Friday, December 20, 2013

Here's a couple awesome deals to wish you a Merry Christmas! (And a big announcement)

     I have a few Christmas traditions that I look forward to every year but one of the biggest is watching Scrooge with Albert Finney.  It's really old and kind of laughable sometimes, but it's just not Christmas until I sit down with my kids and watch that movie.  We like to see who can do the best high kick afterwards.  My ten year old son totally won this year.  We sing along to all the songs and during the following week we enjoy calling each other 'Badjets'.  None of us know what the heck that is, but one of the street urchins calls Scrooge that and we think it's hilarious.  I know, we're kind of strange like that but that's a family tradition.  I was wondering about it this year and I realized that watching that old movie is so important to me because of the way it makes me feel afterwards.  I feel inspired and empowered to be better and do better.  And I think books, movies and music are incredibly powerful tools to either uplift or to bring down. 

   As a writer, I want to make sure that what I do in some way helps, or eases someone's day or lightens a burden.  That's why I wrote my 2 Christmas Novella's this year. At Christmastime it's so easy to get bogged down in the stress of presents and money and parties and expectations so it's important to take a few hours and unwind and re-energize yourself. 

    If you haven't had a chance to order Sophie's Christmas wish, here's the link.  It's a short story that picks up Sophie's story from my book Makeover.  My other Christmas Novella is called Allison's Christmas Carol.  Here's the link.  This story picks up Allison and Will's story from The Broken Road and deals with a marriage on the brink of divorce.  I have to admit I was inspired by Scrooge.

   Now those short stories are presents for yourself.  You're so busy spoiling your family and friends, don't forget to spoil yourself too.  You deserve it!  But if you're still stressing that long Christmas list, I'm here to help. I've put two of my best-selling books on sale for the next week at $.99.  Giving E-Books is the way to go this year.  Easy, no wrapping and super cheap.  Why give a gift to someone that you know they really don't want?  Why give a plate of cookies that will be forgotten in an hour?  Give a gift that will make someone FEEL something.  Give a gift that will uplift and lighten.  Give a gift that will be remembered. 

   My first book that I'm listing at $.99 is You Belong With Me.  Here's the link

I know, I know - you've already read this one.  But remember - it's a gift for that someone you know who  could use a good book to read by the fire.  
   My other book I'm listing for $.99 is actually a book written under my pen name Katie Lee O'Guinn called Werewolf Dreams.  It's a YA Paranormal book perfect for the teenagers in your life that are so hard to shop for.  Here's the link.

   And now for my big announcement:  My newest trilogy will be out soon. Well, the first book anyways.  Remember Rob from my Love and Dessert Trilogy?  The man who misjudged Kit so heartlessly but sort of made up for it in My Sweetheart by being so amazing with Jane? Well, he has 2 sisters and a restaurant.  How could I pass that up?  I've got my work cut out for me, but I'm going to redeem that man if it's the last thing I do.  
   In the meantime, I hope you enjoy the Christmas Season. Wrap your arms around your family and friends and remember to reach out and bless the lives of those around you who are suffering or sad or who have lost hope.  
Merry Christmas my friends!
- Shannon

Friday, December 13, 2013

Allison's Christmas Carol is HERE!!


Merry Christmas Everyone!

   It was so fun (intense) writing Allison and Will's Christmas story. When I decided to write a couple Christmas Novellas I knew immediately who I wanted to write about.  Sophie from Makeover and Allison from The Broken Road.  Sophie was a given.  Who doesn’t love Sophie?  But I had a lot of mixed reactions to The Broken Road.  The main reason being that Will was not the typical leading man.  Will was flawed.  He was far from perfect and he reminded people of your average every day guy who struggled with pride and forgiveness. But I have to admit, he’s one of my favorites.  
   Will came from a very poor background and struggled for everything he had.  That can really affect a person’s personality and motivations in life.  So I wanted to continue the journey with Will and let him continue the process of becoming a better man. Combining Will's issues with my favorite Christmas story of all time was a fun way to tell their story.  I think it would be fascinating if we all had that chance to peek into the past, present and future.  I'm sure our lives would be very different if we could.

   Here's a little synopsis:  Allison Carson put a lot of faith in Will when she decided to marry him, but a few years later she's more miserable than she's ever been. Will has decided to focus his life on business, money and power, leaving Allison alone and feeling abandoned. With their baby due soon, Allison sends a desperate prayer up to heaven. Please help Will to remember what is important. Allison is granted her request and Will is sent a very special visitor to show him aspects of his life that he was blind to. After Will sees what his future holds, he's desperate for a second chance. But sometimes second chances aren't enough.

