Over the past few months I’ve participated in organized blog tours for Return to Audubon Springs and Secondhand Romance in an effort to get the word out about my shore town, Audubon Springs, and the fabulous brothers, their loves, and family. During that time I had an idea of what to expect. This weekend an unexpected gift landed on my doorstep in the form of an amazing review of Return to Audubon Springs. The reviewer from Romancing the Book had previously read and reviewed Secondhand Romance which prompted her to seek out Return to Audubon Springs. Here is a sample of what she wrote:
“I loved this book! The author has a gift for taking us into her world of Audubon Springs. She writes with a true depth of emotion, one that has the reader delving into the hearts and minds of the characters. I could feel the heartbreak that both Emma and Rafe went through in their past, and what they still carry with them.” – Romancing the Book
In the vast sea of published authors, it is hard for a new author to get noticed. On that same day, the reviewer published a review of Jill Shalvis’ Once in a Lifetime, an author many of my readers have compared my writing and series favorably to. The reviewer gave both books the same highest rating possible on their site. It was a bit of a dream come true to see my work alongside Ms. Shalvis in such a positive light.
So, on this dreary Monday I am going to ask you during the course of this week to find an opportunity to give someone an unexpected gift. Whether it be a compliment, a favor, that favorite yet hard to come by treat for a family member, a small form of recognition, something, anything that will make a person walk away from your email, text, embrace, gift, or smile feeling good.
Sometimes the best gifts are those you don’t expect.
If you’d like to read the entire review, here is the link.
Romancing the Book review of Return to Audubon Springs
Have a great day!
RoseAnn DeFranco - Where Laughter, Passion and Love Bloom 
This is just Lovely all around, RoseAnn! : )
Thank you! 🙂
Congratulations, Roseann, and how wonderful of you to choose to use your gift to pay it forward.
Hi Nia! I wrote a blog post a while back on the community of writers. In my experience, writers, you among them, are very giving of their time and talents. I am always looking for ways to support my author friends. This is a little different though and I’m glad to know it resonated with you.
Wow, I’m really honored and touched by your acknowledgement. Thank you.And yes, this is a little different. Well done.
Hi RoseAnn,
Great post to start the week. You are somebody I look up to (literally cause I’m short). Because of you I pushed through my shyness and extended a friendly hello to someone recently. It feels good when you pay it forward. I love your stories and can’t wait for The Right Chord. I hope everybody listens to this post and at least smiles at a stranger.
Lori
Lori, your response made me smile. It is hard for us introverts, but I’m so glad to know you’re pushing yourself and reaching out to others. I know you have a lot to offer on many fronts. Don’t deny the world your beautiful spirit. There is a man who used to work for the building I work in. Every once in a while he used to say to me. “THANK YOU!” and when I asked for what, he responded, “For smiling. Not enough people smile.”
My mother in law has a famous quote hanging in her bathroom. It reads “A hug is a great gift. One size fits all, and it’s easy to exchange.” I took great comfort in it as it revealed to me a bit about the family my then boyfriend, now hubs was raised.
Thank you for your comment! 🙂