Blog Tour - Interview with Marie Astor

Hello! I'm participating on the On The Rim Of Love blog tour and Marie Astor answered a few of my questions.

Here's the interview:

1 – Tell us a little bit about you.

Hi Carla and thank you for inviting me to Library Mosaic. My name is Marie Astor and I am the author of contemporary romance novels, On the Rim of Love, Lucky Charm, Dance Me to the Stars, which was recently released, and a short story collection A Chance Encounter and Other Stories.

2 - Have you always wanted to be a writer? If not, when did you decide you wanted to write?

Being a writer has always been my dream, but for a long time I was too intimidated to pursue it. Then, about three years ago, I came to the realization that unless I got serious about it, my dream would never materialize. Since then I wrote three novels and a collection of short stories.

3 – What can you tell us about On the Rim of Love?

On the Rim of Love is a story about finding the courage to follow one’s heart.

What if you found yourself in a situation where you were about to marry the wrong guy and you met a man whom you were simply drawn to - would you have the courage to pursue the new love interest or would you stick with the safer, known choice?

Maggie Robin has been dating the irresistibly good-looking, successful Jeffrey Preston for two years. But when Jeffrey proposes marriage a week after Maggie’s college graduation, she is no longer sure if she wants to marry a workaholic TV producer.

Her doubts culminate when during a ski trip to British Columbia, Maggie meets Taylor Denton, a handsome, free-spirited big mountain skier who is the complete opposite of Jeffrey. It does not take Maggie long to realize that she has fallen in love with Taylor and she decides to break off her engagement with Jeffrey. But just when she thinks she has found the love of her life, an ill-fated misunderstanding tears Maggie and Taylor apart.

A week later, Maggie is told that Taylor has died in a tragic ski accident; yet, her heart refuses to believe in Taylor’s death. When Maggie returns to Taylor’s native town, she learns that Taylor is indeed alive, but has been seriously injured. Resolved to bring her lover back to life Maggie stands by Taylor’s side, convincing him to embrace life again.

4 – What inspired you to write On the Rim if Love?

The location was the inspiration for On the Rim of Love - two years ago I went to British Columbia for the first time and was smitten by the beauty of the region. I immediately started thinking that it would be the perfect setting for a love story. Slowly, Maggie’s and Taylor’s love story started to materialize in my mind... I put the idea on hold for some time, and two years later, On the Rim of Love was written.

5 – Would you say you are a romantic?

Yes! As I say in my bio, I am die-hard romantic – I believe in love at first sight and in happily ever after!

6 – Which author/ authors have inspired you the most?

There are many writers whom I admire for their works, and each and every single one of them has inspired me in a different way. Some of my favorite authors, in no particular order, are: Anita Brookner, Richard Russo, Jane Austen, Truman Capote, Sarah Addison Allen, Kristin Hannah, Patti Callahan Henry – the list goes on, but I’ll stop here for the sake of space.

7 – If you could invite one of your characters for dinner, which one would you invite and why?

Definitely Taylor Denton – when I was writing his character, I had a major crush on him! I really admire off-piste skiers and the courage it takes to engage this dangerous pursuit. When I was writing Taylor’s character, I gave him the qualities that, in my opinion, would be required to lead the lifestyle that Taylor leads. There are not too my white knights in real life, so I enjoyed creating Taylor’s character immensely. That being said, Taylor is far from perfect – he too has flaws – as they say - still water runs deep….

8 – Can you let us know a little bit about your future projects?

I just finished working on my next novel, Dance Me to the Stars - it is a love story (of course!) about letting go of one’s inhibitions, finding true love and learning to tango. The main character, Claire, is an architect who is engaged to marry her real estate magnate fiancé, but when a handsome tango instructor moves into the apartment above from hers, Claire begins to question her seemingly perfect life.

The release date for Dance Me to the Stars has been moved up to February from March of 2012 – please visit my website, www.marieastor.com or my Amazon page: http://www.amazon.com/Marie-Astor/e/B004EBDX9Q/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

9 – Is there anything you would like your readers to know?

Thank you very much for inviting me to Library Mosaic and giving me an opportunity to talk about On the Rim of Love. I hope that the readers of this blog enjoyed reading about my work and will join Maggie and Taylor on their journey. 

Thank you, Marie!

Marie's also hosting a giveaway:

It's Monday, What are you Reading?

 

This weekly meme is hosted by Sheila at One Person's Journey Through a World of Books.

