#1, baby!!

OMG! OMG!! JACK WITH A TWIST is #1 in the Kindle free store!!  Thanks so much to everyone for all of your support!!

More free books!!

Today, June 12, through Sunday, June 16, Amazon will be offering JACK WITH A TWIST for free!  If you've already read the book, thank you! And if you haven't, why not pop it onto your Kindle for free-- what do you have to lose?!

I hope you'll enjoy it!

You know I love me some free books!!

It was so much fun re-releasing SCOT ON THE ROCKS that I decided to give JACK WITH A TWIST a chance, too. 

The newly re-released JACK WITH A TWIST is now available on Kindle for $2.99. 

And to celebrate the re-release of JACK, Amazon's offering SCOT ON THE ROCKS for free all week. So, if you haven't read SCOT yet, download it onto your Kindle for free! If you have, then thank you!!  Now's a great time to let your friends know about SCOT (after all, it's free!!).

All this in honor of my third novel, RECIPE FOR A HAPPY LIFE, which comes out July 2nd.  The gorgeous new cover is on the right, and it's available for pre-order now!

Winner, winner, chicken dinner!

Big congrats go out to Candy M., who is the winner of the Marilyn Brant A Summer in Europe giveaway!  Candy M., you are now the proud owner of a Summer in Europe t-shirt and luggage tag!!  Now all you have to do is win a trip to Europe.

Thanks so much to everyone who participated.  And if you haven't run out to buy A Summer in Europe, why not?!  It's a great read that will have you itching for your next getaway adventure.

Free book alert!

We're giving it away for free!  On my group blog, that is.  Enter to win a copy of Laura Spinella's BEAUTIFUL DISASTER.  Just leave a comment on her blog post by Friday to be entered to win.

Don't say I never gave you anything.

FREE BOOKS!!!

Win this book!!

So, did that subject line get your attention?!  I'm giving away a free signed copy of JACK WITH A TWIST over on my group blog, Girlfriends Book Club.  Check out my blog post and enter to win!

Already have a copy of JACK?  That's okay!  Enter to win a copy and you can give it to a friend for the holidays.  See you over there!

All about Ellen....

We here at Brenda's Blog just love Ellen Meister. We also love entering contests. And we love free stuff. So, what could be better than this: Ellen's giving away a free $25 gift card just for signing up for her mailing list!

Ellen has an exciting new book coming out next year and she wants you to know all about it. It's sure to be her breakout novel, so if you loved her last two books, or just want to discover a new author, you should check this out.

Sign up for her mailing list now and you will automatically be entered in a drawing for a $25 amazon.com gift card.

Just click here, fill out the form, and remember to click through when you get the confirmation email. That's it. Ellen only sends out a few updates a year, so you won't be bombarded. Besides, I think you'll want to hear about her breakthrough novel, THE OTHER LIFE (Putnam/2011), which is already getting great early buzz:

"Gripping! A truly fascinating story of love, loss, and a magical place in between."
–Beth Harbison, New York Times bestselling author of HOPE IN A JAR

"Intriguing, stimulating, original, unpredictable, frightening, utterly engaging--THE OTHER LIFE reminded me why I love to read. Ellen Meister is a writer with a limitless future."
–Michael Palmer, New York Times bestselling author of THE SECOND OPINION and THE LAST SURGEON

"In her riveting breakthrough novel, THE OTHER LIFE, gifted storyteller Ellen Meister doesn’t just peek in on a young mother who straddles between love and doubt, she blows it open with a story of one who straddles two parallel universes, each with its own perilous decisions. It is a brave and honest exploration of the precarious limits of motherhood that will make readers wonder if Meister followed them with a probe and felt their racing hearts and hopes. If you have ever second guessed the biggest decisions of your life (and who hasn’t), THE OTHER LIFE is a captivating homage to the question, does love conquer all?"
–Saralee Rosenberg, author of DEAR NEIGHBOR, DROP DEAD and FATE AND MS. FORTUNE

"Ellen Meister makes a big leap toward the literary in THE OTHER LIFE, a book where “What if” becomes the most powerful question in the world. This is the thinking woman’s beach read, a love story to the modern family, written with a deep and lovely understanding of mothers and daughters and the sacrifices they’ll make for each other."
–Joshilyn Jackson, New York Times bestselling author of THE GIRL WHO STOPPED SWIMMING

"THE OTHER LIFE is a provocative and unique tale of the road not taken. Ellen Meister puts a magical, masterful spin on one of my favorite questions: "What if?" What if you took both roads? You won't want to miss this one!"

