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Saturday, May 31, 2014

Immersed by Jennifer Griffith

Immersed tour

Today, I have the sixth and final novella  in the from the Ripple Effect Romance Novella Series.  It is a series of 6 clean novellas by 6 different authors. 

“Like a pebble tossed into calm water, a simple act can ripple outward and have a far-reaching effect on those we meet, perhaps setting a life on a different course—one filled with excitement, adventure, and sometimes even love.”



Immersed NewAuthor: Jennifer Griffith
Publisher: Self
Date of publication: May 2014

Lisette Pannebaker speaks five languages and has a brilliant business plan—personal language immersion. Clients can hire her to shadow them and speak all day in any language they need to learn for business or travel—whatever.

 But there’s a major hitch: she’s far too pretty. Clients with less than honorable intentions sign up just have Lisette at their side. Solution? A make-under. Way under.It works like a charm. None of her male clients show her the least bit of interest. Until… Erik. 

Erik Gunnarsson is charming, kind, and smart—everything she’s ever looked for. Even though he seems to have a secret and she swore she'd never date a client, Lisette is tempted to shed her disguise—even if it means jeopardizing her career.


In a way, I'm sad to see this series end.  I have enjoyed it immensely!  Immersed was a nice way to wrap it up. While this wasn't my favorite of the set, I did enjoy Lisette and Erik's story.  I thought Erik was too cute.  I liked the way he wormed his way into Lisette's heart.  It was too bad that Lisette had to resort to majorly toning down her looks in order to get ahead in her business.  It just kind of proved the stereotypes of today that really need to go away. 

The one part of the story that I didn't like was the scenario with Lisette's mother and the marriage contract.  I had a hard time believing that one. No court in this country would allow a contract like that to be legally binding.   

In any case, I hope you will give this series a try.  It was great to meet all of these wonderful characters.  I hope this set of authors does something again like this in the future.  It was a lot of fun to read!




About the author:

unnamedFDRE9K6NJennifer Griffith studied French, German, Japanese, and a wee bit of Spanish in her school days. Her grandmother was Norwegian, and Jennifer grew up with lots of Scandinavian traditions floating around, including fabulous cardamom laced cookies called Krumkaker, made on a fancy waffle iron. However, she’d never dream of trying to teach someone any of those languages. And she might botch the cookies. Instead, she writes novels in English, drives her five kids a million places, and laughs with her husband, who came up with the plot for Immersed because he’s just a cool muse like that.

Check out her tour schedule here!

   a Rafflecopter giveaway

Blog Tour Giveaway $25 Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 6/9/14 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

The Runaway Highlander by R.L. Syme



Author: R. L. Syrne
Publisher: Createspace
Date of publication: April 2014

Series: The Highland Renegades


Anne de Cheyne has a choice. She can play the dutiful daughter and allow her mother to sell her to a greasy English sheriff, or she can take control of her own life and find her own match. After a frightening run-in with her promised husband reveals a dark secret, she makes a desperate choice. Flight.


Aedan Donne needs easy money and no-questions-asked. When Milene de Cheyne offers him enough to pay all debts, requests complete silence, and pays half up front, just for a simple recovery, he can't believe his luck… until he meets his mark. Anne’s beauty and passion ignite something Aedan can’t ignore, even as she leaves him in the dust. Suddenly, he finds himself wanting to capture the runaway Highland lady for himself.

The Runaway Highlander is the second in Highland Renegades series.  I hadn't read the first book,before diving into this one.  The story is an exciting book with lots of adventure, bad guys and swoon-worthy Scotsman. It's definitely worth trying out.  My only complaint was that I wish I had read the first book in the series.  In the beginning I felt like I was missing back story.  But, despite that, I enjoyed reading Aedan and Anne's story.  

I felt so badly for Anne and her sister and their situation.  I was really hoping that their mother and the Sheriff would get what was coming to them.  I loved Aedan the most.  He is just trying to do the right thing for the people he loves, even if it means selling his sword and his life to the highest bidder.  What he did in the end for Anne was incredible. I urge you to give this author a try and and see if you fall in love with Aedan like I did.

About the Author

R.L. Syme works at a youth theatre, teaching kids performing arts and musical performance classes/camps when she's not writing. Otherwise, she's putting her Seminary degree to good use writing romance novels. Let not all those systematic theology classes go to waste...