 

 

Read this past week:

Mine Until Dawn - E.B. Walters

The Fine Art of Truth or Dare -  Melissa Jensen

Kiss me Crazy - E.B. Walters

Currently Reading:

Dangerous Love - E.B. Walters

Upcoming:

Chasing Fire - Nora Roberts

What about you? What are you reading this week and are you enjoying it?

Team Smackdown Winner

Team Smackdown is officially over! Thanks to everyone who voted and participated.

Now, to what's important.

Third place goes to: 

 Team Ash!

Second place goes to: 

Team Jem

And the Team Smackdown big winner is: 

Team Zachary!!!

Zach definitely has some very dedicated fans. Congrats! :D

So, what do you think? Zach's a deserving winner, right? I really like all three guys but was extremely impressed by Zach's fans (and the man himself) right from the start! You guys made me pick Shade up and read it.

Now, the giveaway winners are: (I'll contact you soon)

Author Weekend Giveaway

I have a giveaway ready for you!

One winner will receive from Debra Anastasia

• A swag pack like the following one that includes a bracelet, two temporary tattoos and a bookmark: 

 

Character Interview - Blake Hartt from Poughkeepsie by Debra Anastasia

Blake Hartt from Poughkeepsie by Debra Anastasia answered a few of my questions so let's get to know him a little bit better.

1 – So, Blake can you tell us 5 things about you we might not know? Don’t worry because good or bad we still all love you.   

Five things? Well, I guess if you’d like. Once, when I was walking through the woods I came to a clearing and I was in the center. I’m used to a few lightening bugs but that night there were tens of thousands! All at once. It was amazing. It was a time I wished I had Livia with me. To kiss her right then would have made the moment perfect.

2 - You count Livia’s smiles (how amazing are you, really?). Do you remember the first time ever she smiled at you and can you tell us a little bit about it.

Of course I remember! It’s number one. That morning she looked timid. Train travel is a specific thing. There are tickets and times. People that have done it for years don’t look around much. She kept checking her time schedule and watch. After she was settled on the platform she just began smiling at anyone that looked her way. I was trying to watch her on the sly, but when we locked eyes…It just became everything. I was used to being invisible, just a fixture on the platform. She made me feel like a person that day. And of course I knew she was beautiful. Every day and night afterword, she smiled. At me.

3 – Which one of her smiles would you say was the most important for you?

The next smile I’m going to get is the best one. It does something to my heart, every time.

4 – I know this might be a delicate topic for you but have you been able to truly overcome your fear of the sun? 

I think I’ll always concentrate on it. It’s very hard to overcome fear. Managing it and enjoying the benefits of facing it make it worth the internal battle.

5 -  How often do you play piano nowadays?

 Everyday. For me it’s like cathartic. Just hearing the notes means I’m in control. And now, it’s like letting some of my love for Livia into the air. Sharing it a bit.

6 - What did you and Livia do for Valentine’s Day?

 I gave her a bouquet and a song. I picked the wildflowers from that same clearing I saw the fireflies in, actually. And the song? Well, I have a million for her. Every time I think I know her, she surprises me again. Just yesterday I caught her watching a child out of the corner of her eye that was too close to the road. She’s always looking out for others. I love that about her. (The child’s mother grasped his hand, he was fine!)

Thank you Blake!

Review - Poughkeepsie by Debra Anastasia

Title and Author: Poughkeepsie by Debra Anastasia

Publisher: Omnific Publishing

Publication Date: November 22nd, 2011

Paperback/Hardcover: 384

Genre: Contemporary Romance

Summary:

He counts her smiles every day and night at the train station. And morning and evening, the beautiful commuter acknowledges him—just like she does everyone else on the platform. But Blake Hartt is not like the others . . . he’s homeless. Memories of a broken childhood have robbed him of peace and twisted delusions into his soul. He stays secluded from the sun, sure the world would run from him in the harsh light of day.

Each day, Livia McHugh smiles politely and acknowledges her fellow commuters as she waits for the train to the city. She dismisses this kindness as nothing special, just like her. She’s the same as a million other girls—certainly no one to be cherished. But special or not, she smiles every day, never imagining that someone would rely on the simple gesture as if it were air to breathe.
When the moment comes that Livia must do more than smile, without hesitation she steps into the fray to defend the homeless man. And she's surprised to discover an inexplicable connection with her new friend. After danger subsides, their smiles become conversation. Their words usher in a friendship, which awakens something in each of them. But it’s not long before their bond must prove its strength. Entanglements from the past challenge both their love and their lives.
Blake’s heart beats for Livia’s, even if her hands have to keep its rhythm. Love is patient. Love is kind. Love never fails. Love never fails, right? 

