They're Playing My Song...Well, They're Playing My Book's Song

Music has always played a part in writing. Beth recently wrote me and said that Sarah McLachlan's Full of Grace reminded her of Just One Thing.  (Thank you again, Beth!!) I loved that she made that connection because not only did I agree, but I do that kind of thing all the time.

For instance, in August's Her Second-Chance Family Sister Hazel's song, Concede really struck me as the song for the heroine's battle to reach her foster daughter...



In My Valley Ridge series, the third book, A Walk Down the Aisle has a couple who was meant to be together but thinks they're over.  I loved As You Turn Away as the heroine's theme song.  I could see her listening to this and crying as I wrote her book.

And Same Time Not Summer Keri Noble's Piece of My Heart really fit. I really love the imagery of the song...

So it comes as no surprise that November's These Three Words has an inspiration as well.  It is the strongest one yet.  When I was young, Dad took Mom to NYC and they saw They're Playing My Song.  Mom bought the album (yeah, I know, I'm dating myself! LOL)  Robert Klein and Lucy Arnaz in a Neil Simon, Marvin Hamlish and Carole Bayer Sager show.  I mean, come on.  Even as I kid I recognized the magic of those people and that show.  (And really, really, really I want a revival of this one.  I'd get front row tickets for it!!)  One song in particular always really touched me, Fill in the Words.  When I started writing These Three Words, I realized early on that this song could be my hero's theme song.  He's a man of very few words, but a very big heart.

How about you?  Do you ever read a book, then hear a song and think, yes...that's it??

Holly

Real Life in Fiction

We've talked about #EasterEggs in my books.  Well, in this month's Her Second-Chance Family, the heroine's foster daughter volunteers at a bird rescue.  We have a great one in the Erie Area, but my inspiration was my friend Steve in NC.

You can find out more about the American Wildlife Refuge or Erie's Tamarack Wildlife Rehab.  I think the people at both organizations are amazing!!

Excerpt from Her Second-Chance Family:

“Do you work?”

“I’m volunteering at a wildlife rescue. They work mainly with birds, but sometimes if there’s room, they rehab other animals, too.”

“Oh, that’s so cool.” She didn’t know much about birds. She could spot a cardinal or blue jay, and even knew what a sparrow was, but not much beyond that.

“Yeah, don’t be too impressed,” he said with a laugh. “I go out a few days a week and clean stuff.”

“Do you get to work with the birds?”

He shook his head, which made his hair look like it was in danger of whiplash. “Not yet. I do grunt work mainly. But I get to see them, and someday Mr. Stone says I can do more. Everyone has to pay their dues.”

Austen reminded her of Audrey. Paying your dues sounded like balancing your karma. She smiled at the thought as she listened to him talk about one of the owls that had come in a few weeks ago.
He told her he was seventeen and was going to be a senior. She told him she was sixteen and going to be a junior. He asked how her driving was going. She told him, but didn’t mention her Sound of Music moment.

They didn’t talk about anything deep or even all that personal, but it was nice. Willow decided she liked him.

“I know you mow on Mondays,” Austen said, “but I go out to the rehab center on Wednesdays and Fridays, too. If you want to come out and don’t mind cleaning cages and other stuff like that, you could come with me and see them.”

Willow had never really thought much about birds, but suddenly she wanted to volunteer. She’d be helping the birds, and spending time with Austen. She figured her karma wouldn’t mind if helping the birds helped her get to know him better, too. “I’d have to ask Audrey.”

“Okay, let me know if you want to. Want to exchange numbers?”

It was the first time a guy had asked for her phone number. Maybe it was just about the birds, but maybe it wasn’t. She grinned.

“Sure.”

August Releases!

I've always been a fan of August, but this August is extra-special! I have a new release, 

Her Second-Chance Family.  

Good can come out of bad 

If it wasn't for the tragic accident ten years earlier, Audrey Smith might never have taken in the three foster kids she loves so dearly. And if it wasn't for the new addition to her home—a troubled teenage thief—she wouldn't be fantasizing about Sawyer Williams. 