For more information please visit R.L. Syme's website and blog. You can also connect with her on FacebookTwitter, and Pinterest.

Virtual Book Tour Schedule

Wednesday, May 14
Spotlight & Giveaway at Passages to the Past
Thursday, May 15
Review at Bibliotica
Monday, May 19
Guest Post & Giveaway at Susan Heim on Writing
Tuesday, May 20
Review at A Bookish Girl (The Outcast Highlander)
Wednesday, May 21
Review at A Bookish Girl (The Runaway Highlander)
Thursday, May 22
Interview & Giveaway at A Bookish Girl
Friday, May 23
Guest Post at Layered Pages
Monday, May 26
Review at My Not So Vacant Bookshelf
Tuesday, May 27
Review at So Many Books, So Little Time
Thursday, May 29
Guest Post at Historical Fiction Connection
Friday, May 30
Review at Lily Pond Reads
Review at From the TBR Pile
Monday, June 2
Review at The Mad Reviewer
Review at Bibliophilia, Please
Tuesday, June 3
Review at The Most Happy Reader
Wednesday, June 4
Interview at The Most Happy Reader
Thursday, June 5
Review at A Bibliotaph’s Reviews
Friday, June 6
Review at Historical Fiction Obsession
Monday, June 9
Review at Svetlana’s Reads and Views
Wednesday, June 11
Review at Fic Central
Thursday, June 12
Review at Reviews by Molly
Interview at Books and Benches
Friday, June 13
Review & Giveaway at To Read or Not to Read

Friday, May 30, 2014

Spotlight: The Runaway Highlander by R.L. Syme



Make sure to come back tomorrow for my review on this Highland adventure!  In the meantime, check out the rest of her tour schedule below!

Author: R. L. Syrne
Publisher:
Date of publication: April 2014

Series: The Highland Renegades

Anne de Cheyne has a choice. She can play the dutiful daughter and allow her mother to sell her to a greasy English sheriff, or she can take control of her own life and find her own match. After a frightening run-in with her promised husband reveals a dark secret, she makes a desperate choice. Flight.

Aedan Donne needs easy money and no-questions-asked. When Milene de Cheyne offers him enough to pay all debts, requests complete silence, and pays half up front, just for a simple recovery, he can't believe his luck… until he meets his mark. Anne’s beauty and passion ignite something Aedan can’t ignore, even as she leaves him in the dust. Suddenly, he finds himself wanting to capture the runaway Highland lady for himself.

The Highland Renegades Series

Book One: The Outcast Highlander
Book Two: The Runaway Highlander
Book Three: The Pirate Highlander -- Coming Soon!

Buy the Book

Amazon UK
Amazon US
Barnes & Noble
CreateSpace

About the Author

R.L. Syme works at a youth theatre, teaching kids performing arts and musical performance classes/camps when she's not writing. Otherwise, she's putting her Seminary degree to good use writing romance novels. Let not all those systematic theology classes go to waste...


For more information please visit R.L. Syme's website and blog. You can also connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

Virtual Book Tour Schedule

Wednesday, May 14
Spotlight & Giveaway at Passages to the Past
Thursday, May 15
Review at Bibliotica
Monday, May 19
Guest Post & Giveaway at Susan Heim on Writing
Tuesday, May 20
Review at A Bookish Girl (The Outcast Highlander)
Wednesday, May 21
Review at A Bookish Girl (The Runaway Highlander)
Thursday, May 22
Interview & Giveaway at A Bookish Girl
Friday, May 23
Guest Post at Layered Pages
Monday, May 26
Review at My Not So Vacant Bookshelf
Tuesday, May 27
Review at So Many Books, So Little Time
Thursday, May 29
Guest Post at Historical Fiction Connection
Friday, May 30
Review at Lily Pond Reads
Review at From the TBR Pile
Monday, June 2
Review at The Mad Reviewer
Review at Bibliophilia, Please
Tuesday, June 3
Review at The Most Happy Reader
Wednesday, June 4
Interview at The Most Happy Reader
Thursday, June 5
Review at A Bibliotaph’s Reviews
Friday, June 6
Review at Historical Fiction Obsession
Monday, June 9
Review at Svetlana’s Reads and Views
Wednesday, June 11
Review at Fic Central
Thursday, June 12
Review at Reviews by Molly
Interview at Books and Benches
Friday, June 13
Review & Giveaway at To Read or Not to Read

The Heiresses by Sara Shephard

Author: Sara Shephard
Publisher: Harper
Date of publication: May 2014

You know the Saybrooks. Everyone does. Perhaps you’ve read a profile of them in People or have seen their pictures in the society pages of Vogue. Perhaps while walking along that choice block on Fifth Avenue, you’ve been tempted to enter the ornate limestone building with their family name etched into the pediment above the door.