Review:

Poughkeepsie is a very interesting book with a unique story that caught my attention.

Blake Hartt is a homeless man who spends his days at a train station. Livia uses that train station every day and Blake is always there waiting to count her smiles. He keeps to himself and never bothers anyone so, one day, when some guys start picking on him, Livia decides to intervene. From that moment on she just can’t seem to stay away from the mysterious Blake.

The characters in this book are great. Blake is extremely sweet and a perfect gentleman even though he’s obviously broken and has a lot of issues to deal with.

Livia is a good character as well. She’s strong and brave and is not afraid to spend time with Blake even though most people are against their relationship.

Blake’s brothers are definitely great and bring a lot to the story, especially Beckett with his big personality and protectiveness. I think Eve was perfect for him.

All the other characters like Mouse and Livia’s father brought a lot to the story as well. Every character has a purpose in this story and they all seem real.

The book is well-written and the plot develops nicely, even though I thought it dragged on for a little while. There are moments that will make you smile and moments that will make you want to cry.

The romance in the book is really good and so is the action.

All in all Poughkeepsie is a powerful and unique story that I think any Contemporary Romance fan will be able to enjoy.

Warning: This book contains language and violence.

Rating: Worth Your Time ( 4 Stars)

Goodreads 

Bookdepository

Debra Anastasia

This weekends posts are dedicated to Debra Anastasia. Stay tuned for a review, a character interview and a giveaway.

Author's Profile:

"Debra Anastasia is busy, just like every other mom. There’'s dinner, the dogs, the kids, and their homework. The laundry pile turns into a big, heaping monster. When the clothes finally make it into the washer, it gets unbalanced and puts on an elaborate show before it cuts out. This crazy job that never ends is her first love and her crowning achievement

Her writing started a decent handful of years ago when along with the dogs, cat, kids, and husband, the voices of characters started whispering stories in Debra’'s ear. Insomnia was the gateway for the plots that wouldn'’t give up, wouldn’'t let go. In the shower, a twist would take hold and— dripping and frenzied— she'’d find somewhere, anywhere to write it down.

Debra grew up in New York and got a bachelor’'s degree in political science at SUNY New Paltz. At the start of her marriage, she moved to southern Maryland with her husband. She still doesn'’t trust crabs and all their legs, though everyone else in her family thinks they'’re delicious. Her favorite hobbies include knitting, painting furniture and wall murals, and slapping clowns.

Earlier this year Omnific Publishing published her debut novel, Crushed Seraphim, and she'’s currently pounding out the sequel to angel Emma'’s adventures. You can visit find her on twitter @Debra_Anastasia.crowning achievement.

Her writing started a decent handful of years ago when along with the dogs, cat, kids, and husband, the voices of characters started whispering stories in Debra’'s ear. Insomnia was the gateway for the plots that wouldn'’t give up, wouldn’'t let go. In the shower, a twist would take hold and— dripping and frenzied— she'’d find somewhere, anywhere to write it down.

Debra grew up in New York and got a bachelor’'s degree in political science at SUNY New Paltz. At the start of her marriage, she moved to southern Maryland with her husband. She still doesn'’t trust crabs and all their legs, though everyone else in her family thinks they'’re delicious. Her favorite hobbies include knitting, painting furniture and wall murals, and slapping clowns.

Earlier this year Omnific Publishing published her debut novel, Crushed Seraphim, and she'’s currently pounding out the sequel to angel Emma'’s adventures."

Debra Anastasia's Books:

Title and Author: Crushed Seraphim

Publisher: Omnific Publishing

Publication Date: May 17th, 2011

Paperback/Hardcover: 194

Genre: Paranormal Romance

How does a foul-mouthed angel end up as the last hope for all of Heaven and Earth?

When Seraph Emma is maimed and tossed from Heaven by a rogue angel who's taken charge, she fears she'll never be allowed to return. Tasked with the impossible job of showing the self-loathing (and not even human!) Jason his worth, Emma is sure she's doomed to fail.

