Blog Tour and Giveaway for Kisses in the Rain

We are halfway through a blog tour for Kisses in the Rain, and I have to say, I'm feeling the love. I've never done this before so I was curious to see how it would work. My publisher organized the tour and found all of these book bloggers who were willing to read my story and tell the world how they feel about it. Which, you know, is somewhat terrifying but part of the biz.

Have a look, and while you're browsing, enter to win a $25 Amazon gift card and a copy of Kisses in the Rain! And stay tuned, because I'm following up the blog tour with a little tour of my own. I've been able to track down some perfect images of Camano and the surrounding areas from scenes in the book!

Thank you to all of the book bloggers for sharing your reviews!


Blog Tour Schedule

*June 15th:

http://ilovetoreadandreviewbooks.blogspot.com/,http://www.wishfulendings.com/, http://melsshelves.blogspot.com/

*June 16th:

http://gettingyourreadonaimeebrown.blogspot.com/, http://heidi-reads.blogspot.com/, http://www.rockinbookreviews.com/

*June 17th: 

http://minreadsandreviews.blogspot.com/, http://mybookaday.blogspot.com,http://katiescleanbookcollection.blogspot.com/,http://www.blogginboutbooks.com/

*June 18th: 

http://lisaisabookworm.blogspot.com/, http://ldsandlovinit.blogspot.com/,http://rachellewrites.blogspot.com/, http://www.bonnieharris.blogspot.com/

*June 19th: 

http://littlelightdesigncollective.com/, http://literarytimeout.blogspot.com/

Grand-babies, Book Babies, Oh Baby!

First of all, THIS:

This is Carly Lynne, and she loves me. As much as I didn't think I'd be a grandma this soon in life, being a grandma is THE BEST. Her mom and dad are doing GREAT and she is in good hands. I wish I lived down the street. She is precious and sweet. Those are my jammie pants.

And now, some more happy happy news! I just turned in the final proofs for two projects!

Last week I turned in the novella, HANGING BY A MOMENT, for a romance anthology called WITH ALL MY HEART. The next place I see it will be in a box at my front door! I hope to post a cover for that soon. Need a tropical escape? Hanging By a Moment whisks you away to the British Virgin Islands and throws in some undeniable competition and chemistry in the sun.

The second project, my next novel, FALLING FOR YOU, was just turned in this afternoon! I'm so pleased with how it turned out! This story is funny, touching, and romantic. I love Elizabeth and Ryan. I love Jackson, Wyoming, in the Fall. Elizabeth was a snobby, flirty woman of the world who came to her sister's rescue in THE ORCHARD. But she was also alone. I just couldn't leave her like that . . . but I couldn't make it easy on her, either.

But I can give YOU something! I give you the shiny, brand new cover for my next novel, FALLING FOR YOU.

Isn't it beautiful? And perfect? It is, trust me. And because it's so great, I'm holding a contest.

 The Falling For You Cover-Love Contest!

Simply share this cover and the release date (FEBRUARY 2014) on Facebook, Twitter, your blog, your book review site, your sweetie's car window, anywhere it can be shared with others! Throw those hints around for Valentine's Day! Let me know how you shared and you will be entered into a drawing to win a signed copy of FALLING FOR YOU of your very own, or to give to your Valentine! The more you share, the more entries you will have. Even if you share again the next day! Or the next!

You have until Wednesday, December 18th, midnight, to spread the cheer. How easy is that?

Need a blurb?

Elizabeth Embry has traveled the world, been there, done that, lived a life of glamour... and fear. When an old colleague offers her a new career opportunity in the sleepy ski town of Jackson Hole, Wyoming, she feels an excitement she barely understands.

The two-week trial period is anything but the private getaway she hopes for. Elizabeth finds herself booked in the honeymoon suite of a woodland bed and breakfast, where her hosts greet her like family and her protected private life is as read as the complimentary morning newspaper.

But her friend is scheming and the handsome owner is aloof, drawing Elizabeth into a place she never thought she wanted to be. A place she knows she doesn't deserve.

Ryan Brennan is alone, raising his children, running the inn, keeping up walls to protect himself from betraying the promise he made his wife, even five years after her death. He does not welcome Nancy Colette's matchmaking, nor can he get the guarded Elizabeth Embry out of his head. But as events keep throwing Elizabeth in his path, he catches glimpses of who she really is and finds himself wanting to know more.

As two individuals struggle to find if there is more to living than their past, the people around them conspire to bring them together... to bring them home.