The only thing more flawless than a Saybrook’s diamond solitaire is the family behind the jewelry empire. Beauties, entrepreneurs, debutantes, and style mavens, they are the epitome of New York City’s high society. But being a Saybrook comes at a price—they are heirs not only to a dizzying fortune but also to a decades-old family curse.
Tragedy strikes the prominent family yet again when thirty-four-year-old Poppy, the most exquisite Saybrook of them all, flings herself from the window of her TriBeCa office. Everyone is shocked that a woman who had it all would end her own life. Then her cousins receive an ominous threat: one heiress down, four to go.


Was it suicide . . . or murder? In the aftermath of the tragedy, the remaining heiresses—Corinne, the perfectionist; Rowan, the workaholic; Aster, the hedonist; and Natasha, the enigma—wrestle with feelings of sadness, guilt, and, most of all, fear. Now they must uncover the truth about their family before they lose the only thing money can’t buy: their lives.

I was really interested in reading The Heiresses because I will admit to being a fan of Pretty Little Liars on TV.  I haven't read the series, but love the show.  So, when I saw that the author was coming out with an adult series, I had to give it a try.  Honestly, I'm still trying to decide if I liked the book or not.  

None of the characters were particularly likable.  I lost respect for most of them within the first half of the book.  Does no one stay faithful anymore?  I was kind of put off by the amount of infidelity that ran through this crowd.  I was a bit disappointed that the author felt she had to go that route with just about everyone. I think the only character that I really ended up liking was Aster.  She was the most changed by the end of the book. 

The other disappointment for me was the feeling throughout the book that I had spent time with these characters before.  In essence, I had while watching every episode of PLL.  The "heiresses" are essentially adult versions of the teens on PLLs.  Oh, there are differences yes, but I really felt like at the heart they were the same women.   Then there is also the similarity to Gossip Girl with the website. So, the lack of originality was a let down.

Ignoring all of the disappointments, I did like the mystery part of the book.  There are several suspects and several "red herrings", so it was hard to guess all of the truths.  That part was fun in trying to figure out what was important and what wasn't.  The solution(s) were a surprise, so the author gets points for that.  

This is supposed to be the first in a series.  Honestly, I would have been happy to see this be a stand alone.  I felt satisfied with the ending before the "one year later" epilogue that ended of with a cliff hanger and opening for the next book.  Will I continue?  Probably, if only to see whose body was found.  


About the author:

Sara Shepard graduated from New York University and has an MFA in creative writing from Brooklyn College. The author of the bestselling young adult books Pretty Little Liars and The Lying Game, as well as the adult novel The Visibles, she lives outside Philadelphia with her husband and dogs.

Visit her website at sarashepardbooks.com and follow her on Twitter, @sarabooks.

Sara’s Tour Stops
Tuesday, May 20th: Mystery Playground
Wednesday, May 21st: The Gilmore Guide to Books
Friday, May 23rd: Write Meg
Monday, May 26th: No More Grumpy Bookseller
Tuesday, May 27th: Kritters Ramblings
Wednesday, May 28th: From L.A. to LA
Thursday, May 29th: From the TBR Pile
Friday, May 30th: My Bookshelf
Monday, June 2nd: Excellent Library
Tuesday, June 3rd: Stephany Writes
Wednesday, June 4th: Bibliophilia, Please
Thursday, June 5th: Peeking Between the Pages
Monday, June 9th: bookchickdi
Tuesday, June 10th: Book-alicious Mama
Thursday, June 12th: A Bookish Way of Life
Monday, June 16th: BoundbyWords
Tuesday, June 17th: cupcake’s book cupboard
Wednesday, June 18th: Books Ã  la Mode
Wednesday, June 18th: Great Imaginations

Thursday, June 19th: Books in the Burbs

Thursday, May 29, 2014

Throwback Thursday: Montana Man by Barbara Delinsky


Author: Barbara Delinsky
First published in 1989 by Harlequin

Lily wanted more than the shallow life she'd been leading. So she packed up her baby daughter and without looking back, she headed off to safety and a new start--until a blizzard stopped her and she had to ask a stranger for help. The man in the Stetson was their only chance for survival in the snowbound car. He offered refuge, but would this leave her wanting more?

