Book Review - WRONG ALIBI by Christina Dodd

 

Author: Christina Dodd

Genre: Psychological Thriller, Fiction
Release Date: December 29, 2020

Publisher: HQN Books

About the Book:

From New York Times bestselling author Christina Dodd comes an all-new thriller featuring a bold and brash female protagonist, a brutal and twisty murder that will have readers turning the pages and a villain that will have them keeping the lights on at night. WRONG ALIBI is perfect for fans of Lisa Jewell, Karin Slaughter, and Sandra Brown.

WRONG JOB
Eighteen-year-old Evelyn Jones lands a job in small-town Alaska, working for a man in his isolated mountain home. But her bright hopes for the future are shattered when Donald White disappears, leaving her to face charges of theft, embezzlement—and a brutal double murder. Her protestations of innocence count for nothing. Convicted, she faces life in prison…until fate sends her on the run.

WRONG NAME
Evie's escape leaves her scarred and in hiding, isolated from her family, working under an alias at a wilderness camp. Bent on justice, intent on recovering her life, she searches for the killer who slaughters without remorse.

WRONG ALIBI
At last, the day comes. Donald White has returned. Evie emerges from hiding; the fugitive becomes the hunter. But in her mind, she hears the whisper of other forces at work. Now Evelyn must untangle the threads of evidence before she’s once again found with blood on her hands: the blood of her own family…

Buy Links: Amazon 

My Review:

If you're looking for a great thriller or mystery, you really can't go wrong with any book written by Christina Dodd. This may not have been my favorite, but it was still a page-turner and a great read.

Evie feels fortunate to have landed a great job with Donald White, but there were so many red flags thrown in front of her, I started to feel that Evie was far too naive for her own good. There were a few times that I wanted to scream at her! And the touch of romance toward the end didn't seem quite right either. But all in all, this was an interesting book and I enjoyed reading it.

My Rating:

About the Author:

Christina Dodd: Readers become writers, and Christina has always been a reader. Ultimately she discovered she liked to read romance best because the relationship between a man and a woman is always humorous. A woman wants world peace, a clean house, and a deep and meaningful relationship based on mutual understanding and love. A man wants a Craftsman router, undisputed control of the TV remote, and a red Corvette which will make his bald spot disappear.
When Christina’s first daughter was born, she told her husband she was going to write a book. It was a good time to start a new career, because how much trouble could one little infant be?
Ha! It took ten years, two children and three completed manuscripts before she was published. Now her fifty-nine New York Times and USA Today bestselling novels — paranormals, historicals, and suspense — have been translated into twenty-five languages, recorded on Books on Tape for the Blind, been called, “Books To Read If You Love Nora Roberts!” by Bookbub and the year’s best by Amazon and Library Journal. Dodd herself has been a clue in the Los Angeles Times crossword puzzle (11/18/05, # 13 Down: Romance Novelist named Christina.) Booklist calls her, "Wildly entertaining, wickedly witty."
Christina is married to a man with all his hair and no Corvette, but many Craftsman tools.

Book Blitz & Giveaway - ALE'S FAIR IN LOVE AND WAR by Sylvie Stewart

Ale’s Fair in Love and War
Sylvie Stewart
(Love on Tap, #1)
Publication date: March 2nd 2023
Genres: Adult, Comedy, Contemporary, Romance

Hollis Hayes is the worst neighbor in the entire history of neighbors.
She’s also the hottest.
F.M.L.

I don’t have time to fight with the dog groomer next door. There’s a brewery to run, siblings to rein in, and a mom to look after. So if Hollis thinks I’ll roll over and let her drive me out of business, she’s not nearly as smart as she thinks she is.

Sure, I enjoy the little pranks we play on each other, and I don’t hate watching her prance around in those tight leggings. But she’s gone too far this time, even if she pretends to know nothing about it.

I’ll do whatever it takes to save my business from going under, and if that means playing dirty with the girl I love to hate, game on.

If you like snarky banter, sizzling chemistry, big crazy families, and evil geniuses, Ale’s Fair in Love and War is your next weekend read. It is a standalone steamy romantic comedy with tons of heart and an HEA.