–Sarah Addison Allen, New York Times bestselling author of THE GIRL WHO CHASED THE MOON

"I loved this emotional powerhouse of a novel that asks a daring “what if…” and manages to be as charming and funny as it is thoughtful and moving. Brava, Ellen Meister!”
–Melissa Senate, author of SEE JANE DATE and THE SECRET OF JOY

The funniest thing about all of these fabulous blurbs is that I am reading THE GIRL WHO STOPPED SWIMMING as we speak! Seriously. You can even check out my goodreads page!

Anyhoo, I hope you all enter to win the contest. I'm heading over there now!

Winner, winner, chicken dinner!

Big congrats go out to Linda Kish! You've won a copy of PURE PRINCESS, BARTERED BRIDE by Caitlin Crews! Just shoot me an email at brenda[at]brendajanowitz[dot]com to claim your prize!



Not a winner this time around? That's okay! I give lots of books away all the time, so check back in a few days for my next big giveaway!

More winners!!!

Big congrats go out to Booksnyc! She's won a signed copy of Megan Crane's EVERYONE ELSE'S GIRL! Just shoot me an email (brenda[at]brendajanowitz[dot]com) with your contact info, and we'll get a signed copy of the book out to you!



Didn't win? That's okay! Megan's alter ego, Caitlin Crews, will be giving away a copy of her latest release in a few days. Check back for deets!!

Winner, winner, chicken dinner!

Big congrats go out to Kaye-- you've won a copy of Hank Phillippi Ryan's DRIVE TIME! Just shoot me an email (brenda[at]brendajanowitz[dot]com) with your contact info, and we'll get a signed copy of the book out to you!



Not a winner this time around? That's okay! There are still a few days left to enter to win Megan Crane's EVERYONE ELSE'S GIRL! Enter to win today!!

More winners!!!

Big congrats go out to Llehn-- you've won a copy of Melissa Senate's THE SECRET OF JOY! Just shoot me an email (brenda[at]brendajanowitz[dot]com) with your contact info, and we'll get a signed copy of the book out to you!

Winner, winner, chicken dinner!

Big congrats go out to Lisa-- you've won a copy of Jessica Brody's LOVE UNDER COVER! Just shoot me an email (brenda[at]brendajanowitz[dot]com) with your contact info, and we'll get a signed copy of the book out to you!

Not a winner? That's okay! There's still time to enter and win Melissa Senate's THE SECRET OF JOY. So, what are you waiting for? Enter now!

Winner, winner, chicken dinner!

Big congrats go out to novelwhore! She's won a signed copy of Carol Hoenig's WITHOUT GRACE.

Winner, winner, chicken dinner!

Congrats to Mia J! She's won a signed copy of Marilyn Brant's ACCORDING TO JANE!

Not a winner this time around? There's still time to enter to win Carol Hoenig's WITHOUT GRACE! Click here for deets!

Author Interview and Book Giveaway: Carol Hoenig

Today we've got the fabulous Carol Hoenig here to chat. Carol does it all-- she writes books, she gives guidance to other authors, and she even blogs for the Huffington Post!

We'll be chatting with Carol about her novel, WITHOUT GRACE, and Carol's been generous enough to offer to give away a signed copy of her book! Deets on how to enter are below.

1. Tell us about your most recent novel in 25 words or less.

“Without Grace” is a heartening portrait of small-town life and a tender, triumphant coming of age tale.

2. When did you first begin writing?

I’ve written for as long as I can recall, but it took me years before I felt comfortable calling myself a writer.

3. Where do you find inspiration for your work?

Mostly about the topics that interest me and sometimes make me angry. It’s usually my curiosity that inspires me to write.

4. What are you working on right now?

I’m working on a memoir with the working title of “Getting Back Home.” It’s about my journey of buying back the house that my ex and I sold due to our divorce agreement in 2002 and, after serendipity stepped in, how I managed to get it back. There’s also a spiritual journey thread that runs through the memoir, but one that may surprise readers.

5. What are you reading right now?

“The Last Days of the Lacuna Cabal” by Sean Dixon. I just love this book! It’s intelligent and humorous.

