A baking competition for the Happily Ever After channel could bring success to my small-town bakery… and one night of toe-curling passion that would keep me warm for years to come. But nothing more. Because I don’t have time for love. Right? Right.
And yes, maybe my mom shouldn’t read that one… I mean, mom, you can but maybe don’t tell me. 🙂
I was re-reading some excerpts yesterday and it is steaammmmmmmmmmy. There’s a moment in the first chapter in the elevator and one in chapter 9 in the hallway that … *blush*. And then later on, oh my. Think a notch (or two) below Tessa Bailey’s books’ heat level. But just a notch (or two).
And it has so many funny and heartwarming moments! I feel like those characters just grab you by the heart and you can’t help but root for them. ❤
One reader told me two days ago that this book is in their top 5 for the year. TOP. FIVE! ***Tearing up***…
And if you have a few minutes after reading it, leaving a review is another way to make this writer go all “awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww”. 🙂 Thank you SO MUCH!
PS: Do you want to see the unboxing video? (it’s really an unwrapping video)…
No… not those words. Well, at least, not in this case.
I shared in my newsletter today a pretty eventful day from a couple of days ago. For the full story, click here.
Here’s the very short version.
As I was looking to switch car insurances, the insurance agent (who was very friendly and knowledgeable) went through a list of questions to see if he could match the new offer.
At some point in the process, he asked “So what’s your job title?”
I replied, “Author.”
And he followed up with: “Oh, what do you write?”
“Romance novels.”
There was one of those long pauses… you know the type. The ones that could go in so many directions and thousands of answers flashed in my mind.
Sometimes, let’s just say, romance novels are seen as “lesser-than.”
And his response caught me off guard.
He said…. are you ready for this?
“Oh wow, you’re spreading happiness around the world. That’s awesome.”
His words were just the pick-me-up I needed. And who knows, maybe his words will have the same effect on someone else. After all, a little bit of happiness can go a long way…
And whatever you’re doing, you might be spreading a bit of happiness around you, too.
And if you’re looking for your next romance novel: one-click #TheLeftoverBride (A Hallmark-worthy romance with a little extra steam) and start reading now…
Or pre-order #SweetsForLove and make this romance author even happier. :-)
Are you ready to set foot into Gavert City, the small Texan town with a history of mysterious disappearances and murders and cults where falling in love almost seems dangerous?
Those three stories filled with tension and twists will keep you up at night and may break your heart before piecing it back together.
Included in this box set:
Fear Me, Fear Me Not (Erin and Dimitri’s story)
A serial killer has been terrorizing Gavert City for years…what if it’s my father? My forever crush Dimitri may try to protect me, but he can’t protect me from the truth. Here’s what we all know: Sometime this week or the next or the one after that, we will find another dead girl. Every year, a girl disappears, and every year, she’s found dead with an angel wing carved into her cheek. And this year is no different. Another girl disappeared.
“I have seen this book being described as “Scream” meets “Friday Night Lights” and I absolutely agree! I’m a fan of both and found this book to be amazing! This book has everything! Suspenseful, romantic, and just all-around amazing! Kept me glued to my Kindle and I highly recommend it to anyone who loves a good thrill!!”
Amazon reviewer
See Me, See Me Not (Tessa and Luke’s story)
My sister disappeared years ago…but her body was never found. My mom wants to believe she’s still alive. I’m not sure what to believe. I know that I miss her. I know that I feel responsible…I’m the reason she disappeared. And I’m not the only one with secrets. My childhood crush, Luke, is back in town, and there’s a darkness to him that wasn’t there before. He’s hiding something, but when he finally tells me he escaped a dangerous cult, will we be able to help each other heal or will our pasts come back to crush us?
Once again, Elodie Nowodazkij weaves together a gripping story. Emotional and suspenseful…
Amazon reviewer.
Trust Me, Trust Me Not (Lacey and Hunter’s story)
I may have jumped from a building engulfed in flames. I may have thought I was ready to start college after living secluded in my stepfather’s dangerous cult. I may have believed I was finally safe. I was wrong. Can Hunter, the firefighter who saved my life, help me move on? Or will danger always lurk around us?
Thrilling, yet touching, story of two amazing but broken characters…
Amazon reviewer
COMING SOON IN THE GAVERT CITY SERIES
Miss Me, Miss Me Not… Pre-order it today on Amazon (more retailers coming soon)…
I’m watching her. I’m watching her as she hides the tears and pretends to smile. I missed her. But now that she’s back, I won’t let her go. Ever. Did she miss me?