   You can purchase a copy through Amazon here.

Enjoy my second and last novella for the year and have a wonderful Christmas!
   - Shannon

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

My First Christmas Novella is Here!

     I've never written a novella before so I was pretty excited but nervous too. So I hope you like Sophie's Christmas Wish. I went back to my girls from the Alpine Series because I loved them and missed them. I'm also in the middle of finishing up my second Christmas novella which is Allison's Christmas Carol. Her husband Will has been a little Scroogish if you get my drift. 
      The other exciting news is that Do Over was nominated for a Whitney Award! Thank you to everyone out there who voted for me. Cross your fingers that I make it to the next round because I'm up against a ton of amazing books. 
     I hope you're having a great December so far. I'm in the middle of Christmas shopping and getting the house decorated. We just had a huge snowstorm so my world is covered in white right now.  Perfect for curling up with a lap top and writing or relaxing with a good book. Let me know how you like the Novellas and have a great Christmas this year.  
- Shannon


When Sophie Kellen's son asks her for a little sister for Christmas, all the heartache from her infertility almost crushes her. With the support of her friends, Maggie, Allison and Iris she decides to leave it in the hands of God. She wants more than anything to make her husband and son happy but can she truly love a baby that isn't her biological child?

Coming Soon!

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

My Big Fat Secret

     So as you might have guessed . . . It's Sharing Time.       
     Remember that old game, Truth or Dare?  Well, I picked both.  I took the dare and now I'm going to tell you about it.  Sooo, I have a pen name.  I took a pen name so that I can write Paranormal Romance for the general public.  And by General Public, I mean people who don't live, think, or act like members of the LDS church.  
     Did that sound ominous?  Good! I hope so,
                   because I'm here to warn you.  
     If you enjoy reading my Christian Romance novels- Great!  BUT - you might not enjoy reading my paranormal romances.  If you hate the idea of reading books about witches, vampires (well, sort of) or werewolves, then please, please do not read my books.  I would hate to read a review on Amazon about how shocked and horrified you are and so you're going to punish me by just giving me 1 Star or something really evil like that. 
     Next warning:  There is kissing in my books.  I know, I know! My clean romance characters kiss too, BUT these books are a little more passionate.  I call it Clean With Steam.  So if you are uncomfortable watching television after 7pm, or never watch a PG-13 movie, then these books are not for you.  Really. They're not.  
     I must point out though, that my books are CLEAN.  There are no sex scenes or heavy make out scenes where you wonder if the characters need an interview with their religious leader.  No. None of that here.  I will never write a sex scene. Ever.  Kissing scenes?  No problem.  
     There are also a lot of action scenes and some are kind of violent.  So if Harry Potter freaked you out, please don't read my books.  Really.  I'm just trying to help you out here.  
     So why am I going out of my way to warn you away from my books? Do I hate selling books?  No.  Do I want you to be bored to death?  No!  Here's the deal.  Shannon Hale, author of Austenland has been getting tons of flak lately.  So much so, that's it's almost upsetting.  From who?  From people who are horrified and offended by the kissing and the innuendo.  (Personally, I loved it and thought it was hilarious - but I'm twisted like that)  So I'm just trying to head off the hate mail.
     My Covers.  This could be a problem.  I've already had a comment on my other author FB page by a person who said they would NEVER buy my book because the cover was too sexy.  On one of my covers, the woman's shoulder is showing.  People - if you are offended by shoulders - PLEASE do not read my books!  There will be shoulders in every book I write.  I find that I can't seem to write about people unless they have shoulders.  (Sorry, that was sarcastic)
     So next question - Why even tell people about my pen name or that I write paranormal romance?  Well, it turns out that a lot of my readers, friends and members of my church actually enjoy paranormal romance.  Besides that, I've had a few people on FB message me and say things like:  "Um, this is a weird question, but are you Katie Lee O'Guinn ?"  These are also the people who read a blog I wrote about a year ago talking about how much I wanted to write a book about a witch and put 2 and 2 together.  So smart!  
     Next question:  Why the name Katie Lee O'Guinn?  I've been doing a ton of Family History and I found out a lot about my Great Grandmother Katie Lee who died at a very early age.  I kind of wanted her to live on and not be forgotten.  Would she want the notoriety of being famous for writing Paranormal Romance?  I'm sure I will find out someday. 
      So here's my other reason for writing for the general public:  Most of the teenagers and new adults out there don't have the same standards as we do.  So in all my books I try to sneak in a  little lesson on chastity or choosing the right.  A lot teenagers in the world are involved in sex, pornography and all the bad stuff that you read about.  My character Sarah in my witch series has to deal with being pressured into a sexual situation.  Not by an evil bad character, but by a friend she cares about.  We all know from the story of Adam and Eve, that the temptation isn't coming from a guy standing on a corner, it's coming from someone you love and trust.  So she has to deal with that.  And hopefully some girl out in the world will be wondering what to do in her own life and read my book and hopefully come away feeling a little stronger and more determined to not be pressured into doing something that would just lead to misery.
     Also, Ava in my werewolf books takes a stand against drinking and drugs in her 3rd book and also decides (again, against a lot of pressure) to wait until she's married to have sex.  And if you read a lot of mainstream books, that is just not happening.  
     Sorry, this blog post is so HUGE, but I thought I'd just get it all out there while I can. 
 So if you're curious or intrigued, starting tomorrow, I'm offering my 1st book in my Lost Witch series for Free, it's called Freak of Nature.  I'm also offering Werewolf Dreams for free as well, which is my first book in my Taming the Wolf trilogy


