| Tuesday, August 28, 2007 |
| New Review for Finally Home |
Yeah! With a little ouch on the end. Novelspot reviewed Finally Home. All in all I'm pleased and I really can't say she's wrong on the editing comment. I have to admit that editing Finally Home was horrible, I mean editing it AFTER it had been accepted by Whiskey Creek Press. It was truly a lesson for me and I was shocked that I had missed so much before I submitted it to WCP. It wasn't pretty and obviously I'd missed some stuff.
Well, anyway, here's the review:
Author:
Ceri Hebert
Publisher:
Whiskey Creek Press
ISBN:
Electronic 978-1-59374-812-8
Rating:
8
Review:
Love sucks! It can be the most wonderful thing in the world when it's right. When you find you love someone who loves someone else, though, well… love sucks! Ceri Hebert, in her debut novel with Whiskey Creek Press, takes this dilemma through all of its paces in Finally Home.
Victoria Barron, who prefers to be called "Torie," is the poor little rich girl who adores horses, much to the displeasure of her high-class mother. Her father doesn't seem to care, one way or the other, as long as Torie stays out of his way. He's too busy making millions to be bothered by a daughter. Torie hates her life, except when she gets to go to the Carter Hills Stables to ride and care for her horse.
Another benefit of hanging around at the stable is getting to watch Alex Carmichael, the stable hand. Unfortunately, Alex is wrapped up in Gabriella Marino, the boss's daughter, and he outwardly despises Torie for being rich. It doesn't take long for Gabriella's true nature to drive Alex away from the stable, and the state of New Hampshire. Torie continues to work with her horse and, over the coming years, yearns to fulfill her dream: owning Avalon Farm.
Alex Carmichael had nothing good to say to Torie in their younger years. He called her "Princess," just to irritate her, and it worked famously. Now, nine years later, when his ailing aunt needs him, he returns from South Dakota to care for the woman who raised him after his parents died. Visiting a horse show, he watches Torie as she wins the blue ribbon and silver cup in her class. He has to admit she's become a fine rider, and a better than fine looking woman.
Wanting a closer look, just as she stumbles and is about to fall into a mud puddle, Alex gets the chance to get his hands on her. She's not exactly friendly when he keeps her from falling, but that one touch kindles the fire that will become a raging romance between the self-made man and the Princess.
Finally Home is the story of two people working together to overcome their past and their differences to realize a dream they both share. Misunderstandings along the way drive a wedge between the two short-fused, hardheaded lovers, but will their future be as bleak as they are making it? Alex and Torie create a lot of their own misery. Every time I thought they finally got their act together, another misunderstanding cropped up and one or the other of the hotheads went off on a tangent. When they kissed and made up, though, it was worth suffering the fight.
I was surprised by a lack of editing in a few places but the full-bodied story made it worthy of
finishing. This is the reason I was only able to give a rating of 8 quills.
Finally Home is a great read. If you love near misses at Paradise, some saucy love scenes under an open sky, or want to learn more about horses, I recommend you gallop on over and pick up a copy of Finally Home right now.
Reviewed By MargeAnna Conrad© August 2007
So, that wasn't completely horrible and an 8 out of 10 is very good.
I didn't get much done in the way of writing yesterday and I probably won't today either. I had to take my younger DD to the doctor. She's been feeling unwell for the past few weeks. They think its only a viral thing and should be okay for school tomorrow. I hope so. Today I have to visit my dad and SD wants to visit the school again. Oh, and then there's all that pesky work I have to do. I'm supposed to get all kinds of overtime but yesterday was a wash. I hate it when all I want to do is write but I can't. Then when I CAN write I have a block. It's just cruel.
Speaking of cruel, it's time to get ready for work. Maybe I'll go in early.
Off I go.Labels: Finally Home, Novelspot, reviews, Whiskey Creek Press, writing |
posted by Ceri Hebert @ 3:01 AM  |
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| Monday, August 27, 2007 |
| GRAND OPENING |
The Long And The Short Of It Reviews is having their Grand Opening this week. Prizes and goodies galore plus lots of reviews. I highly recommend making this site a daily stop.