Nadia may have survived a serial killer but the harrowing images of her boyfriend’s murder haunt her day and night… Now, away from Gavert City, will she be able to move on? As a stalker watches her every move, Nadia is in danger again.
Are you ready to set foot into Gavert City? “The perfect books for fans of Criminal Minds and the movie Scream…” are now available on Kindle Unlimited as a boxed set. You can also get it as paperback.
Have you already read all the books and do you have a few minutes? You can leave a review and help other readers find this bundle of books.
Are you ready to step into Gavert City? The small Texan town with a history of mysterious disappearances and murders and cults, where falling in love almost seems dangerous? Those books filled with tension and twists will keep you up at night and may break your heart before piecing it back together.
Included in this set:
Fear Me, Fear Me Not (Erin & Dimitri’s story): A serial killer has been terrorizing Gavert City for years… what if it’s my father? My forever crush Dimitri may try to protect me but he can’t protect me from the truth. Here’s what we all know: Sometime this week or the next or the one after that, we will find another dead girl. Every year, a girl disappears, and every year, she’s found dead with an angel wing carved into her cheek. And this year is no different. Another girl disappeared.
See Me, See Me Not (Tessa & Luke’s story): My sister disappeared years ago… but her body was never found. My mom wants to believe she’s still alive. I’m not sure what to believe. I know that I miss her. I know that I feel responsible… I’m the reason she disappeared. And I’m not the only one with secrets. My childhood crush, Luke, is back in town and there’s a darkness to him that wasn’t there before. He’s hiding something… But when he finally tells me he escaped a dangerous cult, will we be able to help each other heal or will our pasts come back to crush us?
Trust Me, Trust Me Not (Lacey & Hunter’s story): I may have jumped for a building engulfed in flames. I may have thought I was ready to start college after living secluded in my stepfather’s dangerous cult. I may have believed I was finally safe. I was wrong. Can Hunter, the firefighter who saved my life, help me move on? Or will danger always lurk around us?
Wishing you happiness, health, laughter and lots of love! And the magic of books to read and maybe write for when you want or need to get lost or found or understood (or maybe gain an unterstanding) in a story…
I’m in the mood for psychological thrillers and I think those three books will definitely fulfill that craving. Is that weird to say “craving” when it comes to psychological thrillers? Hmmm. I might either read or listen to them. If you’d like to read them, at the time of this post, both WHITE SMOKE and LOCAL WOMAN MISSING are on sale for $2.99… THE REPLACEMENT WIFE came out on Tuesday. 🙂
Oh and if you’re thinking about trying Audible to listen to them, you can click here be aware not all titles are in the Plus catalogue – the Chemical Engineer and I figured that out after signing up – but you do get one credit or two credits as well which is cheaper with the membership than without). You can, also, of course get the audiobooks from your library! Many libraries have an audiobook service.
In this smart and chilling thriller, master of suspense Mary Kubica takes domestic secrets to a whole new level, showing that some people will stop at nothing to keep the truth buried.
People don’t just disappear without a trace…
Shelby Tebow is the first to go missing. Not long after, Meredith Dickey and her six-year-old daughter, Delilah, vanish just blocks away from where Shelby was last seen, striking fear into their once-peaceful community. Are these incidents connected? After an elusive search that yields more questions than answers, the case eventually goes cold.
Now, eleven years later, Delilah shockingly returns. Everyone wants to know what happened to her, but no one is prepared for what they’ll find…
The Haunting of Hill House meets Get Out in this chilling YA psychological thriller and modern take on the classic haunted house story from New York Times bestselling author Tiffany D. Jackson!
Marigold is running from ghosts. The phantoms of her old life keep haunting her, but a move with her newly blended family from their small California beach town to the embattled Midwestern city of Cedarville might be the fresh start she needs. Her mom has accepted a new job with the Sterling Foundation that comes with a free house, one that Mari now has to share with her bratty ten-year-old stepsister, Piper.
The renovated picture-perfect home on Maple Street, sitting between dilapidated houses, surrounded by wary neighbors has its . . . secrets. That’s only half the problem: household items vanish, doors open on their own, lights turn off, shadows walk past rooms, voices can be heard in the walls, and there’s a foul smell seeping through the vents only Mari seems to notice. Worse: Piper keeps talking about a friend who wants Mari gone.