     And if that's not your cup of coco, please rest assured that I will be writing many more clean romance books in the very near future.

(If you insist on calling me to repentance or sending hate mail, please note that I will possibly put you in my next book and your character will be very mean and most likely unattractive.)
     

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Review of My Sweetheart and my FREE book You Belong With Me! (Guess what it's ranked)


Just got this AWESOME review for My Sweetheart and had

 to share.  If you've read my latest please take a moment 

and head on over to Amazon and Goodreads and post 

your thoughts.  I would SO appreciate it!

5.0 out of 5 stars Couldn't put it Down!!!! September 16, 2013
I was so excited to finally read Jane's story, and it certainly didn't disappoint! I found myself just as
 wrapped up in this story as the other two before it!! The story is fun, full of laughter, and will pull at
 your heartstrings! It is a perfect ending to the fun trilogy! The story is well written, and has you 
laughing, crying, and just falling in love!

Once again I absolutely fall in love with the characters, they are well written and so much fun! 
Shannon does an amazing job of letting you picture each character, and instantly fall in love with
 them. Its fun when she brings in new characters, and when you can see what has been happening
 with the ones in the other books! I love how through each of the books you can see each sister 
evolve.

I love Jane, I think she is one of my favorites. I love her feisty personality and her love for romance!
 The dynamic of her and Tate is fun and playful, and will have you smiling! I also love the relationship
 these three sisters have, it reminds me of the one I have with my sisters. These girls have so much
 love and friendship in their family, and you can feel it!

I found myself in the early hours of the morning reading, not wanting to put this book down! I
 definitely recommend this book to everyone that love fun romances, you won't be sorry!! Also if 
you haven't already read the other two books in the series, they are amazing too!!!

Also - As you know, I've offered my first book in the 
series, You Belong With Me for FREE (Please tell your
friends!). Well, I checked out the rankings this morning
and couldn't believe my eyes. So I had to post on my blog
so I'd have proof that I was ranked #1 in women's fiction.

Yes, it's on the free list, but still - I'm counting it! 

Thanks for all of your support and your sweet

encouragement and comments.
You guys make writing worth it!





Sunday, September 15, 2013

Book #3 - My Sweetheart is here at last!

     Have you ever run a marathon and you flew through the finish line and you're walking around gasping and winded but yet inside you feel like you're queen of the world?  Well, okay, so I've never run a marathon.  Hopefully a 5K counts, but I'm thinking that's the same feeling I have right now.  I've just uploaded my latest book to Kindle and I feel like I've just crossed the finish line of a long, hard but incredible race. 
    I have to admit that I LOVED writing about the Kendall sisters.  Like I've said before, I was never blessed with a sister, so this is me living out my fantasy of what having sisters would be like. 
    If you've read You Belong with Me and I Belong with You, then you're ready for Jane's story.  Here's a little synopsis for you:


                Jane Kendall loves her new life. She loves baking. She loves working with her sisters. And oh yeah, she loves Tate Matafeo most of all. Which would be great if he loved her back. Jane refuses to let heartbreak rule her life though, so she turns to Google and finds 10 easy steps on How To Fall Out Of Love. As helpful as Google is, Tate Matafeo is a hard habit to break especially when her new friend Meredith insists she come to a Rugby game and Tate happens to be on the team. Alex Foster is one man willing to take her mind off of Tate, but Jane knows trouble when she sees it and ends up getting a restraining order. Between Kit’s wedding, Tate’s mixed signals, Alex’s obsession and her father’s rehab, Jane wonders if she’ll ever get her happy ending.