Now, go! Share, my lovelies!

Author Pics II

I mentioned a few posts ago that my oldest son, Braeden, recently got his senior portraits taken, and since I was in need of an updated author photo, we made a day of it. It turned out to be great for both of us, because having a big camera aimed at you for large chunks of time as you hear *click* *click* *click* repeatedly is a little unnerving, and we fed off each other's antics, got some genuine smiles in, and a few laughs, too. Which happens a lot with my son, who has my sense of humor but is much quicker on the draw.

See that smile? I'm up on the hill jumping around, waving my arms.
That smile is for me. It says, "Man, my mom is weird AND awesome."

He makes this face a lot.

Braeden is a pretty quiet kid, but if he decides to talk, he will talk and talk and talk.
I love being the recipient of this.

This is my favorite. It reminds me of when he was little and would ask for a cookie
or something and just wait quietly with this look on his face
and of course I would say YES BECAUSE LOOK AT THIS FACE.

It was a really good day with my son, who will soon be moving on to big, grown-up world things. 

I try not to think about it because when I do a chunk of broken cement gets lodged in my throat and everything goes watery.

So now I have some new author photos. I need to decide which photo to send to my publisher for the back of my books and since you all were such great helpers a few years back, I'm asking again. 

What do you think?

#1

#2

#3

#4

And to move things along, I'll put everyone who votes into a drawing for my book OF GRACE AND CHOCOLATE, which you may want for yourself, OR to give as one of the best Christmas presents ever. Just sayin'. I'll draw names on Wednesday, December 12th at 10pm.

Thanks for the help!

Okay, it was requested that I post the B&Ws since that is what my publisher uses. I'm kinda getting tired of seeing my face, but I'm thankful for all the help!

#1

#2

#3 

#4 

And since some of you wanted to see this cropped...
#5

OKAY, TELL ME WHAT TO DO.
:)

Book Signing in Tri-Cities Washington

Last night I was happy to be part of Far West Books 30th Anniversary Ladies Night celebration! This is a book store I have visited since my early teens and is located in my hometown of Kennewick, WA. The invitation to do a book signing there on this night made me smile very big.

I arrived 20 minutes early, but the store was already packed! So much so, that I was already set up and signing before the staff even realized I was there. They gave me waves and smiles from their busy counter and we just went with it!
I saw several familiar faces, people from my childhood coming to wish me luck, have me sign their book, take a picture. Some who didn't get the connection until my mom showed up. My sister was great and took a bunch of pictures. I was able to see my future son-in-law's mom, who is a  long-time family friend as well, and it was fun to talk about our kids and the coming wedding. I met a bunch of new people and loved their enthusiasm and willingness to try a new author. My sisters-in-law made me laugh and took more pictures. My mom brought me flowers, even on her birthday. It was a very happy night and I drove back to my sister's house with a smile on my face.

Visiting with my niece and bunk mate, Gracie.

My beautiful sister, Shelli Larson. This girl is one of my biggest blessings. Which is interesting because she's quite petite.

Laughing with my sister-in-law, Jenn Anglesey.

My mom, Debby Anglesey, and my nieces Skylar and Gracie. I finally got to sign my mom's book, and then it left with her friend so she could read it!

Still laughing with my sisters-in-law, Jenn, and Carrie Anglesey. I need a picture of them because they are adorable.

My mom brought me flowers. :)

Gigi Bare, my lovely soon-to-be in-law. Her adorable son is marrying my daughter. We're all pretty happy about it.

"blah blah blah talk talk..."

One of my besties growing up, Mara Floyd Kraus. Love her!

 Thanks so much, Tri-Cities! I hope you love my story!

Book Launch and Signing Schedule

Hope to see you at one of these events!

Book Launch:

Book Signings:

January 17, 4:30-6:00 pm 
Spanish Fork Seagull Book
1052 North Main Street

Spanish Fork, UT 84660

(801) 798-0401


January 19, 5:30-7:00 pm 
Provo University Parkway Seagull Book
2250 N University Pkwy

Provo, Utah 84604

(801) 377-5265

January 21 Winter Gathering Wyoming Author Event at Cody Public Library (time to be announced)

January 26 5:00-7:00 Hometown Book Signing, The Thistle, Cody, Wyoming

Find My Book, Win a Prize!