But “running from ghosts” is just a metaphor, right?
As the house closes in, Mari learns that the danger isn’t limited to Maple Street. Cedarville has its secrets, too. And secrets always find their way through the cracks.
The #1 International bestselling author of Pretty Little Wife returns with another thrilling domestic suspense novel that asks, how many wives and girlfriends need to disappear before your family notices?
Elisa Wright is a mom and wife, living a nice, quiet life in a nice, quiet town. She’s also convinced her brother-in-law is a murderer. Josh has one dead wife and one missing fiancée, and though he grieved for them he starts dating someone new. Elisa fears for that woman’s safety, and she desperately wants to know what happened to her friend, Josh’s missing fiancée.
Searching for clues means investigating her own family. And she doesn’t like what she finds. A laptop filled with incriminating information. Other women.
But when Elisa becomes friends with Josh’s new girlfriend and starts to question things she thinks are true, Elisa wonders if the memories of a horrible incident a year ago have finally pushed her over the edge and Josh is really innocent. With so much at stake, Elisa fights off panic attacks and a strange illness. Is it a breakdown or something more? The race is on to get to the truth before another disappearance because there’s a killer in the family…or is there?
Do you want to listen to FEAR ME, FEAR ME NOT & SEE ME, SEE ME NOT? Audible is running a promo right now and in the $5.95 per month for three months plan, you’ll get one audiobook per month plus the unlimited catalogue already available. And since this is an affiliate link, I get a little commission when you subscribe that way….
Happy reading! Oh and if you’re a writer as well as a reader, there are a lot of Black Friday/Cyber Monday Deals right now for software and courses and more…Here are a few links if you’re interested: Kindlepreneur has a a list of offers, Depositphotos (for all your stock photos needs), Writer’s Craft Stack 3.0 …
#TheLeftoverBride Media Kit is here and you can access the full pdf here or by scrolling below. It includes: summary, buy links, link to cover picture, early reviews, author bio and author picture, author interview and more..
#TheLeftoverBride summary, buy links and cover
For fans of second chance romance novels, holiday romance novels, rom-coms, and small-town romance novels.
All Sorcha O’Connor wants for Christmas is for her life to turn into a Hallmark movie—but sexier. Ryan Sawyer has a few things on his wishlist, such as staying away from Swans Cove and getting his career back on track. And he wants Sorcha. Always has, always will.
When wedding dress designer Sorcha O’Connor got stranded at the altar and went viral as #TheLeftoverBride, she lost her fiancé, her thriving business, and her dreams. To forget the upcoming first anniversary of that fateful day, Sorcha is ticking items off her “31 Things to Do Before the 31st” list and working day and night to get her life back on track. Not on her list? Falling for her former best friend, Ryan Sawyer. Again.
Ryan Sawyer skated out of Swans Cove right out of high school. Since then, he busted his ass, making sure he always had the perfect excuse to stay away: hockey. But even his own hashtag, #HockeyHottie, couldn’t keep his injuries from possibly shattering his career. With the holidays and his mother’s birthday coming up, Ryan’s back in Swans Cove for a quick visit. Even though he’s supposed to lay low, he can’t stop thinking about Sorcha, the redhead who knows him better than even his therapist.
When Sorcha’s former #RunawayGroom becomes the Most Coveted Bachelor in America, virtual eyes turn to Sorcha again. This time, Ryan won’t bolt—even as Sorcha blurts out on national TV that both she and Ryan are working on their so-called “Happy Lists” over the holidays…together.
Will the spotlight finally work in Sorcha and Ryan’s favor? Or will their past—and their hashtags—get in the way of their Happily Ever After?
#TheLeftoverBride is a second chance romance set during the holiday season in a small town on Maryland’s Eastern Shore: full of laughter and heartwarming moments (and some sexy moments), checklists, family dynamics, a stubborn cat, and a rescue dog.
“This book is so much fun! The perfect combination of romance, angst, and humor, it’s your favorite Hallmark movie’s sassier, sexier cousin. ” (Amazon reviewer)
“Sweet, sassy and fun!” (Amazon reviewer)
“The Leftover Bride is one of the perfect books to help get me ready for the holiday season. It’s got a great cozy feel to it w/out being sticky sweet and unbearable. I will say that if you are looking for a sports romance, this is not the book for you. Yes the H is an injured hockey player, but if you read the synopsis you will see that he returning to his home town and not currently playing due to said injuries. So, don’t one click expecting a lot of sport references and what not. You should however one click this if you are looking for a fun story with lots of chemistry set during the holidays!