     Hope you enjoy my latest and be sure and let me know what you think.
- Shannon

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

Sneak Peek at My Sweet Heart - Book 3 in my Love and Dessert Trilogy.

     So I've been working like crazy to get book 3 finished and I did last night - Yay!!  So to celebrate I'm going to give everyone a sneak peek at chapter 1 in Jane's story. Sorry I can't show you my cover yet but my cover artist is working on it right this second.  I'll post it as soon as I can. Oops - almost forgot.  So when I see Tate in my mind, I'm picturing Ezra Taylor a Rugby player for New Zealand. Haven't heard of him? You poor thing.  Here's a pic for you:  

     Would it be fair to post a pic of Tate and not Jane?  Probably not.  So I will go ahead and admit that if my books were ever made into movies, I would have to cast someone who looked a lot like Jennifer Garner to play Jane.  What do you think?  

Enjoy!

Chapter 1 – How to Fall Out of Love


                Jane waved good bye to Layla and Michael as they drove away in Michael’s car. She grinned as the strings of cans made a horrendous sound on the pavement. She might have over done it on the whip cream and toilet paper but it was her big sister’s wedding. How could she hold back?
                “I swear Jane if you destroy Hunter’s car at our wedding I’m going to get revenge.”
                Jane glanced over her shoulder at her other sister Kit and stuck out her tongue. “You’re no fun now that you’re engaged. Hunter won’t mind. I was planning on decorating his car with cinnamon buns to remind him of your princess Leia hair the day he proposed.”
                Kit grinned and shrugged. “That’s kind of cute. I’ll consider it.”
                Jane rolled her eyes and turned around to survey the last of the wedding guests making their way to the parking lot. “She did it. She really went and got married on us. Now what?”
                Kit put her arm around her little sister’s shoulders as they walked back toward the crowd. “As Hunter always says, we move on to the next level. There’s no going back Jane. And I don’t want to,” she said softly, staring at her fiancé as he walked toward her with a half-smile on his face.
                Jane sighed as she watched Kit move seamlessly into Hunter’s arms. Hunter dipped Kit low over his arm and kissed her before picking her up in his arms, making her sister laugh like a sixteen year old. She smiled as they walked away in their own world and realized how alone she was. Layla was gone now. Married and on her way to a two week honeymoon. Kit was engaged and would be married in two months. And her? She was all by herself.
                Jane let out a small sigh and plastered on a stiff smile. She needed to go say her good byes to everyone before heading back home. She found Michael’s mom and dad and gave them both brief hugs and then leaned down to say good bye to Stella her new niece.
                Stella looked a little left out too. Jane grinned, knowing exactly how she felt. “How would you like to come by the bakery for a couple hours on Monday? Since your mom is gone on her honeymoon, we’re going to be shorthanded,” she said, watching the little girl’s face turn from pouty to excited. They weren’t really going to be shorthanded since Hunter’s mom had agreed to come in and bake pies for them for two weeks, but everyone needed to feel needed.
                Stella clapped her hands and jumped up and down. “Can I wear an apron and a hat like last time?” she asked, her little face beaming.
                Jane laughed and reached down to run a hand down Stella’s soft pale brown hair. “You better believe it,” she said and grinned at her niece.
                She said good bye to a few more friends and acquaintances and then headed for the parking lot.
                “Jane! Wait up a second.”
                Jane inwardly cringed and turned around, recognizing the voice immediately. Garrett, her ex-boyfriend. She watched him walk towards her and she smiled politely. He was so gorgeous and tall and strong and good. She didn’t know what was wrong with her that she couldn’t fall for him.
                “Hey Garrett. Did you enjoy the reception?” she asked as he fell in step with her.
                Garrett put an arm around her shoulders as they walked and Jane bit her lip as she fought the urge to step out and away from him.
                “Yeah, it was great. Michael’s like a brother to me. Seeing him happy at last with your sister does my heart good. What about you? Having fun?” he asked, looking down at her curiously. “I didn’t see you dancing.”