Well, this weekend I was tossed around, turned upsided down, banged my head, bruised my leg, got soaking wet and had a pretty good time doing it. We took the kids on one last outing (really the only outing we were able to do this summer) before they have to go back to school on Wednesday. We went to an amusement park and the scariest thing I had to do was pay an outrageous price for mediocre fries and burgers and drinks (try 40.00 for 4 fries, 3 skinny burgers, a hotdog and 5 drinks. I put a lot of it back). But I did ride a lot of rides, rides I really didn't think I would've, but my daughter was brave and we went together. Some of them we didn't really want to go on, but figured we might as well just to say we did it. And I was glad we did. The only rides I didn't really like were the roller coasters. It was a long hot day, but I'm glad we did it.
Now I'm ready for them to go back to school. I think they are too. I'm hoping that I'll be able to get back into my writing groove which I've been out of lately. I have much editing to do on Dreamer's Sea.Labels: amusement park, grand opening, reviews, school, summer, writing |
| posted by Ceri Hebert @ 2:32 AM |
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| Friday, August 24, 2007 |
| New Review and other things |
I received this review over at Romance Reviews Today
WHERE ONE ROAD LEADS – Ceri Hebert
Samhain Publishing –
www.samhainpublishing.com
ISBN: 1-59998-548-9
July 2007
Romantic Suspense
Quail Ridge, New Hampshire – Present Day
After fifteen years, Krista Faye is going back to her childhood home in Quail Ridge. As a photojournalist, she has faced many dangerous places in the world, but none is more frightening to her than Quail Ridge. She is leasing an old mill and making it into a youth center, but she will be facing her demons from years ago.
Police officers Matt Burgess and his father, Ed, own the old mill. Because Krista’s boss leased the property, Matt and Ed are not aware that Krista is behind the opening of the youth center. Matt blames Krista for the car accident that took the lives of his little brother and Krista’s best friend fifteen years ago. Krista was sent to prison, lost the baby she was carrying, and still has scars from the accident. There was more to the accident, but many people believed the version Ricky, the fourth person in the car, told. Krista still blames herself and mourns her friends. When Kristi’s house and youth center are vandalized, Matt begins to have second thoughts about Kristi’s guilt. Could Ricky have had more to do with the accident than he admitted?
As things heat up between Krista and Matt romantically, a confrontation with Ricky sets off more vandalism. But if Ricky was out of town, who could hate Krista so much that he would want to kill her?
WHERE ONE ROAD LEADS is an enjoyable story about a woman who paid dearly for any sins she may or may not have committed. She is brave, but vulnerable, hoping everyone will forgive her for the part she played in the accident. She hopes to do something good for the town, but there are some people who are unwilling to forgive and forget. Matt realizes that he has been wrong to blame Krista for the death of his brother. He finds her to be a good, compassionate woman, and not the cruel hard-hearted woman he had envisioned. Ricky is a spoiled man whose father always bailed him out of trouble, and who feels no remorse for anything he does.
The book is an easy-to-read, compelling romantic suspense to while away an afternoon. The characters are likeable, and the pacing is good. Readers are sure to enjoy this one.
Marilyn Heyman
I've also done a read through of my 2006 Nano manuscript and it's not as hopeless as I thought it was. In fact I really like it. The characters are strong and the descriptions vivid. I have to get back and start rewrites/edits. I have high hopes for this one. And when I'm done with it I'll use it to lure in an agent.
But first I have errands galore!Labels: Nanowrimo, reviews, romance, Romance Reviews Today, Samhain Publishing, Where One Road Leads |
| posted by Ceri Hebert @ 11:34 AM |
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| Tuesday, August 21, 2007 |
| FINALLY HOME REVIEW |
Yesterday Finally Home received an excellent review over at The Long And The Short Of It . I couldn't be more pleased.
"...Ceri's descriptions are rich and riveting. I began the book one morning, had to leave it to go to work, and started it again as soon as I got home. It's not often I find a book so riveting I start and finish it in the same day, especially as busy as I've been."
For the full review please go to The Long And The Short Of It .