Make no mistake—Sawyer's the victim here. He's the one who was robbed by Audrey's daughter. But teaching the teen a lesson rather than punishing her makes Sawyer a superhero in Audrey's eyes. Someone who can forgive and forget… That is until another break-in rocks their community, threatening Audrey's family and her future with Sawyer.

And two of my older books—oldest books—were rereleased as eBooks!  I hope readers enjoy a glimpse of where I started my writing career!  

 Bosom Buddies

Nurse Allie McGraw can’t ignore the cry of a baby in need. And if the noise coming from the upstairs apartment is any indication, then the baby’s temporary guardian—Allie’s attractive neighbor—could also use a break. While Ian Ryan may be a computer guru, his borrowed bundle of joy is clearly giving him a run for his money. Allie agrees to lend Ian a hand, but that’s all she can spare. After a recent rough patch, her heart is off-limits.

Ian lives in a complication-free zone…or at least he did until he found himself caring for his tiny niece. With a baby on board, his life has taken a new turn—one that includes a cute, caring nurse. Allie’s the first woman to make him crave more than just a temporary fling. Now that Ian’s finally ready to take a chance on love, can he convince Allie to take a chance on him?

This novella was previously published as Baby, It’s You. It is one of the first stories Holly Jacobs ever wrote. 

Cinderella Wore Tennis Shoes

Forget glass slippers—this runaway bride’s practical shoes lead her straight to a prince.

Thanking her lucky stars that she wore comfortable shoes, Charlotte “Charlie” Eaton dashes out of her wedding, leaving behind her controlling mother’s choice of groom, high society’s stifling expectations, and, unfortunately, her purse. But the stars align in her favor yet again when a knight in a shiny truck rides to her rescue. Just when she’s ready to give up on a fairy-tale kind of love, could she have found her Prince Charming?

After surviving a rocky childhood, Dan Martin has created his own happily-ever-after. The owner of a fast-growing shipping company, he’s content with his comfortable life. The one thing he doesn’t need? Trouble. And that’s exactly what the hitchhiker in head-to-almost-toe bridal wear represents: trouble with a capital T. But when Charlie flashes her sparkling green eyes at Dan, he’s already a goner. Together, can a bride running away from her nightmare wedding and a man running from his nightmare past make their happiest dreams come true?

This novella was previously published as Cinderella Wore Tennis Shoes and Side by Side. It is one of the first stories the author ever wrote.

Thanks so much everyone for the support!  Like I said, I've always liked August, but this one is particularly nice!!!

Holly

Teaser Tuesday: "...because you smiled."

This week's teaser is actually an #EasterEgg.  I'll confess, I did visit with a mechanic on a flight once, and he did say the words, "...because you smiled." It stuck with me. I thought it was such a powerful message!

Her Second-Chance Family 

I guess when I say karma, I’m saying that we all put a lot of things out into the world. I just try to put out more good than not. For instance, I was flying to a conference last fall. Maggie May came and stayed with Clinton and Bea…”

“This was before Willow?” he asked.

Audrey nodded. “Yes. She didn’t come to us until February, but you know, I can’t remember what it was like before she was ours.”
He was afraid she’d stop her story, so he said, “And you were flying to a conference?”

“Yes. I had the window seat. And this man came and took the aisle seat.” She smiled at the memory.

Sawyer would never admit it, but he didn’t like the thought of her smiling at another man. He didn’t say anything, but he felt out of sorts picturing it. Which was absurd. He hardly knew Audrey and certainly had no claims on her.

She didn’t seem to notice his annoyance, and kept talking. “I looked up from my book and smiled. I said hello. And then he said hello, and then… Well, we talked the rest of the flight. He was an airline mechanic. He mentioned his wife within the first few minutes. I thought it was lovely that he wanted to make sure I knew he wasn’t hitting on me, that he was married. We talked about his kids and my kids. I mentioned my kids want a dog, and he said he had cats…”

“And?” Sawyer pressed.