Congratulations to Debbie Montgomery, who found Of Grace and Chocolate on the shelves at Seagull Book in American Fork, Utah! Looks like I'm in good company, too. And we're on sale! :)

I'm clear up here in Wyoming, and I've come to the realization that I need a picture of my book on a book shelf in a store that is selling my book. I'm not even sure if it IS in stores yet, but if you see it, snap a picture and post it to me on Facebook or Twitter, or send it to my contact email address at kristalynnej at yahoo dot com! The first one to send me a picture will win their choice of Of Grace and Chocolate, OR Friends & Foes, by Sarah M. Eden. WHAT COULD BE EASIER?

But you have to find it first!

And don't forget this:

Hooray!

It's a Book! It's Two Books! It's a Double Book Launch Party!

Christmas Celebration Winners!

I just selected the winners for the Grace and Chocolate Countdown Celebration--Christmas Edition through random.org! And the winners of a 2 lb. bag of chocolate-covered cinnamon bears and a shiny new copy of OF GRACE AND CHOCOLATE are:

Kathy and Stacie! Thank you for spreading the news about the book and sharing the trailer! Please send your home address to kristalynnej at yahoo dot com. Remember, I won't be shipping your prizes until after I have the book in my very own hands. SOON!

And thank you to everyone who participated during such a busy time of year! We are not through with giveaways or celebrations! The countdown continues! Sarah M. Eden and I will be promoting our book launch over the next few weeks so stay informed for more chances to win! The easiest way to catch all the latest news is to "LIKE" my Facebook page, either in the box in the sidebar to the right, or here: AuthorKristaLynneJensen. Hooray!

Grace and Chocolate Countdown Celebration, Christmas Edition

photo by paparutzi, creative commons-flickr

I've been waiting for this one! But first, the latest news:

Our spectacular BOOK LAUNCH has been scheduled! Sarah M. Eden and I will be launching our books together on Saturday, January 14th at the Ft. Union Deseret Book store! You don't want to miss this! Anybody in the Salt Lake City/Provo area, pass the word and mark your calendars!

AND

My local book launch is scheduled for Thursday, January 26th at The Thistle in Cody, Wyoming! Yay!

AND

I'm having a book signing at Every Needful Thing in Billings, Montana somewhere around the first of February.

AND

I'll be at Far West Books in Kennewick, Washington in April for Ladies Night and their 30th Anniversary Celebration! That's where I grew up, and Far West is where I bought my first LDS fiction. Aww.

More details to come! BUT I HAVE A CONTEST TO ANNOUNCE!

The PRIZES: There will be TWO winners for this contest. EACH will win a 2 lb. bag of chocolate-covered cinnamon bears AND A COPY OF MY BOOK, Of Grace and Chocolate! Yay! The books won't be available until January, but they will be available and THAT IS THE IMPORTANT PART!

How to WIN:
1) Share the book trailer. Blog it, Facebook it, Tweet it, Google+ it, Email it. Post a link to the book trailer here or on YouTube. Help me get the word out!

YouTube link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lhiG8YwPsAM
Link to website and trailer: http://kristalynnejensenwebsite.blogspot.com/

2) Share this contest. Blog it, Facebook it, Tweet it, Retweet it, Google+ it, Email it.

Link to contest post: http://kristalynnejensen.blogspot.com/2011/12/grace-and-chocolate-countdown.html

Do either or both of these things and let me know in the comments below. You get an entry for each method, and another entry for each time you share it, up to one entry a day.

This contest will end Christmas Eve at midnight. *cue jingle bells*

Now, enjoy the season! Go!

Winners Announced and THE BOOK TRAILER

I'd like to think that I woke up at 4 AM because I was so excited about today's post and not because my dog was barking to be let outside. UGH. So let's just say I was so excited I couldn't sleep, like on Christmas Eve . . . when you're a kid. *looks around*

First, I'd like to thank everyone again for spreading the word about Of Grace and Chocolate and all these contests. Self-promotion is not something I'm all that comfortable with and you are helping to make it fun. So THANK YOU.

Second, congrats to the winners of my latest contest! Janine Jensen will be getting a 2 lb. bag of my favorite chocolate-covered gummy bears! ENJOY! And Emily Clausen (@EGClausen on Twitter) will receive a copy of EVERNEATH by Brodi Ashton. Gotta love authors whose books are coming out in January 2012.

Third, I'd like to thank my son, Braeden, for helping me put together this next project. Without him, all I'd have is a bunch of creative commons images, a song, and some words, sitting in a file on my laptop. Because of his know-how, talent, and iMovie, I am now very happy to present the new book trailer for Of Grace and Chocolate. I hope you like it.