6. How do you fight writer’s block?

Instead of having writer’s block, I actually find it difficult to make time to write everything that inspires me. I do a lot of blogging, most notably on The Huffington Post and Red Room and never seem to be at a loss for words. So, I split my time between my business, which is being a fulltime freelance writer and publishing consultant, with writing blogs and working on my memoir.

7. If your book were to become a movie, who would you cast?

Ah, I used to have different characters in mind, but now they’ve all gotten too old.

8. What is your favorite part of writing? Least favorite?

My favorite part of writing is the creative process. I love the rewriting, which leads me to the least favorite part: Writing that first draft. I equate it trying to get to know strangers, some you like, others not so much, but you have to accept them for who they are and be honest in the writing. Once I’ve fleshed out the characters in the first draft then I feel the story will develop. I love being surprised, as much as the reader, when it comes to seeing what my characters will do, which lets me know that they more than puppets to be manipulated.

9. What tips would you offer to aspiring writers?

Keep writing and don’t be too quick to try to find a publisher. Make your manuscript the best it can be and begin building your fan base very early on by being active on the many social media outlets that are available. Create a Web site. And most of all, have fun!

10. How do you usually begin your stories, with a character or with a plot?

Character, for sure.

11. Do a quick character study on yourself.

Hmm…I have three adult children, two of whom I adopted from South Korea when they were infants. I own my own business and am grateful everyday that I don’t have to report to anyone but myself.

Thanks so much, Brenda, for inviting me to do this interview. It’s been a lot of fun!


Thanks so much for stopping by, Carol! And thanks for giving away copies of your latest book!

To enter to win a signed copy of WITHOUT GRACE, just leave a comment at the bottom of this post.

The lucky winners will be announced on October 21st.

Winner, winner, chicken dinner!

Big congrats go out to Marjorie: She's won a signed copy of Sheila Curran's EVERYONE SHE LOVED!

Not a winner this week? That's okay! Tomorrow we'll be giving away a signed copy of Carol Hoenig's WITHOUT GRACE. So, check back tomorrow on deets on how to enter!

Author Interview and Book Giveaway: Marilyn Brant

Today we've got a fellow GCC'er here to chat-- Marilyn Brant. She's here today to tell us all about her debut novel: According to Jane. And, to make things even better, she's going to be giving away a signed copy! Deets on how to enter are below.

How much do you love this cover?! So, without further ado, let's dig in!!!

1. Tell us about your most recent novel in 25 words or less.


According to Jane is the story of a modern woman who gets dating advice from the spirit of Jane Austen.

2. When did you first begin writing?


I wrote songs and poems and little stories in elementary school, but sixth grade was when the notion of writing professionally first occurred to me. But, aside from being on the newspaper and yearbook staff in high school, I didn’t take writing seriously until I was about 30.

3. Where do you find inspiration for your work?


From conversations I overhear, things my friends tell me, funny stuff that happened in my family, incidents I’ve observed out in public, stories I’ve read in books or seen on TV and those endless “what if?” questions writers always ask themselves.

4. What are you working on right now? 


A few final revisions on my 2nd novel, which is a modern fairytale about three suburban woman who shake up their lives and their marriages.

5. What are you reading right now? 


Some entertaining Austen-inspired fiction: Laurie Viera Rigler’s newest novel Rude Awakenings of a Jane Austen Addict and Beth Pattillo’s Jane Austen Ruined My Life.

6. What tips would you offer to aspiring writers?


I’d say the best advice I could offer is to really understand WHY you write. This is a personal thing, of course, and it’s rare that two writers in a room would share the exact same reason, but what’s YOUR draw? Crafting characters? Plotting something dramatic/suspenseful/funny/heartwarming? The possibility of fame, fortune and lengthy book tours? What brings you back to your notebook or your computer screen, even without a contract nudging you? Cherish that…and remember it.

Thanks so much for stopping by, Marilyn!

To enter to win a copy of According to Jane, just leave a comment below. Winners will be announced on October 13th!

Guest blog and book giveaway: Sheila Curran

I'm so thrilled today because we've got a guest blog from the fabulous Sheila Curran. And to make things even more wonderful, she'll be giving away a copy of her breakout novel, EVERYONE SHE LOVED. Deets on how to enter are at the bottom of this post.