I threw myself back into editing That Kind of Magic yesterday. It's tough, rewriting scenes like I've decided to do, but I think I'm going to be pleased with the outcome. I just have to get back into my deep concentration mode. It's times like this when I should just take my laptop and go somewhere where I don't get the internet and there are no children. Maybe a nice little coffee shop somewhere.
I'm hoping that today I'll be able to get through all the rewrites and resubmit the chapter. Of course I owe a few crits before I can do that.
I need coffee, my brain is super fuzzy. Unfortunately with coffee I have to make some breakfast and wash some dishes. Oh, will it never end? |
| posted by Ceri Hebert @ 2:13 AM |
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| Sunday, August 19, 2007 |
| The 800lb Gorilla In The Room |
Well, I have to face something that I’ve been trying to ignore since April. The 800 lb gorilla in the room, so to speak.
Marketing.
I know that I should have contests and all sorts of fun things. The problem is I have no idea how to go about it. My publisher has sent out to all the authors a form that we need to fill out laying out our marketing plans. Book signings? That would work if I had books in print with them, but even if I did, I live in a tiny NH town. We have a bookstore, but its selection of romance is confined to one skinny shelf. Sure, I’m a local author, but I live in a town that is the home to the MacDowell Colony, a gathering spot of famous authors and artists for the past 100 years. They are the types of authors who get book signings here.
No, I’m not bitter. I just know that I have to come out of my semi anti-social shell and talk to people.
So, I have to sit down and work out a marketing plan. Get my yahoo group up and going, make some banners for my books, get my name out there.
And I’ve also come to the time where I have to get back to my edits of That Kind of Magic. I’ve given myself a break from it, have done a bunch of writing on my other wip which I’m really liking, but I want to have TKOM submitted somewhere before November. Next week is a new week and a time for fresh starts.
On the Dad front, he’s settled into a nursing home but not pleased with it at all. He knows that he needs to be there though, at least until he has his strength back. He’s bored to death though. He can get up and walk around a bit but he’s mostly in his room. How much tv can one man watch? He doesn’t want to read, but he’ll listen to his music. Not a very stimulating existence. I can’t wait til he’s home. |
| posted by Ceri Hebert @ 4:54 PM |
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| Wednesday, August 15, 2007 |
| HAPPY RELEASE DAY FOR A FRIEND |
My friend, Marianne has not only one book out today but TWO! So please head over to her blog to check them out. I recently read her story, Now That We've Found You and I have to say this is a wonderful, sigh-inducing romance. She's also running some contests over there for her releases and for the Grand Opening of her review site The Long And The Short Of It. They're definitely worth visiting. Often.
I received a wonderful review of my book Finally Home:
Finally Home
Review
Set in the lush New Hampshire countryside, Finally Home is a captivating tale of love, jealousy, and betrayal.
Torie, a beautiful debutante from a rich, influential New York family longs for independence and freedom from her manipulating family. Her passion for and talent with equines leads her to enter into partnership in a horse farm with an old acquaintance.
Enter Alex, a sexy, rugged, self-made man who eagerly enters into this relationship with her. Her savvy and determination coupled with his financial backing and knack for recognizing promising horses, allows their venture to thrive. However, as love begins to blossom between them, outside forces in the form of a jealous ex-girlfriend and a cunning mother, work to pull them apart.
Alex, still insecure with the life he has entered into with Torie, all too easily believes the web of lies spun by these two villainous women. He leaves, heartbroken, and runs away to his ranch on the other side of the country, believing he has lost the love of his life.
Although a flawed hero, Ms. Hebert has created in Alex an endearing character you will come to love. Your heart will break for him as he comes to believe he’s been betrayed by the woman he’s learned to trust, and tries desperately, but unsuccessfully, to forget their passionate nights together. “Unlucky in love,” he considers himself to be.
Torie, determined, and self-assured, is characteristic of many of today’s young women. You’ll admire her desire to become her own, independent person, separate and apart from the wealthy yet sheltered life in which she was raised.
This is definitely a must-read for lovers of romance and lovers of horses.
Thank you so much Kim!
