, she can find true love. Release day is September 12 for this paranormal, contemporary, sweet romance. Here is an excerpt...

In just a few moments she'd find out whether he was the man in her dreams.  If he was...
Melanie's heart thudded so hard, she felt as if it were going to jump out of her chest as Flo Briggs led her through a spacious living room, then down a hall.  There the housekeeper motioned to an open door. 
Melanie stepped inside and came face-to-face with Zachary Morgan.  Her organ donor's husband was sitting at his desk, his oxford shirt sleeves rolled up, deeply involved in his work and seemingly oblivious to her presence.
This is the man, everything inside of her screamed.  She felt almost dizzy with the realization that her dreams had been much more than dreams.
As he stood to greet her, their eyes locked and Melanie's heart lurched.
"Ms. Carlotti?" he asked, his voice deep and rich, striking a chord inside of her.  He extended his hand, and for a moment she was afraid to take it.
Then she did.  His grip was strong, his skin warm, his hand tanned, and she was so relieved when she didn't feel anything strange.  "Yes.  It's good to meet you."
Releasing her fingers, he leaned away and nodded to the black leather chair in front of his desk.  "Tell me why you'd like to decorate my offices."
After she took her seat, he lowered himself into his chair but kept his gaze on hers.  She still couldn't believe she was finally face-to-face with the man she'd been dreaming about for months—a man she'd found so very compelling.  Yet she knew if she told him her real reason for being here, he wouldn't believe her or worse yet, he'd think she was crazy.
Smoothing her hand down the rose skirt of her two-piece dress, she gave a logical explanation for wanting this job.  "The way I understand it, this is a large project—four floors of offices.  I'd enjoy working on a job that size, starting from scratch and choosing everything from wall coverings to furniture."
He glanced down briefly at the papers on his desk.  "You've mostly decorated homes.  Why do you feel you have the qualifications to do this job?"
"I'd expect you'd want your offices to reflect something about you and your business and how you run it.  It's really not so different from decorating a house to match a client's personality as well as likes and dislikes."
"I suppose that's so."  Keeping his gaze steady on hers, he noted, "There's almost a two-year gap in your work history, and you've only finished a couple of minor jobs in the past few months.  Can you tell me the reason for that?"
She could lay it all out on his desk right now—tell him about the fire and her cornea transplants and the keening ache that had brought her to him.  If she did that, he might escort her out of his building, lock the doors and never let her back in.  She'd be left with dreams and no explanations.  "I had some health problems," she explained.  "Now they're resolved and I'm ready to get back into the swing of my career again." 
He seemed to think about that.  "Why here in Northern California rather than back in L.A.?"
"I need a change.  I've heard that Santa Rosa is a particularly lovely place to live.  I have a good reputation that I can take with me anywhere, so I decided to start fresh.  If I get this job."
He arched a brow.  "And if you don't?"
"I might stay in the area for a while and see if there are any other opportunities."
After another long, silent appraisal, he asked, "Do you have a place to stay?"
"Not yet.  I checked into the motel at Cool Ridge last night."  Cool Ridge was about forty-five minutes outside of Santa Rosa and consisted of little more than a main street.  She'd been fortunate to find a room in the one motel there.  A country-music festival was being held at nearby Clear Lake this week and vacancies were hard to find anywhere in the area.
As her gaze held Zachary Morgan's, there seemed to be more than words between them.  Something akin to electricity.  She wondered if he felt it, too.
His brows furrowed as he once again looked down at the papers on his desk, and she suspected he was buying time as he made a first impression of her.  "Your résumé is certainly complete.  I phoned—"
Suddenly a toddler came running into the office.  From Jake's background report, Melanie knew Zack's daughter was eighteen months old.  The little girl made a beeline straight for Zack and held onto his knee, looking up at him with a beatific smile.
Melanie's breath caught at the wave of feelings that washed over her.  Zack's daughter had dark brown eyes and his dark brown hair.
"Da-Dee.  Up," she said gleefully.
Flo Briggs came tearing into the office, breathless.  "I'm so sorry, Zack.  She got away from me.  Right after her nap, she's got more energy than ten of me."
Zack laughed and lifted his daughter onto his lap.  "How's a man supposed to conduct business with a distraction like you around?"  His voice was teasing and warm and altogether loving.
"Da-Dee, Da-Dee," she said, as if that explained absolutely everything.
He shook his head.  "I can't play right now.  Maybe Flo can find a cookie or two for you."
As if telling her dad that was a fine idea, the child wrapped her arms around his neck and gave him a tight squeeze.
He hugged her back, and looking over her tiny shoulder, he said to Melanie, "This is my daughter, Amy.  Since we moved here and I often work out of the penthouse, she takes advantage of any time she can find me."
Amy suddenly let go of her dad's neck and turned to look at Melanie.
Melanie had felt an almost-hum when her gaze had first connected with Zachary Morgan's.  Now as she looked at his daughter, there was that same feeling of connection.  Was it her imagination?  Truth be told, if she hadn't already been dealing with strange things since her operation, she might think she was going crazy.
Her heart told her another story...especially when Amy blinked twice at her, broke into a super-wide smile and scrambled from her dad's lap.  She ran to Melanie and looked up at her with wide brown eyes.
"Hi, there," Melanie said almost reverently, feeling like a mother again.  Joy and sadness and an unfathomable yearning filled her.
Amy held her arms up, never taking her gaze from Melanie's.  Instinctively, she lifted the toddler to her lap.  The little girl touched Melanie's cheek, her soft baby fingers leaving an imprint on Melanie's heart.