Goodreads / Amazon / Barnes & Noble / iBooks

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EXCERPT:

CHAPTER TWO
A VIGILANTE’S WORK IS NEVER DONE

HOLLIS

The bell rings over the door again, and my eyes flash to the brawny figure darkening my doorway.

Speak of the devil—literally.

His scruffy jaw is locked tight, the tension in his shoulders telling the story of his less-than-ideal day. As those piercing blue eyes drill into mine, it occurs to me, not for the first time, what a crying shame it is that such beautiful eyes are wasted on a troll like Cash Brooks.

“Well, hello, neighbor.” I paste on my brightest smile. “What brings you to my salon today? Need a cold shower?” My tone is drenched in so much syrup I might give myself an actual cavity.

Cash stalks toward my counter, worn work boots scuffing the tile as he approaches. I purposely ignore the way his thigh muscles strain the denim of his jeans.

When he stops just across from me, chest heaving and lips curled into an angry snarl, I respond by wrinkling my nose and waving a hand in front of it. “I’d say so. You smell like a brewery.”

This is simply too easy.

A growl spills from his curled lips, indicating that my latest prank has rendered him incapable of speaking in human. Just as well, considering what a giant bull-headed caveman he is.

A crimson flush licks at the skin just under Cash’s stubbled chin. “You posted an ad for my virginity?!”

My brows draw together as I fix a pout to my lips. “Oh, did nobody take you up on the offer?” I reach over the shiny pink counter separating us and pat his shoulder, ignoring its muscular firmness. “Don’t be embarrassed. Virginity is just a social construct anyway.”

He shakes my hand off with a jerk of his arm, and I cover my pout with a contemplative finger. “Although maybe I shouldn’t have said anything about your looks.” I lean closer to whisper, “I just didn’t want anyone to be disappointed when they met you.”

He jabs the air in front of my nose with his finger. “You’d better prepare yourself, lady.”

I slap his hand away without missing a beat. “Lady? Oh, you are cruel, aren’t you?” I coo at him, causing his jaw to do that clicking thing I so enjoy.

“You ain’t seen nothin’ yet,” Cash grinds out through clenched teeth.

With that, he whips around and stalks back to my front door, giving me a prime view of his inconveniently nice ass.

“I haven’t seen anything yet,” I correct him but don’t get the pleasure of his responding expression. “Have a wonderful day!” I shout.

His growl is just barely audible as he disappears out of sight.

Ah, it is, indeed, a most wonderful day.

Author Bio:

USA Today bestselling author Sylvie Stewart loves bad jokes, dirty rom-coms, country music, and baby skunks—preferably all at the same time. Most of her steamy contemporary and romantic comedy novels take place across her favorite state of North Carolina, and her characters never run out of snarky banter or snacks. When her laptop closes, Sylvie is a sucker for hugs from her twin boys and a good laugh with her hot-nerd hubby. If you love smart Southern gals, hot blue-collar guys, and snort-laughing with characters who feel like your best friends, Sylvie's your gal.

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Book Blitz & Giveaway - EXCEPTIONALLY UNCONVENTIONAL by Victoria Clarke

Exceptionally Unconventional
Victoria Clarke
Publication date: February 27th 2023
Genres: Adult, Historical, Historical Romance, Romance

The Honorable Miss Lucilla Iverson is an exceptionally unconventional young heiress trying her best to be unexceptionally conventional despite her love of horses and racing curricles. When she attracts the attention of a hardened older bachelor, a duke, no less, it sets the ton afire with anticipation.

Many young bucks seek her approval, including a notorious (and now penniless) gamester who intends to marry Miss Iverson and her money whether or not she agrees. On an inside track for Lucilla’s attention is Oliver, Lord Hartwell, despite a near miss at running her over while driving his phaeton in the company of his cousin, the handsome and mysterious duke. Which of the three will win her heart and hand, to live happily ever after? That is the question!

Goodreads / Amazon

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EXCERPT:

“Miss Iverson has been quite amicable to every young man that we have presented to her all evening. Is something amiss, Lady Edevane?”

“Sharp as ever, Clementina. The boy has been toadying her for weeks and does not seem to take a hint.”

“I see!” Mrs. Drummond-Burrell replied, her eyes narrowed and her lips pursed. She did not appreciate being used as means to force a young lady’s hand and made mental note to mention this episode to her fellow patronesses at their next meeting.