                Jane looked up and smiled quickly. “Are you kidding? I loved every moment! Layla was so beautiful. I know they’re going to be happy. And now they’re on their way to Paris. Can you believe it?” she said with a soft smile on her face.
                Garrett smiled and tightened his grip on her, pulling her closer. “I can believe it. A man in love will do anything for the right woman.”
                Jane winced and paused to get her keys out of her purse. She needed to change the subject. Fast.
                “So how’s everything going with Alex Foster? I heard he dropped the charges against you. How did that happen?” she asked, her smile turning into a worried frown.
                Garrett let his arm drop as she moved to open her car door. “I think he just realized what an idiot he was being. That and my lawyer is a shark. Plus, I don’t think Alex wants any more bad press. His reputation has been a little battered since his wife left him. If the press found out why I punched him, it could hurt business.”
                Jane bit her lip and nodded. “Well, I’m glad you don’t have to deal with that anymore. Now you can just go back to your normal life and not have to worry about trials and lawyers. It must be a relief to have that over,” she said, leaning up against the side of her car.
                Garrett moved in closer and nodded, his slightly wavy brown hair turning gold under the soft fairy lights strung throughout the parking lot. His eyes turned dark and intense as he reached over and grabbed her hand in his.
                “It is over. I know that seeing me hit that idiot upset you. I know you hate violence and you broke up with me because you were horrified at what I’d done. But it’s over now Jane. I’m getting help and I see a therapist every week. You don’t have to worry about me ever losing it again. I want you back. I want us to be together,” he said softly, moving in closer.
                Jane’s eyes went big and she looked away. Oh crud.
                “Garrett . . .” she started, but was stopped when Garrett swooped in and began kissing her.
                She put her hands on his shoulders and gently pushed him away. Garrett stepped back with a frown, his eyes hurt and confused.
                “I didn’t break up with you because you hit Alex, Garrett. I broke up with you because things started going too fast between us and I realized that I didn’t have the same feelings for you that you had for me. You’re so amazing. You’re the most gorgeous, incredible man I’ve ever dated to be honest. But I didn’t want to lead you on. I’m sorry,” she said softly, hating that she was hurting him. Again.
                Garrett stared at her silently for a moment and stepped back, giving her space. His eyes turned shuttered and hard and he looked away stonily. “It’s not you, it’s me is what you’re saying? Seriously Jane? That’s such crap. You’re not even willing to give you and me a chance?” he said staring at her with a shake of his head and then he stopped and stared at her in surprise.
                “There’s someone else, isn’t there? You dumped me because you have feelings for someone else? I’m right, aren’t I?” he demanded staring at her angrily.
                Jane sighed and looked away, feeling even worse now and very vulnerable. “Garrett, I didn’t realize  how strong my feelings were until I began dating you and realized that no matter how amazing you were, I couldn’t fall in love with you because I already was . . . in love, I mean,” she whispered.
                Garrett sighed and ran his hands through his hair. “Well, that sucks. Because when I look at you, I see the girl of my dreams,” he said, his voice laced with pain. “Call me sometime if you ever get over this guy,” he said and then turned and walked away from her without another word and without looking back.
                Jane watched him disappear into the shadows and knew she was crying. Garrett was beautiful, strong and amazing. And she was letting him walk away because she was in love with a man who had made it abundantly clear that he wasn’t interested in her.
                 She was an idiot.
                Jane drove home and changed into a pair of sweats and an old WSU t-shirt. She flopped on the couch and leaned her head back. What now? Kit had talked about new levels, but she was still stuck on level one with no hope of ever seeing level two. No progression. No nothing. Crap that was depressing.
                She heard a car pull up to the bakery and she walked over to Layla’s room and looked out the window. It was Hunter dropping Kit off, but every time she moved toward the door, he pulled her back to talk or to hug her or kiss her as if he couldn’t bear to let her go. Jane leaned her forehead against the cool glass and closed her eyes. It was too painful to watch.