Amazon--FOREVER IN HER EYES ebook



Join in my launch party for FOREVER IN HER EYES on September 12, 2016 at my Facebook Author page!!!



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 95th novel will be released in 2016.
Karen and Paddy

 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. 



    

    




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Tuesday, July 26, 2016

The Spirituality of Love-- #Paranormal Contemporary #SweetRomance, FOREVER IN HER EYES by Karen Rose Smith


For me, writing is all about emotion.  Whether I'm writing romance or mystery, I try to key in on universal emotions that connect us all.  FOREVER IN HER EYES is a book that focused all my attention on the spirituality of love.  Can love transcend earthly boundaries?  I believe it can...if we believe.  

I heard a discussion on a talk show that gave me the idea for this paranormal contemporary sweet romance.  The topic was heart transplants and how recipients sometimes had the memories and cravings of their donors.  I expanded that idea to the windows of the soul--my heroine's eyes.  Melanie Carlotti lost her eyesight in a tragic explosion caused by a fire that her irresponsible husband caused.  She also lost him, her daughter and life as she knew it.  

But a miracle happened when she received corneal transplants from a donor.  However, she began having vivid dreams, haunting visions, and questions with no answers.  FOREVER IN HER EYES became a SEARCH FOR LOVE Series book (#9) when psychic Gillian Bradley helps Melanie learn the name of her donor.  Melanie becomes involved in her donor's husband's life, hoping to find peace.  Instead, she finds love for this widowed dad and his 18 month old daughter Amy. 

I'm hoping this novel brings you tears as well as smiles...and hope.  Sometimes we just have to believe in the impossible. 

FOREVER IN HER EYES can be pre-ordered today.  It's official release is September 12, 2016.  It will be available in ebook and print.  I invite you to join in my launch party on my Facebook page on September 12.  There will be giveaways and chat all day and a fast-paced party with prizes from 7-9 p.m. EDT.  You will find my Facebook page link below. 

Best,

Karen


Amazon--FOREVER IN HER EYES ebook


Join in my launch party for FOREVER IN HER EYES on September 12, 2016 at my Facebook Author page!!!


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 95th novel will be released in 2016.

Karen and Paddy
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. 



    

    



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Wednesday, April 23, 2014

An #Interview with #Narrator Alexandra Haag, Part 1, by Karen Rose Smith


When I went searching for a narrator for HEARTFIRE, a sweet but sensual romance about family, it was my 16th audiobook to put into production.  This time, instead of listening to hundreds of samples, I listened to an audiobook a friend had developed and asked her about her narrator.  She recommended Alexandra Haag highly on all levels of production from the technical to the professional working relationship.  I asked Alexandra to audition and her voice was perfect for all my characters.  She does a wonderful job of distinguishing voices as well as with all the technical aspects of production.  I'm so pleased to introduce her to my readers and other authors so you can learn a bit about her and the process.  Our interview is detailed so I'm doing a Part 1 and Part 2 blog of it.  I will post the second installment next week.


From Alexandra Haag--

 Alexandra's Website

 Tell us a little about your background: Where are you from?
I was born in Central California, spent my school years in the Midwest, and my college and adult years in Southern California.  I like to say I'm a California girl with good Midwestern values.

What was your schooling?
I have a BA from UCLA in English/American Studies and an MA from San Diego State University in Education/Educational Technology.

How do you train to become a narrator?
An acting background is very important, but narration is even more specific, so it's essential to find a coach who can guide you through the skills peculiar to this very intimate medium.

What's been your experience with narrating so far?
I found that audiobook narration has a very steep learning curve and I'm amazed by how many have taken on the challenge.  I produce my own work as well, so there is a lot of technical knowledge that goes into the actual recording, editing and mastering of the finished audio.  It's a challenge, but deeply rewarding when an author is pleased with the results, and listeners and fans respond positively to the audio presentation.

What genre do you like to narrate the best?
I've enjoyed all of the genres that I've voiced, which include non-fiction, memoirs, young adult, science fiction, historical fiction, and romances.  My little secret, though, is how much I enjoy the romances.  I've been lucky enough to narrate romances with themes that generally reflect my own values and I appreciate how the authors can marry traditional values with some pretty hot intimate scenes!

Did you read a lot as a kid?  As an adult?
Throughout my life I've been a voracious reader and have great respect for writers.  I know the challenge of the writing process and, when I narrate, I do my best to honor the author's words and intent.

Why did you decide to begin narrating audiobooks?
For several years I read the local paper on our local PBS radio station as a service to the sight impaired, and I also facilitated a neighborhood book club.  One month we read a book that I thought should be available on audio and I contacted the author/publisher.  While they ultimately never made an audio of that book, I did record it for a friend of mine with macular degeneration.  From there, I decided that I'd commit myself to exploring and honing this craft.  I feel that it's the highest privilege to be invited by listeners to spend extended times with them, speaking in their ears and telling them a story, and I've studied and worked at this craft in order to offer a performance worthy of their trust.

How do you know what voice to use for each character?
When preparing the book, I try to gather as much information from the text as I can about the physical and emotional makeup of each character.  I try to make the voice reflect all of that information so that when you hear the voice, you can picture him or her in your mind.

How do you keep the voices straight?
It can be a real challenge to remember how each character sounds.  In my mind I have a kind of visual map as to where the voice is coming from (high/low, thin/fat, breathy/gravelly, etc.).  Sometimes I realize that I don't like my initial choice of voice for a character and then must go back and re-record.

Read Part 2 of my interview with Alexandra next week.



©2014 Karen Rose Smith


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