Meanwhile, having wormed his way into Heaven, the corrupt Everett has trapped God in Hell and has designs on unleashing evil everywhere. Fortunately, if there's one thing Emma can't do (in addition to minding her language), it's give up. Determined to save Jason and get back to Heaven-even if it means going to Hell-Emma's plan is simple yet impossible: trick the Devil to save God.

What she doesn't count on is the devotion and, well, humanity she finds in Jason; the spirit, hidden compassion, and raw sex appeal within the Devil; and the vulnerability of her own heart. With the help of two unlikely allies, she'll wage the battle for Heaven. But will Emma be sidetracked by a new sort of heaven along the way?

What's truly more dangerous?
Falling from Heaven, or falling in love?

Title and Author: Poughkeepsie

Publisher: Omnific Publishing

Publication Date: November 22nd, 2011

Paperback/Hardcover: 384

Genre: Contemporary Romance



He counts her smiles every day and night at the train station. And morning and evening, the beautiful commuter acknowledges him—just like she does everyone else on the platform. But Blake Hartt is not like the others . . . he’s homeless. Memories of a broken childhood have robbed him of peace and twisted delusions into his soul. He stays secluded from the sun, sure the world would run from him in the harsh light of day.

Each day, Livia McHugh smiles politely and acknowledges her fellow commuters as she waits for the train to the city. She dismisses this kindness as nothing special, just like her. She’s the same as a million other girls—certainly no one to be cherished. But special or not, she smiles every day, never imagining that someone would rely on the simple gesture as if it were air to breathe.

When the moment comes that Livia must do more than smile, without hesitation she steps into the fray to defend the homeless man. And she's surprised to discover an inexplicable connection with her new friend. After danger subsides, their smiles become conversation. Their words usher in a friendship, which awakens something in each of them. But it’s not long before their bond must prove its strength. Entanglements from the past challenge both their love and their lives.

Blake’s heart beats for Livia’s, even if her hands have to keep its rhythm. Love is patient. Love is kind. Love never fails. Love never fails, right?

In an interwoven tale of unlikely loves and relationships forged by fire, Debra Anastasia takes readers into the darkest corners of human existence, only to show them the radiant power of pure adoration and true sacrifice. Complicated families and confused souls find their way to light in this novel, which manages to be racy, profane, funny, and reverent all at once.




Title and Author: Shackled

Publisher: Omnific Publishing

Publication Date: February 17th, 2012

Paperback/Hardcover: 38

Genre: Paranormal Romance






Aeliea is an evil princess with a taste for torture. In order to save his mother’s life, Markus defies the future queen. She condemns the proud, strong warrior to her dungeons. Night after night he is brought, naked and shackled, to stand before Aeliea. Markus is determined to change the woman whose treacherous whims terrify her empire. 


You can find Debra at:
Official Website
Twitter

Review - The Your Heart Will Be Also by Felicia Rogers

Title and Author: There Your Heart Will Be Also by Felicia Rogers

Publisher: Astraea Press

Publication Date: October 20th, 2011

Paperback/Hardcover:

Genre: Historical Romance

Summary:

Only daughter of an English lord, Sarra of Greenbriar, is used to getting her way. So when her father passes and the King begins sending suitors, she feels justified in taking matters into her own hands. Through a series of harmless pranks, Sarra works to keep the potential husbands at bay.
Cedric MacNeil is a Scotsman that has lost it all. Death claimed his parents and jealousy claimed his entitled position as Laird of his clan. Since his mother was a familiar of the English court, he leaves his native land and heads to England to fight on behalf of the English King. Tournaments are won, earning honor and glory for the crown. Cedric’s reward is the opportunity to gain what he wants most in this life, land.
But as he gets to know Sarra, he realizes he might get more than he bargained for.

Review:

I received There Your Heart Will Be Also from the author in exchange of an honest review and it turned out to be a delightful historical book.

As the only daughter of an English Lord Sarra is used to getting what she wants so when her father dies and the King starts sending suitors her way she’s sure she can handle it and take matters into her on hands.

When a Scottish nobleman named Cedric comes along, Sarra’s plans might just backfire, though.

I found this book to be very entertaining. The characters and setting are great and the author is able to make the readers feel like they really are in 16^th century England.

I liked the main characters and thought they were strong and believable as well. The plot and action in the story developed well.

All in all this is a great read for any historical romance fans. The book is well-written and the story is able to keep you entertained and interested. 

Rating: Worth Your Time ( 4 Stars)

Goodreads