                She sighed loudly and turned to walk back to the little family room. She was so hung up over Tate Matafeo it was pathetic. If she could just stop loving him, then she could maybe be open to someone else. Someone who would love her back the way Michael loved Layla and the way that Hunter adored Kit. How stupid was it to love someone who didn’t love you back?
                She walked over to the counter and grabbed the laptop. She Googled How to Fall Out of Love and was surprised when there were a lot of articles on it. She clicked on the first one and grinned. Perfect. Ten easy steps. This she could do. She read the first item on the list, Make a list of all the reasons it wasn't meant to be.
                Jane frowned and looked at the wall. There was only one reason. Tate didn’t want to be with her. She winced and moved on to step number two. Step one was brutal.
                See their faults. Huh. Did Tate have any? Jane tapped her fingers on her thigh and sighed. She couldn’t think of any except he had a huge uncontrollable sweet tooth. The man was addicted to chocolate and there was no denying it. But then who wasn’t?
                Step three, Think of what you want from a significant other that you didn't get from this person. Jane bit her lip. The list of what she didn’t get from Tate. Easy. Love. She wanted him to love her so much that he’d crawl on his hands and knees through a desert to get to her. Was that really asking so much?
                Step four, Ask yourself if it was really true love you were feeling for this person. Jane closed her eyes and concentrated. Could it just be lust? She blushed as she had to admit how attracted she was to Tate. He was tall, incredibly strong and had the most beautiful face she’d ever seen. He was half Samoan and so his skin was an amazing light brown color and the planes of his face made him look like some warrior out of a history book. Yikes. Maybe she was in lust. Or maybe it was just infatuation. But if it had just been lust or infatuation, then being with Garrett for even five minutes would have bulldozed through her feelings for Tate. But her heart hadn’t budged. Nope, it was official. She was head over heels for the man. Dang.
                Moving on. Step Five, Remove as many traces of their presence from your life as you can. Jane pursed her mouth and knew that wasn’t going to happen. She was part owner of a bakery he couldn’t stay away from. He came in at least once or twice a week. Unless she put out a sign that said No Police Officers Allowed on the Premises, she was stuck seeing his gorgeous face. Okay, next step.
                Step Six, Distance yourself. Jane glared at her computer screen. Whoever had written these steps just didn’t understand her life at all. She was stuck seeing the man for the rest of her life. She’d tried distancing herself from him by dating Garrett and that had just ended up hurting a good man. Ugh!
                Step Seven, Practice thought stopping, a technique that helps you to become more mindful and in control of what you think (or don't want to think about, as the case may be). Jane’s eyes went wide in wonder. She could be the master of her thoughts. She could control what she thought about. She put her laptop down and hurried to their Junk door. She pulled it open and grabbed a rubber band and slipped it over her wrist. Every time she thought about Tate, she’d pull on the rubber band and let it go. She’d heard about this. Addicts used this exercise sometimes. Fine, she was addicted to Tate. She’d just get un-addicted.
                Step Eight, Do all the things you've ever wanted to do, that you wouldn't have done if you were still with this person. Jane groaned and moved on. How lame was it that she was head over heels in love with a man and they’d never even been on one date.
                Step Nine, Mingle. Jane sighed stared at the screen urging it to say something else. She didn’t want to mingle. She didn’t want to get out and make new friends. She wanted to hang out with her sisters and wait for the moment when Tate walked through her door.  Pitiful. And now her sisters were going off and getting married and she was going to be left on her own. Maybe she did need to get out and meet new people. Or in other words, get a life. So rude!
                Step Ten, Understand that your feelings may never fade completely. Jane stared at the screen angrily. What? She might have to feel like this the rest of her life? Aching, lonely and miserable? Oh no. She refused. She narrowed her eyes at the list and then flicked her wrist with the rubber band for good measure. She was going to dang well get over Tate Matafeo if it killed her.