“At the end of the flight, as we taxied to our gate, he told me thank you. I had no clue what he was thanking me for. But then he said he flew every week for work, and he hadn’t talked to someone on a flight for years. I asked why me, and he said, ‘Because you smiled at me.’ I’ve remembered that ever since, and I am more aware that the smallest thing can mean the most.”

Holly Jacobs August Newsletter

Hi, everyone!  I hope your summer is going well!  It's been a busy one here.  I went to NYC for a conference a couple weeks ago, but most of my summer has been spent in the garden or at camp.  Yes, I'm happy to announce that after 25 years, we finally have running water at our cottage.  Well, running if you pump it!  But the pump's right out our back door, so it's convenient! Oh, and we've managed to make it Presque Isle for a few nights on the beach, or canoeing on the lagoons! In amongst everything else, I have a few releases to announce:

Her Second-Chance Family Released 8/1 Harlequin SuperRomance New Release: Her Second-Chance Family Good can come out of bad  If it wasn't for the tragic accident ten years earlier, Audrey Smith might never have taken in the three foster kids she loves so dearly. And if it wasn't for the new addition to her home—a troubled teenage thief—she wouldn't be fantasizing about Sawyer Williams.  Make no mistake—Sawyer's the victim here. He's the one who was robbed by Audrey's daughter. But teaching the teen a lesson rather than punishing her makes Sawyer a superhero in Audrey's eyes. Someone who can forgive and forget… That is until another break-in rocks their community, threatening Audrey's family and her future with Sawyer. Buy at: Amazon Barnes and Noble Kobo Or your favorite online bookstore.

News: I took part in USAToday's HEA column! Congratulations to my monthly drawing winners! Cindy, Janet, CountryGirl!! Last year's Christmas in Cupid Falls is a finalist in both the Holt Medallion Awards and the Golden Quill Awards!  The trade paperback is on sale at Amazon for $6. I found out about both awards in the same week...it was a very good week! LOL Shortly thereafter, I found outJust One Thing won the National Excellence in Romance Fiction Award!  I'm so very excited!  If you haven't picked up a copy, the eBook is on sale this month at Amazon. Montlake Romance is rereleasing two older books.   Cinderella Wore Tennis Shoesand Bosom Buddies on August 18th!! They were originally published by Kensington Precious Gems as Side by Side and Baby, It's You.  So check your shelves before you order them!  These are some of my earliest books.  I wrote with a lot of heart, but was very new to the business! I've got a few new short stories in the pipeline. The first, Labor Day is out now! Watch for more in the upcoming months! I'm continuing my monthly drawings...you've subscribed to my newsletter  so you're already entered.  Stay tuned!  My next release is in November.  These Three Words from Montlake Romance.  It's another emotional ride.  I will never quit doing comedies and lighthearted, sweet romance, but I do enjoy stretching my writing with these stories.   One last bit of news...I'll be at Barbara Vey's Reader Appreciation Weekend next April 29-May 1!  If you're interested in hanging out with me and some of my writing friends, you can find out more here. As always, thank you so much for your friendships and continued support!!  I hope you enjoy the rest of your summer!  I'll talk to you in the fall! Holly PS Want my newsletter delivered to your email box?  Click here!

A Day in a Writer's Life

Over the years a lot of people have asked what my day's look like. Someone just asked again. So today, I'll tell you. ‪#‎ADayInAWritersLife‬

3:30 am: Up & scribbling for WIP. "Can you imagine your heart bursting 'cause of too much love? It's like saying there's too much Christmas or too much ice cream." ‪#‎ADayInAWritersLife‬

5am: Woke up, fed dogs, made coffee, did some dishes. Checking email/social media. Starting #ADayInAWritersLife

5:45: Working & debating getting coffee or waiting for my dh to wake up & bring me some. I waited #ADayInAWritersLife

8 am #TeaserTuesday This seemed like a good #TT for Carry Her Heart  given I'm writing about #ADayInAWritersLife today!