DAD UPDATE: He had his second biopsy yesterday which left him in the same state he was in last Thursday. At least we know now that its just the effects of the procedure and it will pass. The excellent news is that the first biopsy came back clean (they did the second just to be sure). We also found out that he liver had problems because of a medication he was on. He's off it now so that should improve. Maybe, God willing, he'll be home in a few days. I'm sure he'll be pleased by that.
Off I go to finish up my email and get ready for work. Yippee.
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| posted by Ceri Hebert @ 2:42 AM |
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| Monday, August 13, 2007 |
| The Good The Bad and the Unspeakable |
I have a new review for Sweet Forever over at Two Lips Reviews. Another reason to smile.
After her mother’s passing, Hayden Merrick travels to Sweet Prairie to finally meet her grandmother. Hayden’s mother left the ranch before she was born, and was estranged from her family. While she’s visiting and making up for lost time, Hayden meets two very important men: the father who abandoned her and her mother, and the man who captures her heart.
Ben Winslow hasn’t had much time for romance in his life, and until he meets Hayden no one has really interested him. As they spend time together and get to know each other, Ben realizes he has found the woman who’s meant for him. But Hayden is torn between returning to the east coast and the only life and family she has ever known, and the man who is the love of her life.
Ben knows without a doubt that he has to find a way to keep her in South Dakota forever.
Hayden’s reluctance to get involved with Ben when she knows she’s planning to return to her home in Maine is a very valid excuse for putting him off. She doesn’t want to hurt Ben and that’s just one of the reasons she is such an enjoyable heroine. I really liked how straightforward she was and how she handled the tough decisions she faced. No wishy-washy heroine here. I really love that.
Ben is an absolutely delicious man who easily makes my list of best heroes. He’s gentle, kind and passionate. The fact that he’s drop-dead sexy is just a bonus. His patience and willingness to give Hayden time to figure out what she wants adds even more to his appeal. But he doesn’t sit idly by, waiting for her. He’s persistent and confident and the depth of his love is heartwarming indeed.
This sweet romance is power-packed with emotion and it will effortlessly sweep you off your feet. A must read.
Got 4.5 out of 5 Lips. THANKS SO MUCH LINDY!
In other writing news, I've started submitting chapters of That Kind of Magic to my crit group. Sadly, chapter two has been brutalized (though there were two critters who liked it). I've decided, however, to revamp chapter two which will in turn affect the following chapters. Question is, do I let it stew for a while or do I leap right back in and get going on it. I've been working on my Sweet Forever sequel and I really hate to leave it, especially for a project that right now I'm shaking my head over. Oh, what to do.
And now for the Dad update. He's still in the hospital. His couple day visit to try to get his strength back sure has turned into a lot more, and a serious lot more at that. Last week he had a lung biopsy (an unexpected turn of events) and then he got so bad they put him in ICU. After one night he improved tremendously and was put back into his old room. Now he's waiting for yet another biopsy. Why another one? Don't know, my mother didn't elaborate. I get the feeling he's sorry he fought to get himself admited. He thinks he would've been better off at home. But if by being there they caught something that could've turned horribly serious, like lung cancer, then I'm glad he's there. My mother in law is waiting for her operation date, also lung cancer related. They sure are making them wait!
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| posted by Ceri Hebert @ 3:02 PM |
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| Tuesday, August 7, 2007 |
| New Sweet Forever Review |
Over at Gotta Write
Sweet Forever
By Ceri Hebert
Samhain Publishing
ISBN: 1-59998-462-8
April 2007
Contemporary Romance
Ben Winslow knew that Hayden Merrick was stirring things up when she arrived in Burton, South Dakota. Hayden's mom had left town pregnant, had gone east and never returned, and also had never reconciled with her parents. Now that her mother had died, Hayden had come to visit and meet her grandmother.
And this was where Ben's dilemma began. He was glad that Hayden was getting to know Lu, but Sally, a cousin, was now on his case to find out if Lu was changing her will. Also, Ben was certain that the truth about who Hayden's father would turn out to be could cause a town scandal.
Worse of all, was the knowledge that as Ben gets to know Hayden, he learns to admire, enjoy, and love her. Hayden says that she needs to return to the East, it is where she belongs. Ben knows that it'll take all that he is, and more, for her to realize that he is where she needs to be.