In the ballroom, Miss Iverson allowed herself to be led to the floor and begrudgingly took her place. As the music began, Mr. Moore’s arm came about her waist. Her eyes glanced up at his and she fixed a withering glare upon him. He was undaunted, and indeed barely managed to conceal a smirk.

“Why do you look at me so, Lucilla?” he asked mockingly.

“I do not recall giving you leave to use my name, Mr. Moore.”

“Perhaps you did not, but we are such old friends, what is the harm in it?”

“It may not be harmful, but as it is not pleasing to my ear, I will request you not use it, if you please,” she replied witheringly as they whirled about the room.

“Whatever have I done to make you so upset, Miss Iverson?”

“Other than your underhanded effort to force me to accept a waltz with you, Mr. Moore?”

“I should think the effort was rather successful,” was his cheerful reply.

Miss Iverson’s jaw clenched. People were watching, she knew, so for quite some time she performed her steps in silence while he spoke on mundane topics and considered himself to have won the round. No one could overhear them, but anyone could surely guess she was angry at her dancing partner, and so she forced herself to fix a smile on her face as she looked up at him again.

“It is clear to me that in spite of my mother’s efforts to convince me otherwise, you are quite aware that I do not seek to encourage your familiarity.” Her words were deliberately blunt in an attempt to knock him off his perch, and it appeared to succeed, for his brow darkened momentarily. But as suddenly as it appeared, the frown vanished and he plastered a false smile on his face.

“You wound me, Miss Iverson! What have I done to draw such ire? I have surely not offended you.”

“You are well aware that your attentions offend me.”

“I am at a loss to understand why, for I am your humble servant.”

This drew her eyes up in a flash, and she said scornfully, “Indeed!”

“Have I not loved you since childhood?”

“I vividly recall your penchant for tossing spiders at me.”

“Only in my childish efforts to gain your notice, I assure you.”

“Then I suppose you were also in love with my brothers?” she replied with sarcasm ebbing in her voice.

As he paused to consider the right thing to say in reply, she suddenly pulled away from him and he realized the music had ended. She bobbed a quick and shallow curtsy before spinning on her heel and marching away. He felt irritation wash over him at her defiance. Yes, a less troublesome wife would be best. But he might enjoy breaking Miss Iverson of her spirit.

Author Bio:

I am an Australian writer, traveller, and horse rider. I am a lover of all things England and history - with a healthy side of sci-fi and fantasy.

My debut novel 'Exceptionally Unconventional' was written during 2020-21 while my late mother was fighting her final battle with breast cancer. I wrote it in a largely light-hearted way in an effort to keep her spirits up during that time - several of the characters were parodied versions of her acquaintances, so I was very happy to have succeeded in that particular endeavour!

She never got to see it published, but just a few weeks after she passed away, I was offered a contract on it from one of the first publishers I submitted it to. You'll notice the dedication I chose when it finally came time to write one.

I am currently working on my second manuscript.

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Book Review - AND THEN THERE WAS YOU - A Chestnut Ridge Novel by Nancy Naigle

  

Author: Nancy Naigle
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Release Date: June 27, 2023
Available for Pre-order Now!

About the Book:

During the coziness of sweater weather in the mountains of Virginia two people find love against all odds in USA Today bestselling author Nancy Naigle's And Then There Was You.

Reeling after falling prey to a Romeo con-artist who just waltzed away with the better part of her belongings, Natalie Maynard works closely with the detective assigned to her case, only the few leads have led nowhere.

Detective Randy Fellowes can’t promise Natalie restitution, but he’s determined to find the culprit and serve up justice. Married to his work, he’s caught off guard when Natalie has his thoughts wandering to more than the case.

Natalie soon seeks refuge in the one thing she still owns — an old fishing cabin in the mountains of Chestnut Ridge. She quickly falls in love with the town and the eccentric people who are teaching her so much about the area and its heritage.

Through these people, and the determination of Detective Fellowes, she rediscovers her courage, self, and a reason to risk love again.

Buy Links: Amazon 

Available for Pre-Order
Release Date: June 27th, 2023

My Review:

Another wonderful, heartfelt story by one of my favorite authors, Nancy Naigle. Although this is a stand-alone novel, I'm really hoping we see more of these amazing residents of Chestnut Ridge in future books. Please, Nancy, please!! I want more!