I swear, I have not been having much luck with my Throwback Thursday books lately.  Montana Man was just OK for me. To be honest neither of the characters were all that interesting, except maybe Nicki the 5 week old baby. Plot wise, not much happens either.  Lily and Quist (what kind of name is that?) get stranded in a blizzard.  They find a cabin which of course causes them to become extremely attracted to each other.  Sex happens.  Then they are rescued.  Oh, there are a few other things in there that happen, but that is the gist.

There were so many things that I could find wrong with this book, but I should probably take the time period it was written into account.  There was potential to make this a romantic suspense with Quist's pursuit of his half sister or maybe even with Lily's ex-brother-in law, but those avenues fizzled out.  Ms. Delinsky has written much better books since this one. I say skip it and try a different book of hers.


Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Review & Interview: Boys Like You by Juliana Stone

Please welcome author Juliana Stone as she promotes her YA Debut novel, Boys Like You.  Enjoy her interview after my thoughts on the book.

Publisher: Sourcebooks Landmark
Date of publication: May 2014

 One mistake. And everything changes.

For Monroe Blackwell, one small mistake has torn her family apart –leaving her empty and broken. There’s a hole in her heart that nothing can fill –that  no one can fill. And a summer in Louisiana with her Grandma isn’t going to change that…

Nathan Everets knows heartache first-hand when a car accident leaves his best friend in a coma. And it’s his fault. He should be the one lying in the hospital. The one who will never play guitar again. He doesn’t deserve forgiveness, and a court-appointed job at the Blackwell B&B isn’t going to change that…

My thoughts:

Boys Like You is an enjoyable and pretty quick read.  I was able to read it in one sitting.  I liked this YA because while there was a lot of teen grief, there wasn't the teen love angst that so many YA novels have today.  And it's a stand alone which is also a bonus.  Can you tell I'm getting burnt out on YA trilogies?  

Monroe and Nathan are both teenagers who have discovered that one stupid mistake can be life altering.  I know I found myself tearing up more than once as I read about their tragedies. No one should have to go through something so heartbreaking like that at such an early age.  I liked their relationship.  While it was instant attraction, it wasn't insta-love.  They were good for each other as they learned how to look to the future and move beyond the mistakes of the past.  Most importantly in how to forgive themselves.

Ms. Stone has done a wonderful job with her first foray into the YA genre.  I would probably keep this to over 16 as it does deal with some adult issues (sex).  I look forward to seeing what comes next from her!


Kari& Autumn: What inspired you to become a writer?

Juliana: I’ve always been bent artistically. Whether it was music, books, poetry and I think subconsciously I always knew I would write some day, but I never thought for a second I’d be published.  I think the main inspiration was my love of books and in particular, my interest in paranormal romance. After my children were both in school I had more free time and I picked up a Christine Feehan book and was hooked.  About a year later I decided to try and write one myself and luckily, I found an agent who loved it as well and we sold. So, this shows unequivocally that if you have a dream go for it…because you never know!

Kari& Autumn: Where do you come up with the ideas for your books?

Juliana:Ideas float in and out of my head when I’m walking the dog or just waking up.  They just find me really, but I think that a lot of inspiration comes from things in my life.  BOYS LIKE YOU was totally inspired by my kids, my family’s love of music and my love of lazy summers and the hopeless romantic that exists in me.

Kari& Autumn: What exciting projects are waiting in the wings?

Juliana: Ah, I’m always busy!  I’ve just handed in my second young adult novel and am currently working on an adult contemporary romance, JACK, book 2 in my Family Simon series. In addition to that I’m writing middle grade as J.A. Stone and am currently working on a serialized novel, LOST BOY on Storybird.com

Kari& Autumn: Who is your favorite literary character and why?

Juliana: Right now it’s Alexander, from THE BRONZE HORSEMAN. Such a strong male character, who pretty much has everything I look for in a hero. The story itself is an epic romance and is in my top 5 books of all time!