I'll be hosting another contest very soon! Stay tuned . . .

Of Grace and Chocolate Sneak Peek and Bonus Giveaway!

First of all, congratulations to Sarah and Megan, the winners of this month's Countdown Celebration giveaways! Hooray! As an extra treat, here is another sneak peek into Of Grace and Chocolate, coming in January!

Picture by Vincent Lock - flickr

He dropped his eyes to the ground and kicked at a tuft of grass growing along the road. “I’ve been reading your book.”

“I asked you not to—”

“I know. But after this morning, I had to go back and reread.”

“Why?”

“Because before . . . I didn’t know you.”

“And now you do?” She searched him warily. Before this morning, she was just some woman who had snubbed his attempts. Now . . .

“Yes. I mean, of course I don’t know you as well as—but I know more about where you come from, where you were once.”

He knew where I was once. The truth warmed and frightened her. How many people in her life could say that? She wrapped her arms around her body as she sensed the danger of letting him get closer, the risk of getting hurt.

She swallowed and straightened her shoulders. “So now you’re a biased reader who thinks my writing is wonderful because you feel you owe me?” She gave him a small smile, but she meant what she said. If her friends and coworkers had all been correct in their glowing reviews of her writing, she should be a bestseller by now.

“I don’t think your writing is wonderful.”

Her heart dropped, and she hated that she cared what he thought.

“I think it’s soulful and poignant and funny. I think it’s genuine.”

She stared at him, soaking in his words but trying not to. He began to walk again, and it took her a second to make her feet move.

 

*sigh*

Now onto the news.

The Christmas anthology I'm part of, A Christmas to Remember, is now available in both Kindle and paper formats! My author copies arrived Friday night. I got home from work, tore open the box, gazed lovingly, then left again for a movie. On Sunday I snuggled up and read all the stories. What a warm and cup-filling collection! I hadn't seen the other stories until then, and it was wonderful to have so many different and fresh perspectives on the true meaning of Christmas. It really is a beautiful compilation. I'm ready to put up the Christmas decorations, but it's a bit early, even for me.

The Deseret Books catalog arrive yesterday. We turned the pages, scanning each, and turned, and turned . . . and there it was, in the bottom right corner of page 15! My name is very tiny and fuzzy and a little shaded, but it's there and people will be reading a little true story I wrote about the Christmas we lost our baby girl and the strength we found in that holiday. It's my hope it will bring comfort and reassurance to anyone who has experienced loss. This really is such an unexpected way to begin my published works, but I'm grateful and delighted.

In celebration of my first publication, I'm throwing in a Bonus Grace and Chocolate Countdown Celebration giveaway! The prize?

A COPY OF A CHRISTMAS TO REMEMBER and a bag of COCOA-DUSTED ALMONDS.

This will be one giveaway of both a book AND chocolate! And just so you understand, these are organic roasted almonds, double-dipped in creamy chocolate, then dusted lightly with rich cocoa powder. You may keep these gifts for yourself or give them away! You may have a hard time doing that, though.

All that is required to enter is:

1) Become a follower of this blog.

2) "Like" my Facebook Author page, here: Krista Lynne Jensen Author, or go to the Facebook box in the sidebar on the right and click "like". Easy peasy.

3) Share this contest on Twitter, Facebook, your blog, email to your family, post it on the bulletin board at work, send it in a note to your kids' teachers, sky-writing, that kind of thing. Let me know what you did in a comment here. You will be entered for each mode of sharing the love, each day you share. The more you share, the more entries you'll have!

*Just a note: If you entered a previous contest, you do have to share the new contest for your follow and "like" status to count. :)

This contest will close at midnight, Friday, October 21st.  Remember, I'm giving away prizes every month until the release of OF GRACE AND CHOCOLATE! And then we'll have even more giveaways! HOORAY!

October Grace and Chocolate Countdown Celebration!

I sure picked a long name for this event.

Anyhow, I am very excited about this month's giveaways! But first, a little news update:

I am almost done with the book trailer my son, Braeden, and I are putting together. I am very excited! When I say "almost done", I mean the images and music have been chosen, and the narration is complete. I really don't know how long it will take to put it all together, but I can't wait to see how that happens and what it will look like when we're done. Here is an example of his work. We are just waiting on one more image, which leads me to my next bit of news.