While coping with the death of her beloved husband Jeremy, Natalie Maynard, in her vulnerable state, is befriended by a smooth talking, attentive con-artist who steals practically everything she owns. Dealing with the loss of her home and other possessions and the embarrassment of falling for this con-man, Natalie must pick up the pieces to her life and start all over again. She moves into the one possession she still owns... a rustic cabin in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Thankfully, with the help of her best friend Sheila, and a good-guy detective who shows Natalie how to trust again, and a small town filled with heartwarming residents who are ready to help, Natalie is able to put her life back together. 

In typical Nancy Naigle style, this book brings us warmth, faith, compassion and a sense of "family", whether connected by blood or not.

Only one negative! Reading this book gave me an uncanny craving for Krispy Kreme donuts!

I received an ARC from the author and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts, opinions and ratings are my own.

My Rating:

About the Author:

USA Today bestselling author Nancy Naigle whips up small-town love stories with a dash of suspense and a whole lot of heart. She began her popular contemporary romance series, Adams Grove, while juggling a successful career in finance and life on a seventy-six-acre farm. She went on to produce works in collaboration with other authors, including the hilarious southern fiction G Team series. A Romance Writers of America Honor Roll author, her books have been translated in multiple languages and received favorable reviews from major trade journals.

In 2018, Crown Media brought two of Nancy's novels to life. Christmas Joy premiered on Hallmark Channel 11/3/18. Hope at Christmas premiered on Hallmark Movies and Mysteries. She also novelized two Hallmark Original Movies set in the town of Evergreen, bringing the whole story and bonus epilogues to Hallmark fans.

Now happily retired from a career in the financial industry, she devotes her time to writing, antiquing, and horseback riding with friends. A Virginia girl at heart, Nancy now calls North Carolina home.

Download a complete list of Nancy's books at www.NancyNaigle.com, then stay up to date with future releases by joining Nancy's free newsletter -or-visit her on facebook and twitter (@nancynaigle)

Book Blitz & Giveaway - THE STORY OF KEILAH by Joann Keder

The Story of Keilah
Joann Keder
Publication date: February 6th 2023
Genres: Adult, Comedy, Contemporary

Keilah moved to Sandy Salts, Iowa in search of a fresh start. Little did she know, acclimating to the quirky town in the middle of nowhere would be more complicated than she anticipated.

Her elderly landlord, Dee, has a dark secret that has followed her since childhood. Dee’s younger brother was kidnapped decades ago and never found. While the spunky woman tries not to talk about the painful ordeal, the mystery of his disappearance constantly haunts her.

Digging into the cold case residents have all but forgotten, Keilah unwittingly discovers shocking secrets from her own past. The explosive truth she uncovers could change the town of Sandy Salts and Keilah, forever.

Goodreads / Amazon

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EXCERPT:

The Salty Sun, Established 1925

Vanessa Withers, Reporter

Jenny Jacobson, age 82

Our dear Jenny went to be with the High and Mighty yesterday at 4 p.m. She wasn’t upset about dying. As she told this reporter during a chance encounter at a coffee shop, “This lady has gotten her work done and you can only lounge in the sun so long before the sand in your crack becomes unbearable.”

Jenny was born in Wallyville. Her folks were out shopping for a new car that day and lost track of time. She barely outlived her mother, who died at the age of 103 a week ago last Thursday, after finding a big spider’s nest in her bathtub.

Most of Jenny’s life was spent giving to others. After graduating with a teaching degree, she moved to Canada where she taught English and P.E. for twenty-five years. Upon retirement, she decided to move back to Sandy Salts to open a secondhand goods and firsthand ice cream store, called D’ Ya Want Seconds? Folks who couldn’t afford the ice cream could trade clothing or good, used appliances for a scoop. Nobody went away hungry.

She closed the place two years ago in order to fulfill her lifelong dream of traveling the world with a younger man. After finding her companion via an online ad, Jenny and Javier spent time in Spain, Greece, New Zealand, and Cancun. She died last week in the garden of her Sandy Salts home with a smile on her face.

Author Bio:

USA TODAY bestselling author, Joann Keder spent most of her years in the Midwest, growing up and raising a family on the Great Plains of Nebraska. She worked for sixteen years as a piano teacher before returning to school to receive a master's degree in creative writing. A mid-life move to the Pacific Northwest led her to re-examine her priorities. She now creates stories about life and relationships in small towns while her ever-patient husband encourages her on.

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Book Blitz & Giveaway - THE ELVEN HEALER'S APPRENTICE by Elisa Rae

The Elven Healer’s Apprentice
Elisa Rae
(Elves of Eldarlan, #4)
Publication date: February 9th 2023
Genres: Fantasy, Romance

Merlon, the king of Eldarlan’s healer, hides his soft heart beneath a prickly exterior. Despite a traumatic childhood, he strives to excel as a healer and an elf. But he gets more than he bargained for when he rescues a human woman from certain death right before being snared in the curse put on the king of Eldarlan.

Left to fend for herself in an absent elf healer’s compound, Adela tries to be useful. The patients call her the healer’s apprentice. Something the healer rejects when he finally returns. Despite his grumpy manner, the healer displays a strange mixture of kindness and care. Intrigued, Adela suspects the healer hides more than he reveals.

The Elven Healer’s Apprentice is a light, fantasy romance novella about a romance between an elven healer and a human woman. It features a grumpy sunshine romance where opposites attract when they encounter forced proximity and jeopardy.

Goodreads / Amazon

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EXCERPT:

Adela
“Where am I to go?” I asked Sage as I brushed her velvety side.

Blinding white, sixteen hands high, and powerful, Sage’s heritage as a unicorn was only evident by the nub in the center of her forehead that had once been a long, elegantly lethal horn. I had never seen her in all her glory.

According to Lippin, a unicorn hunter had driven her to the ground, bound her, and sawed off her horn when she was only a colt. Only the master healer’s intervention had saved her from being harvested for her other parts. Since then, she had lived in the compound, cared for and fed.

When I came, one of my first duties was to deal with the unicorn because she didn’t like males. Not a surprise, considering her past. Not all males were an issue. I had been told she tolerated the master healer.

I rested my forehead against her warm hide, breathing in the scent of warm, clean horse. “If he throws me out, I have nowhere to live. Father still wishes me violence. I don’t want to go back there. Henri is dead.” A fresh wave of grief pressed in on me. I hadn’t been able to save him. Never to hold him again, ruffle his hair, laugh at his teasing, or chase him around the bailey. Tears filled my eyes. I missed my brother so much.

Sage’s nose bumped my shoulder. She snuffled at my kirtle sleeve.

“Just give me a moment,” I told her.

She snorted and side-stepped away from me.

“What?” I lifted my head and blinked at her. Unicorns differed from horses in more than appearance. Intelligent and intuitive, they understood far more than their less magical cousins. Sage wheeled around so her whole body blocked my view of the stable doorway.

“I can still see her, Sage,” a male voice said. The healer entered the stable and came around the side so he could address me, but he remained with his back to the outside wall and his face and torso in the shadows. “I see Sage has imprinted on you.”

Sage huffed and tossed her head at him before nuzzling my hair as I came around to better see the healer.

“She seems to like me,” I agreed.

He chuckled, low and deep. “She is protecting you from me. See how she is trying to position herself between us?”

Sage bumped my shoulder with her nose, trying to nudge me to step back out of sight. I stood firm. She huffed and stamped her foot, which I ignored.

“I won’t hurt her,” the healer told Sage, who swung her head toward him and showed her teeth. “Honest.” He offered her his hand. Sage only eyed him and shifted closer to me. “I owe her an apology.”

I stiffened in surprise. Men didn’t apologize. At least in my experience, they didn’t. “Apology for what?”

Sage grew still beside me, as though listening.

“For my words back at the clinic. I spoke without properly assessing the situation and accused you of things that clearly weren’t true. I am sorry.”

I blinked and peered into the shadows where his features hid. Did he jest? Was this a ploy to make me appear foolish? “Step into the light, please.”

“A distrusting creature, aren’t you?” he asked. The healer stepped forward, so the sunlight fell over his features.

“With good reason,” I replied.