Kari& Autumn: Just for fun, if you could be any animal, what would it be and why?

Juliana: I would be a cat.  Mostly because I watch my cat, Gibson, sleep and clean himself and demand to be petted…then he eats and sleeps and cleans himself!  What a life!


About the author:

ABOUT Juliana Stone: USA Today Bestselling author, Juliana Stone’s love of the written word and ‘80s rock have inspired her in more ways than one. She writes dark paranormal romance and contemporary romance and spends her days navigating a busy life that includes a husband, kids, and rock ‘n’ roll!

 Boys Like You is her debut YA novel. You can find more info at www.julianastone.com

Tuesday, May 27, 2014

Delicious! by Ruth Reichl

Author: Ruth Reichl
Publisher: Random House
Date of publication: May 6, 2014

In her New York Times bestselling memoirs Tender at the Bone and Comfort Me with Apples, Ruth Reichl has brilliantly illuminated how food defines us. Now she celebrates this theme in her dazzling fiction debut—a novel of sisters, family ties, and a young woman who must find the courage to let go of the past in order to embrace her own true gifts.


Billie Breslin has traveled far from her California home to take a job at Delicious!, the most iconic food magazine in New York and, thus, the world. When the publication is summarily shut down, the colorful staff, who have become an extended family for Billie, must pick up their lives and move on. Not Billie, though. She is offered a new job: staying behind in the magazine’s deserted downtown mansion offices to uphold the “Delicious Guarantee” –a public relations hotline for complaints and recipe inquiries–until further notice. What she doesn’t know is that this boring, lonely job will be the portal to a life-changing discovery.

Delicious! is the fiction debut by cookbook author and magazine editor, Ruth Reichl.  For her first foray into fiction, I was pretty impressed.  The story is filled with interesting characters, a bit of romance, and a decades old mystery.  I found myself engrossed pretty quickly.  

Billie was a great character.  She has a perfect pallet, yet has anxiety every time she enters the kitchen to cook.  Food has been her life since the age of 10.  Her job at the magazine, Delicious! was a great opportunity to get out from under her sister's shadow and begin to realize her own self worth.  I loved the friendships  that she developed and how she created her own little family in New York.

I really enjoyed the letters that Lulu exchanged with Mr. Beard.  It gave a brief glimpse into what times and feelings were like during World War II.  I liked how it was a kind of treasure hunt to find the next letter. I was really rooting for Billie to be able to find Lulu and what happened after the war.  I was a bit surprised at what she discovered.  

This is a wonderful story that I highly recommend.  Be warned though, it has lots of food descriptions, so don't read it on an empty stomach!


About the author:

Ruth Reichl was born and raised in Greenwich Village. She wrote her first cookbook at twenty-one, and went on to be the restaurant critic of both the Los Angeles Times  and The New York Times. She was editor-in-chief of Gourmet magazine for ten years. She now lives with her husband in upstate New York.

Connect with Ruth:

Purchase Links

Ruth Reichl’s TLC Book Tours TOUR STOPS:
Monday, April 28th:  Sidewalk Shoes
Tuesday, April 29th:  Kahakai Kitchen
Wednesday, April 30th:  No More Grumpy Bookseller
Saturday, May 3rd:  Books a la Mode – spotlight/giveaway
Monday, May 5th:  Book-alicious Mama
Tuesday, May 6th:  Happy Pretty Sweet
Wednesday, May 7th:  BookNAround
Thursday, May 8th:  Kritter’s Ramblings
Friday, May 9th:  Joyfully Retired
Monday, May 12th:  Olduvai Reads
Tuesday, May 13th:  girlichef
Wednesday, May 14th:  Read. Write. Repeat.
Thursday, May 15th:  Bookfoolery
Thursday, May 15th:  Svetlana’s Reads and Views
Friday, May 16th:  Books in the City
Tuesday, May 20th:  A Chick Who Reads
Wednesday, May 21st:  Broken Teepee
Thursday, May 22nd:  A Bookish Way of Life
Friday, May 23rd:  2 Kids and Tired
Tuesday, May 27th:  From the TBR Pile

Book Spotlight: The Reluctant First Lady - Blog Tour



Author: Venita Ellick
Publisher: Brown Books Publishing
Date of publication: August 2013

Ashley Taylor has been straightforward with her husband, the president-elect of the United States. She supported his candidacy, but she has no intention of assuming the traditional role of First Lady—a position she describes as “First Hostess.” Instead, she will resume her own career as head of one of the largest art museums in New York. The aftermath of her decision triggers reactions from the public, news commentators, late night comedians, and other political factions. While Ashley and Michael wrestle with saving their marriage and preserving their professional lives, the country debates whether the role of First Lady is a necessity, how the media influences the lives of public figures, and how much a woman should sacrifice for the person she loves.