8 am Had breakfast, read the paper, dressed, walked the dogs, #TeaserTuesday'd now #amwriting! #ADayInAWritersLife


8:48 am: The kids just left...the house is mine!  #amwriting #InSilence #ADayInAWritersLife



9:05 Google Alerts just sent me a link to a new review.  I stopped working to read it. I was happy! #ADayInAWritersLife

10:30-1: Went to nursing home, took kids to dentist, went to bank & post office (Apr prizes mailed out) & lunch! #ADayInAWritersLife

1 pm: #amwriting #ADayInAWritersLife

2:24 pm: Water-cooler break. Showing off two new covers. My August US and my Spanish May cover! #ADayInAWritersLife

Her Second Chance Family, Aug 2015

Once Upon a Princess in Spain, 5/15

Carry Her Heart...out now!!

3:30 pm: Cleaned up two chapters and wrote new pages...and wrote new pages, some were based on my nighttime scribbles #ADayInAWritersLife

3:30 pm: Answering posts. Love hearing about Carry Her Heart. I hope readers how much those comments mean to writers! #ADayInAWritersLife 

4 pm: Dh got home. Did a few chores. Had dinner (huge salads...yum). Leaving for a get-together now! #ADayInAWritersLife

5 pm: After dinner, checked on the garden (asparagus tomorrow!) and went to the get-together! #ADayInAWritersLife



7 pm: DH: Do you have room for ice cream?
Me: Is there such a thing as not enough room for it? #ADayInAWritersLife 

7:30 pm: Watched the news and did some reading.  A few more chores.  #ADayInAWritersLife 

9:00 pm: Agents of Shield. One of my favorite shows!  #ADayInAWritersLife 

10 pm: Bedtime! And thus ends #ADayInAWritersLife ... in this writer's life.

Here's the thing, today I was out of the house a lot more than most days, so I kind of feel as if today's schedule was false advertising.  But  that's the thing with a big family...there is no such thing as a normal day.

  My life is a quiet one. I find such pleasure in spending time with my family.  I love reading, gardening and puttering around the house.  And I really love sitting in a quiet house and working on my next book.  My new WIP...well, it's obviously waking me up in the middle of the night.

Thanks so much for following my day and thank you so much to everyone who's picked up and read  Carry Her Heart already.  And a special thanks to everyone who's sent me a note about it, or reviewed!  Writing is so solitary...it's so nice to get that feedback!

What's on my calendar tomorrow??? Same thing...only without errands!

Holly

Earth Day Easter Eggs

Earth Day Easter Eggs in my books...

...when we did the bathroom remodel, we installed one (and I'll confess, I posted about it more than once). And I mentioned one in A Valley Ridge Christmas. I had a cute little scene with the hero and heroine as the renovated a house and were installing one.  I thought my editor would tell me dual flush toilets weren't romantic...but she never said a word.  LOL

...in Carry Her Heart, Piper takes the notion of planting a tree to heart. Her backyard garden became almost a character in itself.  I adore her garden and I'm working very hard to build one like it here.  My husband keeps saying I can't possibly fit another plant/bush/tree in the yard, but I always manage!  LOL

...in August's Her Second-Chance Family, there heroine is an architect who follows LEED guidelines in her buildings. She also is a composter who spreads the compost glee!

So what can you do to celebrate Earth Day?

~Pick up some litter.
~Reduce your household waste by starting a compost pile.
~Plant a tree (which also helps you celebrate Friday's Arbor Day).
~Eat local.
~Install a water barrel.
~Use energy efficient lightbulbs.
~When you replace old appliances, buy Energy Star.
~Recycle.
~Install a water conserving toilet.

One more fun Earth Day tip...a water barrel. We use ours to water the garden.
So why install one?
~Nearly 40% of the average household's water consumption is used outside the home. You can save money on your water bill.
~It keeps rain water from running into your local storm sewers and contributing to streets flooding.
~It also keeps rain water from picking up chemicals that eventually wash into our creeks and waterways (and in my case, Lake Erie).
~Gardens love the unchlorinated water!


Another Earth Day tip...a clothesline.  Now, I know that a clothesline won't save the planet, but if everyone hung out even one load of laundry a week, think how much energy we'd save!

Any other suggestions?

Happy Earth Day!

Holly