He was tall, but all elves were. Lean-featured with the changeable silver-blue eyes of his species, he made a striking impression even before one accounted for his pure white hair. Wild and gleaming silver in the light, his hair stood out from his head in a disarray of curls as though he had run his fingers through it a few times. He arched a silvery-gray brow at me when my gaze fell to his face. “So, you can tell if I am honest if you see my face when I am speaking? That must be a useful skill. You realize I am an elf. Lying makes us ill.”

“But you are capable of it,” I pointed out.

He met my assessment openly, eyes flashing silver. “True. By omission or half-truths, but never outright lies.” He tilted his head slightly. “And you? Are you honest?”

“I told you the truth.”

“You did,” he admitted.

We stood there, studying each other in silence for a few moments. His stance remained relaxed, as though we were friends chatting about the weather. I wondered what he saw in me.

“Are you going to throw me out?” I asked suddenly.

“Depends.”

“On what?”

“Whether or not you want to go.” He crossed his arms over his chest. “This compound is a haven, a place of healing. If you wish to remain, you are welcome. If you wish to go, you are free to do so.”

“I wish to stay.” I loved tending the animals, helping Sina with the housework, nursing patients. “Will you allow me to help with the patients?”

“That depends.”

I opened my mouth to ask for clarification, but I found him watching me expectantly, as though he knew exactly what I was going to say. I pressed my lips together and lifted my eyebrows instead.

Author Bio:

A reader of fairytales and folklore, Elisa Rae loves a happy ending. Noblebright characters, dastardly villains, and chemistry between characters delight her. When she isn’t writing, she loves to watch superhero movies and literary dramas.

If you like romantic adventures of various kinds, join her at: authorelisarae.com!

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Book Review - THE SEASIDE LIBRARY by Brenda Novak

 

Title: The Seaside Library

Author: Brenda Novak
Genre: Contemporary Romance, Women's Friendship, Mystery
Publisher: Mira
Release Date: April 11, 2023

Available for Pre-order

About the Book:

Mariners Island is barely ten miles long, but when Ivy, Ariana and Cam were teenagers, it was their whole world. Beyond the pristine beaches and iconic lighthouse lies the beautiful old library that belongs to Ivy’s family. While that bound Ivy to the island as an adult, Ariana could not leave Mariners behind fast enough. The town holds too many…memories. Not only her unrequited feelings for Cam, but the tragedy that left a scar on the community.

When a young girl went missing, a teenage Cam was unthinkably the prime suspect. Ariana and Ivy knew he couldn’t have hurt anyone, and they promised to protect him—even if it meant lying on his behalf.

Now, twenty years later, Ariana returns to Mariners just as new evidence emerges on the case, calling into question everything the three friends thought they knew—and everyone they thought they could trust. What really happened that night? Over the course of one eventful summer, Ariana, Ivy and Cam will learn the truth—about their pasts, their futures and the ties that still bind them as closely as the pages of a book…

Buy Links: Amazon 

Books are available for Pre-order with a release date of April 11, 2023. Audiobook is also available for pre-order

My Review:

Thinking "The Seaside Library" was just another summer romance story, I found myself pleasantly surprised to find that it was so much more! This book deals with long-time friendships and what a person would do to protect a friend. And although there was a sprinkling of romance, there was also a mystery. And a few twists and turns that kept me turning those pages! Did he really do it? If not him, then who?

As always, Brenda Novak has created great, complex characters. I'd love to see more of them in future books and learn more about the private detective, Warner Williams, and also Detective Livingston.

My Rating:

About the Author:

It was a shocking experience that jump-started Brenda Novak's career as a bestselling author--she caught her day-care provider drugging her children with cough syrup to get them to sleep all day. That was when Brenda decided she needed to quit her job as a loan officer and help make a living from home.

"When I first got the idea to become a novelist, it took me five years to teach myself the craft and finish my first book," Brenda says. But she sold that book, and the rest is history. Her novels have made the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists and won many awards, including five Rita nominations, the Book Buyer's Best, the Book Seller's Best and the National Reader's Choice Award.

Brenda and her husband, Ted, live in Sacramento and are proud parents of five children--three girls and two boys. When she's not spending time with her family or writing, Brenda is usually raising funds for diabetes research (her youngest son has this disease). So far, Brenda has raised $2.6 million. Please visit http://www.brendanovakforthecure.org to see how you can help.