Sweet Forever succeeded with great character development, rich description of the ranch and the surrounding lands, and evoking emotional response from the reader. However, I was a bit disappointed that there wasn't more to the story. I kept expecting a twist to the plot, but everything was exactly as it seemed, and the biggest conflict Ben and Hayden encounter throughout the story was Hayden's uncertainty of remaining in South Dakota.
Rating: 3.5 out of 5
© Kathy Andrico and gottawritenetwork.com
Not too bad. I'm very pleased that I'm still getting reviews for Sweet Forever.
Now someone PLEASE review Finally Home!!! (man I've resorted to begging) |
| posted by Ceri Hebert @ 4:52 PM |
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| Monday, August 6, 2007 |
| Late Night Post |
I usually try to post in the morning, but I've skipped a few days and I have a little time to kill.
I just submitted first chapter of That Kind of Magic to my crit group. I'm looking forward to the feedback. I just hope that the story is as good as I remember it being while I wrote it. I'm still rarin' to go on the Sweet Forever sequel (need a title for it). I wish I could have a week of undisturbed writing, but right now I have kids squabling in the kitchen and another child talking to my laptop and picking out her birthday presents (Sponge Bob Square Pants MP3 speakers).
But am I getting any new writing done? That would be a no.
Of course part of the problem is stress. My father has been in the hospital since Friday with Gastritis and my mother in law is going to be going in for surgery soon to have spots removed from her lungs.
Scary stuff.
But I'll keep writing.
Tomorrow. |
| posted by Ceri Hebert @ 5:54 PM |
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| Wednesday, August 1, 2007 |
| HUMVEE VS SUBARU or THE FICKLE FINGER OF FATE |
Humvee will win every time.
Well, we got a good start to our shopping trip. We left town around 8:30, the kids had their music to listen to so they were nice and quiet so my mom and I could chat. We were at a stop light where there's two lanes that go immediately into one once you're through the lights. We were first in line in one lane. In the next lane was a beautiful bright red Humvee (one of those smaller ones) with the Marine's logo on the side. My mom, being uncharacteristically heavy on the gas, got in ahead of the hummer at the other side of the lights and did a little neener neener neeeeeener kind of thing as she went.
So, we continued on our merry way, until it was time to get off the highway and merge into traffic on another road. My mother was back to her cautious self and took a little too much time, apparently to merge.
CRUNCH
The beautiful bright red Humvee driven by the Marines hit us from behind.
The impact shattered her back window (she drives a Forester) and smooshed up the left back side pretty well.
Poor guy, yes, I feel worse for him than us because it was a brand new Humvee and the Marine's weren't going to look kindly on this little fender bender. No one was hurt, thank goodness (though my back is somewhat sore-but not bad) and the police gave us the okay to drive away from the scene.
Being the good women we were, we continued on our way to the store to shop.
MORAL OF THE STORY, DON'T GET TOO COCKY WHEN YOU'RE PASSING A VEHICLE MUCH BIGGER THAN YOUR OWN. YOU MAY REGRET IT FURTHER DOWN THE ROAD. |
| posted by Ceri Hebert @ 1:40 PM |
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| IT'S DONE IT'S DONE IT'S DONE!!!! |
Well, its a good thing I took the day off today because I was able to sit down in the quiet of the early morning and finish That Kind Of Magic. Well, the first draft anyway. I had nearly an extra hour to do it in. YEAH ME!!! 58575 words total, all said and done. Of course I may lose some of those during the editing process, or maybe I'll be able to add some which would be even better.
Okay, so this is a pretty steamy story and I'm thinking..hmmm..... Blaze? I don't know if they'll go for it, but it's worth a try. I ended the story with one final nookie scene. I've never done that before but it seemed to work. Of course I could add something to the end, but I may leave it as is.
So, today after I get home I'll start the editing process. This story has developed into a lot more than I ever thought it could, but of course how much could I expect from an 8000 word story?
Now its time to get ready for a day of shopping. Finishing a manuscript and shopping all in oned day. Who could ask for more???? |
| posted by Ceri Hebert @ 4:00 AM |
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