Take it away, Sheila!

HEY, 99% OF CONTROL FREAKS ARE A CREDIT TO OUR PSYCHOLOGICAL CLASSIFICATION

With all the attention on the lab technician who killed poor Annie Le at Yale being a control freak, I have to point out the rest us us are quite harmless. For one thing, without us, THE CONTAINER STORE would be out of business. We keep planes in the air by listening for ‘off’ sounds, provide continuous entertainment for otherwise bored medical personnel, and lower the carbon footprint by only leaving our house when it’s absolutely necessary. (I myself do this only after three or four trips to check that the stove is off, the iron unplugged and the weather channel hasn’t issued a sudden tornado warning for our area.)

In fact, the chronic worrier who is not also a teensy bit of a control freak is:

a) delusional

b) a saint

c) heavily medicated or

d) a figment of her husband’s imagination.

In EVERYONE SHE LOVED, Penelope Cameron makes no bones about her latest anxiety. Nor does she shy away from pressuring her loving husband and best girfriends to relieve her worry through an outlandish and old-fashioned covenant. It’s politically incorrect, a throw-back to the eighteenth century and yet, so intuitively right. As she sees things, the lives of her two daughters hang in the balance and it’s within the powers of her inner circle to protect them. End of story.

Note to self: Death is inevitable. Wicked Stepmothers, not so much.

For the full story of how I got the idea for this novel, you can go to my website and click on Backstory. But the briefer version is this: in some states, if a parent hasn’t named a guardian in an official will, their children can be taken into foster care if the parents die. I was telling my friend Julianna about how difficult it is to make the choice of who, among my siblings and friends, would be the best replacements for my husband and I.

Suddenly, my Inner Cassandra did a double take. “OMG!. You know what would be worse? What if I was the only one that died and John fell in love with someone who was just awful?”

I thought for a minute more and said, “I know. What if he couldn’t remarry unless my sisters and best friends approved?”

I knew, deep down, that whatever happened, as long as my friends and family approved of the new wife, then she’d be good for my kids.

I began to imagine a character like me, except she’s really rich, has had even more reasons in her life to become a bit of a control freak than I, and she is so charming in her ridiculous catastrophizing that her husband and friends finally say, “Enough, already! You’re not going anywhere, but if it makes you feel better, we’ll sign the damn thing.”

So begins the premise for my novel, the plot of which is set into action by my character’s legal codicil. It’s about motherhood, wifehood, childhood, and most of all, the sisterhood of great friends.

Set in a North Florida beach town where Old Money meets the New South, Everyone She Loved is an unconventional mystery built on romantic confusion, financial intrigue, and the unbreakable bonds among women who’ve come of age together only to discover that life’s little instruction book will always need revising.

What they find, as their properous lives are threatened from within and without, is that no woman is island, nor is her fate ever separate from that of everyone she loves.

Sheila Curran lives in Tallahassee, Florida with her husband and two children. Her two novels, Diana Lively is Falling Down and Everyone She Loved employ a narrative structure built on suspense, secrets and intricate plot twists that Jodi Picoult called ‘warm, inventive, funny and original’ and kept Joshilyn Jackson ‘up way past … bedtime, unable to stop turning the pages.”

Thanks so much for stopping by, Sheila! And thanks for giving away a copy of your latest book!

To enter to win a signed copy of EVERYONE SHE LOVED, just leave a comment at the bottom of this post.

The lucky winners will be announced on October 6th.

Winner, winner, chicken dinner!

Big congrats go out to Kristen-- you've won a copy of Joanne Rendell's CROSSING WASHINGTON SQUARE! Just shoot me an email (brenda[at]brendajanowitz[dot]com) with your contact info, and we'll get a signed copy of the book out to you!

Not a winner this time around? That's okay! Next week, we'll be giving away a signed copy of Sheila Curran's EVERYONE SHE LOVED. So, don't forget to check back here for a chance to win more books!

Winner, winner, chicken dinner!

Big congrats go out to holdenj! You've won a copy of Allison Winn Scotch's TIME OF MY LIFE. Just shoot me an email with your address (email me at brenda[at]brendajanowitz[dot]com) and Allison will sign a book and mail it out to you!

Thanks to everyone who entered! And just remember, the book is out today, so run out and get your copy today!!!