First review 5 Stars!!!

I got my first review back today. It hasn't posted yet on their blog, so I can't link you to it for a couple of weeks, but I was thrilled. What I'm most proud of isn't the 5 stars Restoring Hope earned, but that the reviewer thought the story line and characters were exceptional...I worked very hard on this book to give you lots of layers and depth. From the description of the streets, to the green moss of the Bayou, as well as characters that made you think and a story line that will hit home for many. As a writer, I want to keep pushing myself to create books that are well rounded and entertaining, but also, in some ways, give inspiration or advice. Restoring Hope is about redemption, about the power of love, but most importantly for me, it's about not quitting. People will try and hold you down or tear you apart, but they have no power over you unless you allow it. I found that out the hard way, and when I picked myself up off the floor, I began writing. For Nic and Hope, they discovered that life might beat you down with heartache, but with love, patience and good people around you, you can overcome or learn to deal with anything.

Meet Maman Rose. Nosy Cajun and beloved boss of Hope Delaney

It cleaned up well!!!

The End

     It's bittersweet when you end a story. I finished Nic and Hope's book this week, and I already miss them. The next few weeks will be spent editing the chapters, tweaking them, hopefully making them as pretty (My word for flows well and grammatically correct with lots of description) as I can. This book has been an exercise in description for me. I'm trying to broaden my skills as a writer by bringing you a story that makes your throat knot a bit in sadness for the characters, but weave images that help set the scene of the great state of Louisiana. But, that being said, I am who I am, and I couldn't write a book without a little humor involved.
     Nic is different from Jack, though he is bossy, he is subtle in his approach at times. LOL, okay, that's a lie, when he's bossy it's BOSSY, BUT, he is smoother than Jack. He's a southern gentleman with a southern accent to go with his charm, not as in your face as Jack.
     Hope has strength like Jenn, but it's not as apparent at first. She's damaged, but her core is strong, and she fights Nic every step of the way like Jenn did, but not as overt. But in the end, not that she has any choice in the matter, Hope succumbs to Nic like all good heroines do.
     Restoring Hope is a story about forgiveness, about strength and most importantly the power of love. It takes place in the magical city of New Orleans, and I hope, with the help of two Cajun friends, that I've portrayed the city well. If you've never been to the Crescent City, find the time to do so, it's a blast and their motto of   Laissez le bon temps rouler—"Let the good times roll" is an accurate description of the lively people who call it home.

Look for Restoring Hope on Amazon and other online retailers July 31st, 2014