I should have a peek at the COVER of OF GRACE AND CHOCOLATE soon! I don't know when I'll be able to show it to YOU, but the idea that a story I wrote will be given a visual tie-in is FANTASTIC. *big grin*

Also, I heard somewhere that A CHRISTMAS TO REMEMBER is coming out this month! This is the true story anthology I'm part of. If you hear something before I do, give me a shout.

And now, for the October Celebration giveaways:

The book: VARIANT, by Robison Wells.

Suspense, action, mind-blowing twists, and a touch of romance. Trust me.

 And the chocolate giveaway is:

It's cooling down out there, folks, and this is delicious hot cocoa. Hello, "cacao with sugar cane & bits of premium dark chocolate". If this isn't grace, I don't know what is.

Here is a review of how to enter. To enter for prizes you must:

1) Become a follower of this blog.

2) "Like" my Facebook Author page, here: Krista Lynne Jensen Author, or go to the Facebook box in the sidebar on the right and click "like". Easy peasy.

3) Share this contest on Twitter, Facebook, your blog, email to your family, post it on the bulletin board at work, send it in a note to your kids' teachers, sky-writing, that kind of thing. Let me know what you did in a comment here. You will be entered for each mode of sharing the love, each day you share. The more you share, the more entries you'll have!

*Just a note: If you entered a previous contest, you do have to share the new contest for your follow and "like" status to count. :)

This contest will close at midnight, Friday, October 14th.  Remember, I'm giving away prizes every month until the release of OF GRACE AND CHOCOLATE! And then we'll have even more giveaways! HOORAY!

Grace And Chocolate Countdown Celebration!

It's here! The Grace and Chocolate Countdown Celebration! *blows party horn and tosses confetti*

From now until my book launch in January 2012, I will be celebrating EVERY MONTH, starting with this one, even though it's almost over! I don't care! Yay, September-October-November-December! I'll be giving away books by Covenant authors, books by other fabulous authors, Christmas goodies, and lots and lots of CHOCOLATE! And THEN, when it's finally here, I will be giving away my debut romance, Of Grace and Chocolate, just in time for Valentine's Day! Hooray! *tosses more confetti*

I'm going to keep this simple. To enter for prizes you must:

1) Become a follower of this blog.

2) "Like" my Facebook Author page, here: Krista Lynne Jensen Author

3) Share this contest on Twitter, Facebook, your blog, email to your family, post it on the bulletin board at work, send it in a note to your kids' teachers, sky-writing, that kind of thing. Let me know what you did in a comment here. You will be entered for each mode of sharing the love.

That's it! Giveaways will be twice a month, so if you share this contest for each giveaway, you are entered every time! Visit often and enjoy!


September's Kick-off  Giveaways:


Seeking Persephone, by Sarah M. Eden

Heavenly regency!

2 lb. bag of Chocolate-Covered Cinnamon Bears

Heavenly, also!

 Have fun! This giveaway will expire on September 30th at midnight!

New and Improved: 50 Followers Contest

Since that last post was so lengthy, I've decided to re-post the contest here on it's own. In the name of new author promotion AND in celebration of my blog reaching 50 followers, I am having a little trivia contest. There will be two prizes: one a maple syrup-themed gift box in honor of Andrea Pearson's magical elixer in her new book, THE KEY OF KILENYA, out this July;

and the other a cherry-themed gift box, in honor of my book, THE ORCHARD, each chosen randomly. They will be delicious! The contest will run until midnight, Saturday, June 12. I have also simplified the requirements to enter (because I'm new at this and went a little crazy). Here is what you need to do to win one of these fantastic prizes:

1. Leave a meaningful comment to let me know you were here. 1 point
2. Tweet or Facebook this contest and let me know in a comment. 1 point
3. Send me the answer to the following silly questions in an email at kristalynnej at yahoo dot com. 2 points

a)What kind of fruit grows in the orchard in Krista's novel?
b)What must Andrea's hero retrieve to save those he loves? (see my interview of Andrea here)
c)What is Krista's made up pen name? (See her interview of me here)
d)Why doesn't Andrea speak Canadian, eh?

EXTRA TWITTER BONUS POINT: What is Krista's husband's pen name for her? #answeronKristasTwitterProfilepage 

Congratulations to Melissa Nielsen, who was my 50th follower! Thanks, Melissa. You get a bonus point in the contest and your name indelibly emblazoned in my memory forever. Yay!

My post at LDS Publisher.com!!!

I am a guest blogger!  Check out my recent post from Krista Lynne Jensen at LDS Publisher. I'm so excited!!!
Thank you, LDS Publisher.