                She put the laptop down and stood up. She refused to Google if anyone had ever died of a broken heart. She didn’t want to know.

Thursday, July 25, 2013

Blog Review from I Love to Read and Review Books and your chance to WIN Free Books! (My books)

Here is a TINY snippet of Shauna's review of my latest.  You've got see her run down of Kit's Story.  

OH. I. LOVE. THIS. SERIES!
Fun, fun romantic novels.
Filled with depth and mystery too.

Sisters helping one another.
Love triangles.
Sabatoge.
All served up with the best bakery sweets there are.

You will turn every page, soak up every word, sigh with every breath.

You will gasp at plot twists and want to wring a few necks.

And in the end you will know you just read another really wonderful book that you will want to share with everyone!

For the Full Review, go to:  http://ilovetoreadandreviewbooks.blogspot.com/2013/07/i-belong-with-you.html

You're going to want to check out the full review because if you go to Shauna's Blog you can enter to win a free e-version of I Belong With You AND You Belong with  Me!  Who doesn't like Free stuff?

Monday, July 15, 2013

I Belong with You - a new Foam Cushion that saved my . . . and a Review!

     I've been writing like crazy so I can get book two out for my readers.  So many people asked me, "But what about Kit and Rob and what about Jane and Tate?"  So I felt like I couldn't keep people waiting too long.  Sure I had to buy a cushioned foam pad for my chair but that is a sacrifice I'm willing to make. Who needs to look like Beyonce when they have readers waiting?

   Now as you know, I'm an Indie Author now.  What that means is that I don't have a very large budget for advertising.  I know, sad!  If I could, I would rent a billboard on I-15 or at the very least rent a store in the City Creek Mall.  Okay, maybe not the store, but we all dream about those General Conference TV commercials.  You know we do.  But I can't.  It's a tough one though. Feed my children or advertise.  I think I made the right choice.

     So knowing that I have no budget and ALSO knowing that I have some of the best friends and readers in the world, I have one small request.  Share it on Facebook or twitter or Googleplus.  Whatever you do, could you do?   Take a moment and share my book with your friends and ta da! There is my advertising.  I wont use the fact that I'm a single mom with six kids to guilt you into helping me out.  I honestly wouldn't stoop that low.  Although I'm tempted.  

     No, I will simply rely on your kindness and charity of soul and your desire to do one good deed a day.  Everyone does that right?  Think of the ripple effect it would have on the world.  
    In the mean time, please check out my VERY FIRST REVIEW! Yes I have on already on Amazon.  


5.0 out of 5 stars Another great one! July 14, 2013
Shannon Guymon is my favorite author and she has delivered once again another great story! I loved the first one and was so excited to read the second which continued the Kendall sisters' lives and relationships. There is a happy mix of new and old characters. This one follows Kit's search for a happy ending. Will she find it? Shannon writes so well. The characters have you smiling along with them. When they face heartache you feel for them. You also get more of Layla and Michael as well. It is fun to read about sisters who share such a strong bond!! I definitely recommend this series and I am already excited for book 3!

    Big thanks to Christina Tarbet for being my first review! I also want to thank everyone for their kind support of Book 1, You Belong with Me.  I'm always so grateful when I hear back from readers or get a nice review.
- Shannon


Tuesday, June 25, 2013

New Cover Reveal!

Okay everyone, book #2 in my Love and Dessert trilogy is almost done and here is a peak 
at the cover.  I LOVE it.  What do you think?  Simple yet romantic.  I'm still not sure how Kit's story is going to end.  She's surprising me :)

And if you haven't had a chance to read book 1 - 
You Belong With Me, grab it on Amazon!

Monday, June 17, 2013

Shauna Wheelwright has just reviewed my book for her blog! Having a really good day now :)

Shauna Wheelwright has been at it again - She just reviewed my latest,  You Belong With Me on her amazing blog, I Love to Read and Read and Review Books. You will LOVE her blog because I know I do.  Here is a little snippet of what she had to say:

This is the second book I have been able to review for Shannon Guymon and I am LOVING her books!
She has such a way with words...
Her stories are WONDERFUL, DESCRIPTIVE, and MAKE you BELIEVE in the MAGIC of LOVE!
OH. SO. GOOD!
LOVED LOVED LOVED this book!



For  her FULL review of my book head on  over to:   http://ilovetoreadandreviewbooks.blogspot.com/2013/06/you-belong-with-me.html

Intrigued? You can purchase You Belong With Me at Amazon.com - let me know what you think!

Friday, June 14, 2013

New Review for You Belong With Me!

5.0 out of 5 stars She did it Again!!! June 14, 2013
Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase
I absolutely love all of Shannon Guymon's books!! This one was just as good as all the rest, she did it again!! I love how she has the ability to make you fall in love with the characters. In this book you feel all the emotions of the sisters. I cried when they cried, laughed when they laughed, and was furious when they were furious. I really felt the love they had for each other as sisters. The romance element she brings to the book, keeps you laughing and smiling. The characters she created are fun, witty, and charming. The story is well written, and you find yourself not wanting it to end. I am excited that it is a series, and I can find out what happens with the other sisters. Make sure you read this on a weekend though, because I promise you you won't want to put it down!!!