I hate reviews that recap the entire book, so this isn’t one of those (obviously) but here’s a quick little check list:
1. Animals and their antics! (check)
2. Intense chemistry between the H and h (check)
3. Angst (check)
4. Light hearted moments (check)
5. Immensely enjoyable (double check)”
(Amazon reviewer)
About the author:
Elodie Nowodazkij writes about first times, second chances, things that scare the crap out of her and things that make her laugh out loud. She was raised in a tiny village in France, where she could always be found a book in hand. At nineteen, she moved to the US, where she learned she’d never lose her French accent. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Modern Language & Linguistics, and later earned master’s degrees in German Cultural Studies and European Studies. Unbeknownst to her professors, she sometimes drafted stories in class. Now she lives close to DC with her husband, Plato The Dog and Bobbie Voltaire The Cat. She’s also a serial smiley user, an audiobook narrator, a freelance researcher, has a weekly podcast and is learning how to code.
She met the Nobel Prize of Economics 2014 before he received the prize at a conference and he helped her with her suitcase.
She was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in October 2017. After many treatments, including an autologous stem cell transplant, she’s currently in remission and regularly raises awareness and money for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society as well as the Ulman Foundation. She’s written several blog articles on the topic.
She’s a hybrid author: both indie author and traditionally published. Several of her books were indeed published in France via a traditional publisher.
She speaks three languages fluently (English, French and German) and a tiny bit of Spanish and Russian.
She loves food, all kinds of food but always drops something at the most inappropriate time like during a business lunch in an 15th century dining room with very important people at the table. The key is to continue talking as if nothing happened and smile.
She shook the hand of the former Chancellor of Germany and the current Prime Minister of Italy.
She broke her arm in two places when she was about twelve…her gym teacher didn’t believe her at first and told her to shake it off.
She spent lots of my time at her grandparents after breaking her arm and freaked out because the cast was red. She convinced herself she was bleeding profusely. Her grandma had a hard time making her understand the red on her cast was just the reflection of kitchen tiles…
Interview with the author:
Where did you get the idea for this book?
I started writing this book after my autologous stem cell transplant and wanted to write something that made me smile and laugh. The meeting of Ryan and Sorcha in the parking lot is the first scene that came to me and after that, I needed to write the rest to see what happened between them. And writing that book definitely made me smile and laugh and swoon.
What traits and other tidbits do you share with your main character?
I love food. All types of food. And I’m very lucky my husband enjoys cooking and loves food as well, so we get to try out new recipes and new restaurants together. After my stem cell transplant, I had a difficult time with OCD in addition to anxiety and I used some of that experience to inform my writing of Sorcha (even if our OCDs are not exactly similar).
I love my sisters and my family and I think that has definitely influenced how I wrote Aisling and Roisin (and the entire O’Connor family). 😊
Did any of your inspiration for this book originate in your real life experiences?
Swans Cove and Ryan’s house. The name “Swans Cove” originate from a writing retreat I did in March 2020. It was my first weekend away since September 2019 and the last weekend away until July 2021. The house we stayed at had a gorgeous water view with a lot of swans. It definitely inspired Ryan’s house and the name Swans Cove was the result of a brainstorming with my writer friends.
What was the most fun about writing #TheLeftoverBride?
I love writing second chance romances, especially with couples who were together when they were in high school and see how they can make it work years later. Sorcha and Ryan were fun to write because of their friendship in addition to their chemistry. And they have a lot of chemistry. 😊 Putting them into funny situations made me smile.
Another real fun part to write? Writing Tiramisu The Cat and Fluffy Napoleon The Dog. They’re just adorable and so cute.
Do you have another project in the works? If so, what is it/what are they?