Excerpt: 

From Chapter 3 of The Reluctant First Lady


Applause and pandemonium broke out on the other side of the curtain, indicating Michael had reached the end of his speech.

A stage manager nodded and, with Ashley and the twins leading the way, followed by the vice president- elect, his wife, and family, she stepped onto the stage and into the bright lights. The noise from the crowd grew in intensity as each of them came into view. They all walked forward to stand beside Michael, Ashley and the twins to his left; Robert Hughes, Catherine, and their children to his right.

The chaos and elation vibrating through the crowd was intoxicating. Cheers from a wildly exuberant audience and music blocked out what individuals were saying, but the camaraderie of those on the stage was evidenced by their smiles, hugs, and claps on the back. Before the world, she and Michael looked like the perfect couple. Michael pulled his family, plus Richard and his family, toward him while photographers snapped pictures of this historic event.

Amid the excitement, it almost went unnoticed that a reporter shouted a question at Ashley. She ignored him, hoping he would go away.

The reporter repeated his question. “Mrs. Taylor, what causes do you intend to champion during the next four years in the White House?”

Ashley winced inwardly, but no outward expression marred her serene expression. She had a choice. She could tell the truth or continue to go along with the lie. Damn it. She’d been dodging questions like this for months about what special causes she intended to champion if her husband were elected. In fact, she’d become a master of evasion, not something she was proud of. Unquestionably the smartest thing to do would be to give the same canned response she’d been giving throughout the campaign. It would be a lie, all of it. But then she wouldn’t be accused of rocking the boat, a boat, she might add, that she knew was taking on a lot of water.

She was tired of being evasive. She was sick to death of lying by omission. Michael’s managers had convinced her that he wouldn’t be elected if she declared her intentions. But, Michael had been elected. Was it possible that she was making more of this than necessary?

She leaned toward the reporter and his microphone and began speaking in a quiet, clear voice.

“First, I’d like to thank everyone here and at home for their incredible support throughout the campaign. I’m extremely proud of Michael and have always believed he’d be a great leader and a great president. The American people have chosen wisely and well this day. As for me, with the election over, I’ll be returning to my job as director of the Cameron Museum of Art in New York. It’s never been my intention to serve as the First Lady. Over half of the families in our country are two-career families. Our family isn’t any different. In fact . . .”

Ashley felt Michael’s hand on her elbow. “Ashley, just smile and wave. We’re getting off of the stage now.”


GREAT GIVEAWAY
Be sure to sign up for The Reluctant First Lady's Giveaway.
Grand Prize 
Signed copy of book 
and 
$20.00 Amazon Gift Card

4 - Second Prizes - Signed copy of book


About the Author:

Venita Ellick was fated to be a writer. She was named for a character in a book her mother was reading at
the time of the birth. As a young girl, she spent so much time in libraries that librarians would save books for her almost daily visits. She began writing stories in the first grade, which her mother

patiently read. The intervention of a career as an educator and raising three sons delayed her focus on writing, but she has now completed three novels. The Reluctant First Lady is her fourth.

Mistress of Mellyn by Victoria Holt and Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen captivated her as a teenager. The power and imagery of the printed word made her wonder what each heroine was thinking and feeling. She wanted to be the woman with the cape and hood standing on the edge of the cliff with the wind whipping around her. The mysteries that could be found in stories fascinated her and are echoed in The Reluctant First Lady.

Ellick draws on her experiences as a wife, mother, teacher, and principal to create her characters. Her sense of humor and recognition of the absurd and often whimsical nature of life have allowed her to capture her characters’ lives with authenticity and emotional resonance.

Venita and her husband David have experience as a two-career couple. They live on an island in the state of Washington.






Buying Links for The Reluctant First Lady: