Romance in the Rain Anthology Media Kit and Rafflecopter

Romance in  the Rain Anthology, Media, Rafflecopter and Review

Title: Romance in the Rain (A Seattle Anthology)

Authors: Kristine Cayne, Dawn Kravagna, Charlotte Russell, Sherri Shaw, Clare Tisdale, Marianne Stillings

Publisher: Kristine Cayne

Release Date: October 15, 2012

Pages: 360

Buy Link: Amazon (US) | Amazon (UK) | B&N | Kobo | ARe | Smashwords

Blurb:

From the pioneer days of Seattle through the smoke-filled clouds of WWII and into the present, Romance in The Rain takes readers on a journey with four generations of the strong-willed and passionate Caldwell family. The anthology of six novellas is a collaboration of the Seattle-based Rainy Day Writers group.

Splendor in the Moss by Charlotte Russell—By the spring of 1853 Englishman James Caldwell has traveled thousands of miles in a quest to find a place to call home. Newly settled Seattle isn’t that place and he’s ready to move on again when widowed Mattie Jensen marches into his life as somber as a cloudy day. But James can see through the solemn haze to Mattie’s strength and passion. Now he has a reason to stay, if he can just convince Mattie to take a second chance on love—and him. (22,000 words)

Final Approach by Marianne Stillings—With the world at war, Women's Auxiliary Ferrying Service pilot Lt. Charlene (Charlie) Thompson faces personal battles as well. Pearl Harbor left her a widowed bride, certain love would never come again – but battle-scarred Capt. Joe Caldwell has other ideas for the beautiful lady flyer, if he can just keep her safe from the secret saboteur who's already taken the life of Charlie's best friend. (17,000 words)

Love Phantom by Dawn Kravagna—University of Washington, 1983: A great place to get an education and meet single men. Drama major Kara Caldwell prefers to hide behind the characters in her plays, yet feels pressure to live up to the example set by her brave and witty grandmother, a veteran of WWII. Can she learn to overcome her reticence and prejudices to discover which guy truly cares for her--and who is just putting on an act? (17,000 words)

What’s Wrong with Mr. Perfect? by Sherri Shaw—No sooner did Chef Ivy Turin wish to meet the perfect man than Sam Rockney walked into her restaurant. But is the sexy Seattle quarterback for real or is there something wrong with Mr. Perfect? (17,000 words)

Shelter from the Storm by Clare Tisdale—Seven years and one broken heart later, JD Caldwell returns to Seattle to pick up the pieces of his old life, never imagining he will fall for Maya—the mysterious woman who lets him into her house and bed but keeps the door to her heart tightly closed. When their summer fling takes an unexpectedly serious turn and Maya gives him his walking papers, JD has to decide whether their love—and his legacy—is worth fighting for. (21,000 words)

Aftershocks by Kristine Cayne—When Seattle is struck by a devastating earthquake, technical rescue firefighter Jamie Caldwell must save his estranged wife and daughter from the wreckage of a collapsed building. He's defied the odds hundreds of times, but will his luck finally run out for good? (24, 000 words)

RAINY DAY WRITERS

Writing fiction is difficult and lonely and more often than not, the "normal" people in your life don't understand the writing process and can't fathom why you are possessed and obsessed with finding the perfect word or phrase that says exactly what you want to say right where you want to say it. Only other writers comprehend and accept that kind of torment.

To fill this need to surround herself with like-minded obsessive-compulsive self-doubting lunatics, in 2005, Marianne Stillings, who writes Romantic Suspense, established what came to be known as The Rainy Day Writers.

There were only two requirements for joining the group: You must be serious about writing and getting published, and any criticisms of co-members' work be honest, gentle, and kind.

Over the years, the membership has changed; some people moved on, others joined. The group we have now has been stable and constant since 2009. The Rainy Day Writers are a family.

Charlotte Russell joined the group in 2006 at the suggestion of a former member. Charlotte writes Historical Romance.

Dawn Kravagna became a member in the spring of 2007 because of a writers' list where Marianne had posted looking for new members. Dawn writes Comedy and Mystery.

In the Autumn of 2007, Sherri Shaw found her way to the group because she and Marianne happened to sit at the same table at the Emerald City Writer's Conference that year. Sherri writes Historical Romance and Paranormal Historical Romance.

Clare Tisdale joined in 2008 as the result of an email Marianne posted on the Greater Seattle Chapter Romance Writer's list seeking new members. Clare writes Contemporary Romance.

Kristine Cayne found the group in 2009 because she won Marianne's raffle basket at the Emerald City Writer's Conference that year. The basket included an offer to critique the winner's manuscript—an evaluation that resulted in an invitation to join. Kristine writes Romantic Suspense.

For more information on Romance in the Rain and the Rainy Day Writers, visit them at www.seattlerainydaywriters.com

Romance in the Rain Excerpts

Splendor in the Moss by Charlotte Russell

After telling the dog to stay, he steered her away from the Jensens’ cabin, towards the woods to the south. “Thank you.”

“For what?”

“Giving me the time of day. You were gone for such a long while, I wasn’t certain you’d come back.”

“I had to fight my better judgment.”

James laughed. He couldn’t put on airs around Mattie if he tried.

Final Approach by Marianne Stillings

"You were there." Caldwell's voice was quiet as though he were speaking to a timid child. He took a step toward her. "You saw it, didn't you. Didn't you, Charlie?" Another step. And another. Suddenly, he was standing before her and she was standing, too, and his arms came around her as she pressed her head against his strong shoulder and for the first time in a year, she felt safe. Safe enough to relive the agony—and let it go. Safe enough to let someone be strong—so she could be weak. Safe enough—to cry.

And so she did. 

What’s Wrong with Mr. Perfect? by Sherri Shaw

"Somehow I can’t picture you as a nerd.” You’re too perfect, Ivy silently added, fingering the amulet at her throat.  It hummed under her fingertips as the vendor’s words skated across her mind: If you truly want to find the perfect man, and restore your faith in true love, then this necklace will be your good luck talisman.” She dropped her hand, shaking off the crazy notion. It was merely a coincidence that she wished to meet the man of her dreams and Sam showed up. The necklace had nothing to do with it. Right?"

Shelter from the Storm by Clare Tisdale

A shadow crossed the window, and JD looked up in time to see a seagull fly by. Beyond the downtown high rises,  the waters of the Puget Sound lay brooding, glazed by morning mist. Much as JD hated starting over again, he realized that if he had to, he'd rather do it here than anywhere else. Seattle was his home; he belonged here.  Maya and her beach house had helped confirm that for him.

Aftershocks by Kristine Cayne

Adrenaline surging through her system, Erica hung onto the doorjamb as the quake rocked the old courthouse. The building swayed and groaned, windows rattled and shattered as the earth continued to tremble. Cracks raced across the ceiling and plaster dust showered down, covering everything in a thin white film. She’d lived in Seattle all her life but had never experienced a quake as powerful as this one.

And her daughter was all alone.yNzU5MjM3OjE0/


                                                                      ***

Rafflecopter


Romance in the Rain Anthology All giveaway ends November 22, 2012 at midnight. Make sure to only enter the giveaway you are eligible for.

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Giveaway for both US and International residents.
Prize #1:

- 1 ecopy Deadly Obsession

- 1 ecopy of A Week to Be Wicked by Tessa Dare

- 1 ecopy of The Sergeant's Lady by Susanna Fraser

Prize #2:

- 1 ecopy Deadly Obsession

 - 1 ecopy of Unraveled by Courtney Milan

- 1 ecopy of Unlocked, a novella by Courtney Milan

Prize #3:

- 1 ecopy Deadly Obsession

- 1 ecopy of One Night in London by Caroline Linden

- 1 ecopy of Ruined by Rumor by Alyssa Everett

Prize #4:

- 1 ecopy Deadly Obsession

- 1 ecopy of Mr. Impossible by Loretta Chase

Prize #8-10:

- 1 ecopy Deadly Addiction

- $10 Amazon or B&N giftcard

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Prize #11 US and International Giveaway

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                                                ***

Review

The Romance in the Rain anthology of six novellas is a collaboration of the Seattle-based Rainy Day Writers group.

The anthology is about a family of four generations, the Caldwells, and follows a familiar thread of life's joys and sorrows and the reason a person gets up in the morning: to love another and to be loved back. As a reader each one touched me in a special place. I highly recommend this anthology for readers who enjoy reading about the storms in life and who are satisfied when the characters become champions against the odds.

I saw the anthology advertised on Facebook and thought it might be entertaining to read. I was excited to see what was between the covers. Got my cup of coffee, I settled in my favorite chair to read this anthology by the six romance writers in the Seattle Rainy Day Writers group:

Splendor in the Moss by Charlotte Russell

Final Approach by Marianne Stillings 

Love Phantom by Dawn Kravagna 

Shelter from the Storm by Clare Tisdale 

What’s Wrong with Mr. Perfect? by Sherri Shaw 

Aftershocks by Kristine Cayne

The anthology was a delightful journey into the past, starting with the year of 1853, about a family of four generations.

The first story Splendor in the Moss is set in the mid 19th century. It involves an aristocrat and his manservant, who are good friends, one is sunny, and one is gloomy in their perception of reality.  One is rich and one is being paid wages, and they are on a journey to the Americas. They settled in the rainy soggy Seattle territory, and the aristocrat complains about the continuous bad weather until a lovely woman with a shy but sharp tongue enters his existence, and he sees the beauty in everything. 

She is a thorn in his side, yet a vision of desire he cannot depart from. She is a widow, with many psychological scars. Their relationship is hot and cold. The author's words flow with such intensity, this reader's mind went with it. Enjoyed, cried, laughed, and got swallowed up in the romance, conflict and suspense of viewing the past and a stormy relationship.

In the author's words:  "James perched on the other stool and yanked off his ruined boot. “Nothing much. Went hunting, caught a woman instead of a deer, saved her life, let coyotes chomp on my boots rather than my feet, took the woman home, offered to fulfill her dearest wish, was refused in a most ungracious manner. And for God’s sake, stop calling me sir.” Tilford’s obsequiousness was beginning to annoy him."

Moving on to story two, Final Approach by Marianne Stillings, which is set in 1942, one year after the United States was attacked at Pearl Harbor. The story is dedicated to the 1074 women pilots who provided training and flight support during World War II. The story opens with a fiery romantic conflict between a Training Officer/Captain with bad news to impart to a woman pilot, who is cynical since she has to fight against the stereotyped lies that women should stay home, cook and be barefoot and pregnant.

In the author's words:

“She sat motionless in her chair. “I’m fine.” Her tone came that close to a growl.

He had the feeling that even if she’d taken a bullet to the gut, she would have died rather than disclose her pain. Softening a little—but not by much—she added, “Thank you for your condolences.”

He figured she thought she was one tough cookie, and maybe she was. After all, she had stepped into a job many men couldn’t handle. She’d entered a Man’s World and did a Man’s Job and did it well. No wonder so many guys were pissed off. Close-minded jerks."

Clasping his hands on the desk in front of him, he said, “So what brings you to my office today, Lieutenant?”

When she learns the bad news, the female pilot does not accept the stated facts about the alleged event, and wants to do her own investigation, which puts her in danger. Will the training officer come to her rescue? The plot involves hints of romance, revenge, detective work, and a close call of people dying if it was not for the quick actions of the Captain/training officer.

Story Three: Love Phantom by Dawn Kravagna, January 1983, is a romantic story of a young college girl who is caught in a trio, between two actors; one is suave, distant and sarcastic. The other is down to earth, but afraid to show his true feelings off the stage. The main character, with red flaming hair, follows her grandmother’s wisdom and takes risks when a circumstance arises, to decide which gentlemen is her next boyfriend. The plot is set behind the scenes of a theatre play, and the author displays the creative talent to display the ins and outs of the actors’ performance and the behind the scenes work of creating a production. 

It was stimulating to see which gentlemen she ends up with.

Story four: What’s Wrong with Mr. Perfect?  by Sherri Shaw, which takes place in July, 2012, opens with a chef who owns a family restaurant, and she is with her sous chef, shopping for produce. And then she encounters a touch of magic and wonderment.

 In the author's words:

“The first step to finding true love is acceptance,” he said, winking at Beth. “Take the necklace. Wear it with hope in your heart, and when you find the perfect man, everything will become clear.”

Amused by his ridiculous statement, Ivy reluctantly released the clasp and slipped the trinket around her neck. “I’ll take the necklace if you and a friend come to my restaurant, Vicenzo’s, for dinner some time. My treat.”

“That sounds like a fair trade,” he said, nodding with approval at her offer before turning to help a new customer." 

The chef, Ivy, was betrayed by her former lover, and her heart is guarded against being broken again.  Until an accident, coincidence or something more—perhaps the trinket around her neck—leads her to meet Mr. Perfect. They date and go to exotic spots and share their passions. In this plot, the author adds suspense: will the superstar football player protect her or betray her as her former lover did?

He was Mr. Perfect, there were secrets hidden in that calm exterior; even when his world is turned upside down, he had a positive attitude to it all, which confuses the heartbroken Ivy. The author states she likes writing a good book, and this story is definitely in the realm of good writing. The story involves so many conflicts and twists based on the distortion of when one's trust is broken, how to heal and move on and trust in another again.

Story Five: Shelter from the Storm by Clare Tisdale, which is set in August 2011, opens with a man JD, who knocks on a unfamiliar door, and tells the beauty who opens the door, that he is a friend of Parker’s from high school. JD has just returned to his hometown after seven years being away. He knocked on the door, thinking no one was home, to be surprised by a young woman in a nightgown.  James Douglas Caldwell has not find his niche in life yet, he is homeless and stops at his friend Parker’s house for a layover until he figures what he needs to do after a broken six-year relationship.

 In the author's words. "Hopefully Maya wasn’t experiencing morning-after regret. He sure wasn’t. He felt energized now, ready for anything, and extremely grateful to the powers that be for leading him to this little oasis after months of wandering in the desert."

He found a treasure his friend took for granted. They click, the couple, Maya and JD, and established a familiar bond.  They agreed on an exchange of services, and he was in the midst of a woman's personal storm and he desired to find the secrets of her heart to unlock it. Then the thunderstorm came and he was standing alone in the wind, trying to figure out what happened and how he could change his destiny if he cannot trust the one he loves. The story continues with humility, concern and sympathy and ends to take this reader's breath away.

Story six by author Kristine Cayne is about a disaster and a soon-to-be divorced mother, Erica, who has to reassure her little daughter daddy loves her, even if he keeps on forgetting their visiting days. Or signing divorce papers, which makes Erica wonders what he really feels for her.  Ooh, this story becomes very intense as the mother was fighting on the cell phone with her spouse to sign the divorce papers, an event occurs and now she and her daughter  are in serious danger. She is desperate and fighting against huge threats; she will save her baby no matter what happens.  Meanwhile the spouse, who was analyzing his emotions about why he would not sign the divorce papers, becomes scared for his Rickie and his daughter.

In the author's words:

"But where were Rickie and Chloe? He yanked his cell phone out of his shirt pocket and speed-dialed Erica’s number again. When he got another fast busy, he swore and hung up. With a quake this intense, there was going to be some serious damage, and his unit, the Seattle Fire Department’s Technical Rescue Team, would certainly be called on to help extricate survivors from collapsed buildings. It could be hours before he had time to call again. At least by now, Rickie and Chloe would be home in the house he’d had built for them. A house that could and would withstand anything.

Or so he prayed.”

This story gets more exciting as the spouse has serious decisions to make; he has to use all of his expertise to rescue his wife and daughter from a very tricky and dangerous situation. The conflicts, and human emotions and facts about the subject this author writes about really enhance the story. 

This reader's heart was beating fast and when the conclusion came, so did a huge sigh of relief for this brave lieutenant and his family. I like the way the author styled the wording; they were like oil and water, with misunderstandings and miscommunication causing hidden tension between them.

In the midst of the disaster, they come to a realization as their daughter’s life was in jeopardy, not knowing if she was alive or dead. The story is filled with human tragedy, the strengths and doubts that all suffer through when there is a serious threat impinging on their lives. The intensity of the plot was intriguing and the flow was like a rollercoaster, with highs and lows. The hints of undying love and desire for each other, husband and wife--the words locked in the throat, afraid to say, and then it is too late--were breathtaking.

I thoroughly enjoyed this piece of literature by Kristine Cayne as well as the other five in the Romance for Rain Anthology. This anthology was a breath of fresh air, as one reads of the destinies and their travelling through four generations. All the authors have the unique ability of displaying their characters’ strengths and weaknesses, their insecurities, and their love for one another. This anthology was six smooth-flowing and entertaining plots of a cherished family of four generations, the Caldwells--their beliefs and their trials in discovering themselves, their futures and their destinies. 

To find out more about these six awesome authors, go to this link: www.seattlerainydaywriters.com