So. Many. I’m currently outlining and drafting #SweetsForLove (Aisling’s story) as I’m gearing for the French translation of #TheLeftoverBride to be published mid December 2021. I’m also outlining Miss Me, Miss Me Not: the fourth book in my Gavert City series. If you like the TV show Criminal Minds, this series is for you. And I’m drafting a new adult contemporary romance novella which I will publish under a pen name. Projects after projects. 😊
Miss Me, Miss Me Not (Nadia & Gabriel – coming soon)
Books available as audiobook:
Fear Me, Fear Me Not (Narrated by Megan Carter)
See Me, See Me Not (Narrated by Megan Carter)
A Summer Like No Other (Narrated by Megan Carter)
Love in B Minor (Narrated by Kasi Hollowel)
Bilingual books:
If you’re learning another language, Elodie has several books (One Dream Only & A Summer Like No Other especially) available as bilingual edition (English/French, English/German, English/Italian and more…). She’s in the process of adding Duo Bilingue as author and editor for all her bilingual editions.
For fans of second chance romance novels, holiday romance novels, rom-coms, and small-town romance novels. Make sure you one-click this “Hallmark movie’s sexier and sassier cousin”…
All Sorcha O’Connor wants for Christmas is for her life to turn into a Hallmark movie—but sexier. Ryan Sawyer has a few things on his wishlist, such as staying away from Swans Cove and getting his career back on track. And he wants Sorcha. Always has, always will.
When wedding dress designer Sorcha O’Connor got stranded at the altar and went viral as #TheLeftoverBride, she lost her fiancé, her thriving business, and her dreams. To forget the upcoming first anniversary of that fateful day, Sorcha is ticking items off her “31 Things to Do Before the 31st” list and working day and night to get her life back on track. Not on her list? Falling for her former best friend, Ryan Sawyer. Again.
Ryan Sawyer skated out of Swans Cove right out of high school. Since then, he busted his ass, making sure he always had the perfect excuse to stay away: hockey. But even his own hashtag, #HockeyHottie, couldn’t keep his injuries from possibly shattering his career. With the holidays and his mother’s birthday coming up, Ryan’s back in Swans Cove for a quick visit. Even though he’s supposed to lay low, he can’t stop thinking about Sorcha, the redhead who knows him better than even his therapist.
When Sorcha’s former #RunawayGroom becomes the Most Coveted Bachelor in America, virtual eyes turn to Sorcha again. This time, Ryan won’t bolt—even as Sorcha blurts out on national TV that both she and Ryan are working on their so-called “Happy Lists” over the holidays…together.
Will the spotlight finally work in Sorcha and Ryan’s favor? Or will their past—and their hashtags—get in the way of their Happily Ever After?
Scroll up and one-click today “if you’re in the mood for a fun story with lots of chemistry set during the holidays”!
#TheLeftoverBride is a second chance romance set during the holiday season in a small town on Maryland’s Eastern Shore: full of laughter and heartwarming moments (and some sexy moments), checklists, family dynamics, a stubborn cat, and a rescue dog.
What do readers say about #TheLeftoverBride?
Readers are loving #TheLeftoverBride. Here are a few reviews…
This book is so much fun! The perfect combination of romance, angst, and humor, it’s your favorite Hallmark movie’s sassier, sexier cousin.
Amazon reviewer
Great book to get you in the holiday spirit. Super cute and loving.
Netgalley reviewer
I loved it. (…) It was sweet and sprinkled with funny scenes, romantic angst and steamy moments, but it also had a unique way of seeming real and relatable.
Perfect book for the Holiday season! Would make a perfect Hallmark movie! Sorcha and Ryan are one steamy couple! I loved the small town story and how they both were “famous” in their own way. I would love to see where their story goes from here. A sequel perhaps?
Netgalley reviewer
The characters are heartwarming as they reconnect and work on getting their lives back in order. Having the background of best friends, they can support each other and laugh much easier than strangers could. The storyline has plenty of drama, laughs, big decisions, surprises and steam. Loved the situations, time of year and the locale that pulls it all together. Can not wait to see where this series goes next..
Don’t letthis one sitting around! The Leftover Bride is one of the perfect books to help get me ready for the holiday season. It’s got a great cozy feel to it w/out being sticky sweet and unbearable. I will say that if you are looking for a sports romance, this is not the book for you. Yes the H is an injured hockey player, but if you read the synopsis you will see that he returning to his home town and not currently playing due to said injuries. So, don’t one click expecting a lot of sport references and what not. You should however one click this if you are looking for a fun story with lots of chemistry set during the holidays!
And the magic of books to read and maybe write for when you want or need to get lost or found or understood (or maybe gain an unterstanding) in a story…
Elodie Nowodazkij 