Monday, May 27, 2013

You Belong With Me - Book 1 in the Love and Dessert Trilogy

     Okay my wonderful friends, I have a seriously cool announcement to make.  I know, you're shocked I'm blogging.  It's been so long since I've last blogged that I've kind of forgotten how.  (Because I've been writing!)
     So I'm just going to spit it out there.  I HAVE A NEW BOOK! It's called:  You Belong With Me and it's going Live on Kindle any second.   Here's the cover:


     It's a trilogy about 3 sisters, Layla, Kit and Jane.  They've just inherited a bakery and a lot of craziness with it.  Romance you ask? Intrigue? Yes and Yes.  You guys know me.  Like I could write a book without some gorgeous guy in it.  Impossible!  
     The first book, You Belong With Me is Layla's story.  She's the oldest and she's had it pretty rough lately. She feels like she's dying inside and she's hoping being with her sisters and baking will help.  Of course, single dad Michael Bender might have a solution for her. 
     Here's the other news I have for you.  I am now an independent woman, as in official Indie Author.  My friends, Heather Justesen and Stephanie Fowers have been great mentors. I couldn't have done it without them.  (By the way, check out their books on Amazon.  They're incredible writers!)
     Announcement #3:  My new books are geared towards everyone, as in you'll read a clean, fun romance story, but it won't be exclusive to the LDS church. When I say Church in my stories, everyone can imagine their own church in their mind.  I want everyone to enjoy clean romance, not just members of our faith. So if you see a few things that are different, it's okay! Just know that this is a book that you can recommend to your friends regardless of religious background.
     So let me know what you think.  And if you have a Kindle, please check out my newest book.  I would love the feedback.  

         - Shannon



Thursday, March 21, 2013

Book Signing!







Hi Friends!
Just want to say thank you to everyone who has been so kind and supportive.  I truly appreciate all the kind book reviews and everyone who came to the book Launch.  If you missed your chance to get a signed copy, I'm doing another book signing this Saturday, the 23rd of March at the Orem Seagull Book. It's the one at 111 S. State Street. I'll be there from 11-1pm. Please come if you can!

Thursday, February 21, 2013

Review on Meridian Magazine


     Hi everyone! It's been a crazy, busy two weeks. Lots of reviews, blog tours, a TV appearance and a book launch. Things are starting to slow down a little now.  But two good things today are making me smile.  Seagull Book has Do Over in their new catalog and Jennie Hansen did a review of my book for Meridian Magazine.  Here's the link if you missed it.  The one thing you can always count on with Jennie is that she will tell the truth.  That's why when she says she likes a book, you can believe it.  Lucky for me  . . . well, see for yourself:  http://www.ldsmag.com/article/1/12265



Friday, February 15, 2013

The Daily Dish & Me

   

     Okay, so I might have mentioned it a thousand times, 
but I was on the Daily Dish today.  
     Holy cow.  All six of my kids came with me to support me, thank goodness.  There was one moment when I looked back at them and said something about running for the exit. They grabbed on to me because most people can recognize panic when they see it.  It's just a little freaky to do Live TV.  Just a little.  I have the link for my segment if you missed it.  And since I told just about everybody the wrong time, you probably did.  I might have mentioned 10. Yeah, turned out to be 11.  Sorry!  So here it is. Would love to hear your thoughts.  I just watched it and I'm not sure that I do though. That one Italian gene of mine was going crazy again. You'll see what I mean:

http://www.abc4.com/content/news/dailydish/story/Do-Over/fqCpxIWDp02k5I5GzG97sA.cspx

Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Book Launch Pictures!

The Book Launch was So much fun! 
 I forgot to take so many pictures.  I just got so caught up talking I totally forgot (sorry Maggie! - and everyone else) But we had a great time. I was going to play Earth Wind and Fire to liven things up, but Seagull was playing a Hank Smith CD which is almost the same thing. 


This is me and Alicia Hudson one of the most extraordinary women I know! Soooo glad she came :)
Me and Lee Ann Payne my neighbor and visiting teacher! 

Rachel and Barbara - New Friends!  Loved meeting them
Mandee Hodges and three of her four daughters - aren't they gorgeous!

Brittany Peay (Coolest girl in the world!)

Me and Elaine - She swears she's my biggest fan :)  But not in a Stephen King Misery kind of way

Rock Star of Rock Stars - The one and only J.Scott Savage!  And he brought me a copy of his newest book for my kids.  Does it get better than that??

Rachel Wright - cutest mom in the world!

Cammy Peay - or as other people call her - Wonder Woman :)

The beautiful Lori Baer - Love her!


Everyone's favorite cheer leaders- Cathy and Susan Cluff